Words: Phoebe
With most of us only snatching a few precious days of sun-worshipping a year, it’s important to make the most of time out of the office, soaking up as many rays as possible without returning home looking like a lobster. Here are our top tips for tanning like a gentleman.
It may be boring, but most of our bodies aren’t accustomed to intense sun exposure, meaning that SPF is essential if we don’t want to end up peeling painfully. We’re big fans of Malin + Goetz light, hydrating factor 30, which is suitable for all skin types and offers soothing moisturising as well as sun protection.
If you’re not keen on slathering suncream all over your face, Hampton Sun gel may be better suited to you. The quick-absorbing gel has SPF 15, meaning you’ll tan faster while still being protected from harmful rays. The silky formula is hypoallergenic, rich in antioxidants, and contains soothing Aloe Vera and walnut oil.
An oldie but a goodie: exfoliating your dead skin cells before spending time in the sun makes your tan deeper and longer lasting. Penhaligon’s face and beard scrub is the ultimate gentleman’s exfoliator; scented with citrus, sage and lavender for a smooth and fragrant finish, it’s the perfect pre-tanning face scrub.
It’s equally essential to moisturise and rejuvenate after a day in the sun, making sure you return from holiday bronzed but not shrivelled. Perricone MD moisturiser is packed with antioxidants, vitamin E and olive polyphenols, which will help prevent ageing both now and in the long run. This restorative moisturiser targets fine lines and wrinkles, limiting sun damage and preserving your tan.
Finally, gentlemen, we realise not all of us are able to get abroad this summer. If you’re stuck in the office and green with jealousy at all your sun-kissed friends, don’t panic! Tom Ford’s tinted bronzing gel gives an instant sun-tanned boost, without ever appearing fake, orange or streaky. The water-based gel absorbs into your skin evenly, and is infused with nutrient-rich ingredients which also help prevent ageing.
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