It used to happen every year. I’d get excited for summer, pack my sunscreen (sometimes), and head out into the sun expecting a golden glow by day two. What I got instead? I had red shoulders, flaky skin and stubborn tan lines that were there for much too long.
If you’ve ever ended up looking like a lobster after a day at the beach, others have experienced the same thing. It’s not just luck, being young or your genes that give you a great tan. It comes from preparation — small, consistent steps that make a big difference.
This post is everything I would have liked to know five summers ago. We’re covering hydration, exfoliation, smart skincare and everything in between. So if you want a smooth, rich, long-lasting tan, let me walk you through what actually works — because I tested it the wrong way first.
Step One: Start Early — Like, Really Early
I didn’t expect this: the best summer tan is not achieved in June. It starts in May. Or even April.
I once believed that skin prep was only needed the night before I left for vacation. But real results came when I changed the timeline. Now, I give my skin 7 to 10 days of prep before heavy sun exposure, and the results speak for themselves.
What Happens When You Give It Time
Your skin, like anything else, needs consistency. A buildup of dead skin over the years creates a bumpy surface that can react differently to UV rays. When you exfoliate and nourish gradually, your skin becomes more resilient, even-toned, and able to tan without burning.
3 Things to Do a Week Before Tanning
- Hydrate internally — I increase my water intake to at least 2 liters per day and snack on water-rich foods like cucumber and watermelon.
- Add beta-carotene to meals — Think sweet potatoes, carrots, spinach, and mango. These help prime your skin with antioxidants.
- Switch to gentle exfoliation — I use a sugar-based scrub or dry brushing 2-3 times a week to slough off dead skin without irritating it.
Let me tell you: starting early made the tan develop evenly and stick around weeks longer.
Gentle Exfoliation Is the Real MVP
I began with a technique I was sure I wouldn’t enjoy: dry brushing.
The first time I heard about using a bristled brush on my skin, I thought it would feel itchy. But I gave it a go. And wow. Smoother and brighter skin was noticeable within just a few days, before I went swimming.
How Exfoliation Changes the Game
If you do not exfoliate, those dead cells can act like sun blockers that flake off. If you don’t use sunscreen, your skin tans in uneven spots and the tan doesn’t last very long.
But timing is key. I avoid scrubbing the day before tanning. Instead, I finish all major exfoliation 2 days before sun exposure to allow skin to calm.
What I Use (And What I Avoid)
- Go-to tools: Dry brush (morning), sugar scrub (evening shower)
- Skip: Harsh chemical exfoliants or anything with glycolic acid right before sun (they make skin more sensitive!)
- Bonus: Enzyme-based exfoliants feel luxurious and gentle, especially pre-trip
Soft, polished skin tans better. It also feels amazing to the touch. And if you’re layering on sunscreen (which you should), it helps it absorb like a dream.
Let Your Skin Soak It In: Hydration Tactics
This is where it all shifted.
I used to think slathering on lotion the night before was enough. But real hydration? It’s layered, daily, and intentional.
Internal + External = Glow
- Water: I aim for 8 glasses minimum, more if I’m in the sun.
- Electrolytes: I add a pinch of Himalayan salt or use coconut water to stay balanced.
- Oils: Right after the shower, I use a lightweight body oil like grapeseed or almond oil on damp skin. It locks in moisture for hours.
The biggest shift came when I started moisturizing twice a day for at least five days leading up to sun exposure. My skin no longer felt dry by day two of vacation.
And hydrated skin doesn’t just tan better. It holds onto the tan longer, too.
A Smart SPF Strategy (That Still Lets You Tan)
Let me be clear: sunscreen isn’t the enemy of a tan. Bad sunscreen habits are.
I used to apply SPF once in the morning and call it a day. By the afternoon, my skin was overexposed, and the tan faded fast or turned into peeling.
My Updated SPF Routine
- Start strong: I use SPF 50 on day one, then transition to SPF 30.
- Reapply: Every 2 hours, especially after swimming or sweating.
- Use different formats: Lotion for base layer, stick for on-the-go, mist for refreshing
What to Look For in SPF
| Skin Type | Recommended SPF | Filter Type | Best Texture |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry | SPF 30–50 | Mineral | Cream or oil-based |
| Oily | SPF 30–50 | Chemical | Gel or water-based |
| Sensitive | SPF 50+ | Mineral | Fragrance-free cream |
Sun protection doesn’t block your tan. It controls it, allowing you to develop a healthy, even color over time instead of damaging your skin.
Post-Tan Care: The Golden Hour Matters
This is where I used to drop the ball.
I’d lay out in the sun all day, shower fast, put on some lotion and go to dinner. But I learned the first hour after sun exposure is your golden window to lock in the glow.
What I Do After the Sun
- Cool shower: No hot water, no scrubbing
- Aloe gel: I keep it in the fridge for a cooling, soothing layer
- Rich balm or body butter: Lock in moisture (look for ingredients like shea, panthenol, or oat extract)
This little ritual made my tan last longer and fade more evenly. No more snake-skin peeling. A gentle, warm glow that lasted all the way through September.
Don’ts I Swore Off (That Made the Biggest Difference)
Would you ever moisturize… then exfoliate right after? That’s how some of my old summer habits felt.
I stopped making these mistakes and this is what happened:
- Skipping SPF on cloudy days → still got burnt, still ruined my tan
- Using acne treatments before sun → hello, irritation and dry patches
- Sitting in direct sun for 4+ hours → uneven results and fast fade
- Not moisturizing daily → skin dried out, tan disappeared fast
Making a few of these adjustments made every summer after that more enjoyable for tanning.
Your 7-Day Tan Prep Checklist
Let me break this down simply. If you want to prep your skin for the best tan, here’s what worked for me:
Day 7: Start drinking more water, add beta-carotene foods to meals
Day 6-5: Begin dry brushing or using a gentle scrub
Day 4: Switch to fragrance-free, hydrating cleansers
Day 3: Moisturize twice daily, apply a nourishing body oil after showers
Day 2: Last round of exfoliation, keep skin calm
Day 1: Apply SPF generously, wear a wide hat, stay in morning sun
Day 0 (Post-tan): Cool shower, aloe gel, rich moisturizer
I use this tip every year now, so remember to save it as a pin or screenshot.
Final Thoughts
A summer tan isn’t just a beach thing. It’s a skincare strategy.
When I began to see it as a process rather than a chance, the results were very different. My skin felt better. My tan looked better. And I actually enjoyed summer more.
Pin this if you’re planning your next seasonal glow-up.
What’s one small habit you’ll try this year to prep your skin?
