by liz, founderWinter is when tans quietly go wrong: the shade that looked right against summer wardrobes glows radioactive above a grey knit, and centrally-heated skin flakes colour off in days. The winter glow is a different, gentler game.
go lighter, not darker
Sunlight justifies depth; fluorescent office light prosecutes it. Drop one shade from your summer setting — the goal in July is “just got back from somewhere warm”, not “just got back from the salon”. Fair-skinned tanners often park at the gradual moisturiser alone all winter.
the hydration war
Heaters strip humidity, hot showers strip oils, and dry skin sheds tan unevenly. Daily moisturiser stops being a nice-to-have and becomes the whole strategy. Apply to damp skin after every shower, and keep the showers shorter and cooler than your winter instincts want.
quick answers
Should you self tan in winter?+
Yes, one shade lighter than summer. Under grey light and indoor lighting a lighter glow reads healthy while deep bronze reads artificial. Prioritise daily moisturising — winter skin sheds tan faster.
Why does my tan fade faster in winter?+
Central heating and hot showers dry the skin, and dry skin sheds its tanned outer layer faster and less evenly. Daily moisturiser and cooler showers extend the wear.
