How to Keep Your Tan: Best Tan Extenders

Introduction

In the pursuit of a prolonged and beautiful tan, tan extenders have emerged as a popular solution. As a healthcare professional, understanding the best products on the market and how they work is crucial for advising patients who seek to maintain their summer glow while ensuring skin health. This guide delves into the top tan extenders, their benefits, application methods, and considerations for different skin types.

What Are Tan Extenders?

Tan extenders, also known as after-tan lotions or post-tan moisturizers, are specially formulated products designed to prolong the life of a tan. They contain ingredients that hydrate the skin, enhance melanin production, and maintain the color achieved through sun exposure or tanning products.

How Tan Extenders Work

Tan extenders typically work through a combination of hydrating ingredients and low levels of dihydroxyacetone (DHA), the active ingredient in self-tanners. By keeping the skin moisturized, they prevent the peeling and flaking that often shorten the lifespan of a tan. The presence of DHA helps to subtly build up or maintain the tan color over time.

Key Ingredients in Tan Extenders

1. Dihydroxyacetone (DHA): A common ingredient in self-tanners that interacts with the amino acids in the skin to produce a browning effect.
2. Aloe Vera: Known for its soothing and hydrating properties, aloe vera helps to maintain skin moisture.
3. Glycerin: A powerful humectant that attracts moisture to the skin, ensuring it stays hydrated.
4. Vitamin E: An antioxidant that protects the skin from free radical damage and aids in moisture retention.
5. Coconut Oil: Provides deep hydration and helps to keep the skin supple.

Benefits of Using Tan Extenders

1. Prolonged Tan Life: Extends the duration of a tan by up to several weeks.
2. Hydration: Keeps the skin moisturized, preventing dryness and peeling.
3. Even Fade: Ensures a uniform fading process, avoiding patchiness.
4. Skin Health: Many tan extenders contain vitamins and antioxidants that nourish the skin.

Top 20 Tan Extenders in the Market

1-Australian Gold Moisture Lock Tan Extender: Enriched with aloe vera and vitamin E, it provides intense hydration and maintains a golden tan.

2-St. Tropez Gradual Tan Everyday Body Lotion: A gradual self-tanner that doubles as a moisturizer, perfect for daily use.

3-Fake Bake Oil-Free Moisturizer and Tan Extender: Oil-free formula with vitamins and botanical extracts to prolong the tan.

4-Sun Bum Cool Down Hydrating After Sun Lotion: Soothes and hydrates the skin while extending the tan with added aloe vera.

5-Hempz Original herbal Body Moisturizer: Infused with natural hemp seed oil, it hydrates and prolongs tan life.

6-Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer: Gradually creates a natural-looking tan while moisturizing the skin.

7-Clarins Self Tanning Milky-Lotion: Combines self-tanning properties with moisturizing benefits for an extended tan.

8-Bondi Sands Everyday Gradual Tanning Milk: Lightweight, hydrating milk that builds a natural tan over time.

9-Banana Boat Summer Color After Sun Lotion: Extends the tan with a formula rich in moisturizers and aloe.

10-Vita Liberata Fabulous Self Tanning Gradual Lotion: Organic and hydrating, this lotion gradually builds and maintains a tan.

11-Lancaster Tan Maximizer: Enhances melanin production and prolongs the tan with a soothing, moisturizing formula.

12-Elemis Total Glow Bronzing Moisturizer: Gradual tan extender that also provides anti-aging benefits.

13-Piz Buin After Sun Tan Intensifier Lotion: Contains Tanimel to boost melanin and extend the tan.

14-Norvell Venetian Tan Extender: Moisturizes and maintains a tan with a blend of botanicals and antioxidants.

15-ModelCo Tan Extender: Lightweight formula that hydrates and gradually enhances the tan.

16-EcoTan Winter Skin: Organic gradual tanner and moisturizer, suitable for sensitive skin.

17-Maui Babe After Browning Lotion: Contains macadamia nut oil and aloe vera to soothe and extend the tan.

18-Pro Tan Incredibly Black After Tan Moisturizer: Hydrates and extends the tan with a blend of antioxidants and vitamins.

19-Tan-Luxe The Butter Illuminating Tanning Butter: Moisturizing butter with gradual tanning properties and a hint of shimmer.

20-Hawaiian Tropic Lime Coolada After Sun Moisturizer: Soothes and hydrates with coconut oil and shea butter, extending the tan.​

Application Tips for Tan Extenders

1. Exfoliate Regularly: Encourage patients to exfoliate their skin 2-3 times a week to remove dead skin cells and ensure an even application.
2. Apply Daily: For best results, tan extenders should be applied daily to maintain hydration and prolong the tan.
3. Avoid Hot Showers: Hot water can dry out the skin, causing the tan to fade faster. Recommend lukewarm showers instead.
4. Pat Dry: Advise patients to gently pat their skin dry with a towel after showering, rather than rubbing, to avoid removing the tan.
5. Hydrate Internally: Drinking plenty of water helps maintain skin hydration from the inside out, supporting a longer-lasting tan.

Considerations for Different Skin Types

1. Sensitive Skin: Recommend products that are hypoallergenic and free of fragrances or dyes to avoid irritation.
2. Oily Skin: Suggest oil-free tan extenders to prevent clogging pores and causing breakouts.
3. Dry Skin: Look for extenders with rich, emollient ingredients like shea butter and coconut oil for deep hydration.
4. Combination Skin: A balanced formula that provides moisture without being too heavy is ideal for combination skin types.

Safety and Skin Health

While tan extenders are generally safe, it's important to advise patients on their proper use and potential risks:

1. Patch Test: Always perform a patch test before using a new product to check for any allergic reactions.
2. Avoid Overuse: Excessive application of DHA-containing products can lead to an unnatural tan color.
3. Sun Protection: Emphasize that tan extenders do not provide sun protection. Patients should continue using sunscreen with an appropriate SPF.

Conclusion

As healthcare professionals, providing patients with comprehensive advice on tan extenders can help them achieve a prolonged and healthy tan. By understanding the top products on the market and how to use them effectively, you can guide your patients towards maintaining their desired glow while prioritizing skin health.