St. Moriz self-tanner founder breaks down rules for ‘keeping a glowy look for as long as possible’ – & mistakes to avoid

WITH summer right around the corner, the safest way to get a glow is by taking advantage of the array of self-tanners on the market.

Luckily, there are also ways to make the tan last even longer.

Melanie Brownlow, founder of , dished the details on using self-tanner.

With many looking to go on vacation for summer fun, glowing skin is on the agenda.

She gave her recommendations for keeping an at-home tan looking fresh.

Brownlow also pointed out a mistake people make when getting a glow from a bottle.

THE RIGHT STUFF

Brownlow recommended adequate hydration for best results.

“Before tanning, moisturizing any dry areas such as elbows, ankles, hands and knees beforehand will help avoid buildup in those places," she said.

"If you suffer with dry skin, try using a thin layer of moisturizer that is oil-free as again, this will prevent unwanted tan grabbing to those areas.

“After tanning, keeping the skin hydrated can help extend the life of your tan.

"The fewer skin cells that are shed, the longer your tan will last so moisturizing your full body after tanning will help prolong your glow.

"Creamy butters are great for this as they will provide deep moisturization before your skin can become dry.”

Brownlow shared the perfect timeline for hydrating the skin and making self-tanner last longer.

“Make sure to keep up your moisturizing routine post-tanning," she said.

"Applying moisturizer two times a day is recommended if possible.

"The best time to do this is after a shower so that you can lock in any extra moisture and enhance the look of your tan."

GLOW ON

Brownlow also revealed her dos and don'ts for prolonging a self-tan.

“Keeping a glowy-looking tan for as long as possible is often dependent on the preparation you do beforehand," she said.

"I would always recommend exfoliating and shaving at least 24 hours before you plan on applying your self tan.

"Then using a primer with natural grains will prepare your skin ready for tanning by removing dead skin cells and evening out the skin’s surface to help your tan last for longer.” 

The self-tanning expert warned of one thing to steer clear of.

“When showering in the days following the application of your tan it's best to avoid using abrasive cleansers, peels or scrubs. This also includes fabrics that will scrub your skin," she said.

"For example, if you use a washcloth, opt for a soft one. After showers pat your skin dry with a towel instead of rubbing as this can break down your tan.”