- 19:00
Across the Mediterranean, September doesn’t mean the end of summer: the sea remains inviting, the sun lingers and everyone dreams of holding on to that golden tan. Here are the best tips to keep your glow alive, even as the season shifts.
September under Mediterranean skies has little in common with a gray fall. From Lebanon’s shores to the Greek islands, and on to Italy and the south of France, the sea stays warm, beach umbrellas still line the sand and the sun makes an unexpected encore.
Yet this in-between season puts your tan to the test: repeated swims, the return to city life, back-to-school stress and constant air conditioning all conspire to fade that golden glow that once seemed endless. Still, with a few targeted steps and a bit of care, it’s possible to preserve that sun-kissed look that stretches the feeling of vacation—even as the rush of city life or the calm of the coast takes over.
1- Hydrate Relentlessly: The Key Step
Salt, chlorine, sun: everything conspires to dry out the skin. The first golden rule for prolonging a tan is hydration—morning and night, never skipping an application. After each swim, the routine should become second nature: rinse with clear water, pat dry gently, then apply a rich balm or lotion, preferably containing hyaluronic acid, aloe vera or shea butter. Well-hydrated skin locks in melanin—the pigment responsible for your tan—and keeps it glowing longer. Drinking around one and a half liters of water a day is just as important; it’s easy to forget that maintaining a tan also starts from the inside.
2- The Tan-Extender: A Subtle Ally
The Lebanese market, like its European counterpart, offers plenty of “tan-extending” products: after-sun creams enriched with beta-carotene, natural oils (buriti, carrot) or vitamin E. Their purpose is to boost melanin production and slow down cell renewal, helping skin stay golden instead of turning gray. Apply after showering on dry skin, paying special attention to exposed areas such as shoulders, décolleté and legs.
3- Exfoliate…But Gently
Exfoliation doesn’t make your tan disappear, contrary to what many think. In fact, a gentle scrub once a week can refresh your color, remove dead skin cells and even out your complexion. But go easy: this isn’t the time to be harsh on your skin. Skip abrasive scrubs or loofahs—homemade sugar-and-olive-oil scrubs or enzymatic treatments are ideal. The key is a light touch, so your glow lingers longer.
4- Keep Your Glow Alive: Sun Protection Matters, Even in September
Many tend to forget, but the best way to maintain a tan is to continue protecting your skin from the sun. Applying SPF 30 before every exposure helps prevent sunburn, peeling and the rapid fading of your color. The Mediterranean sun, even milder than in August, can still be intense—whether you’re relaxing on the beach or enjoying a café terrace, sun protection is essential.
5- Focus on ‘Radiance-Boosting’ Foods
A lasting glow starts on your plate. Raw carrots, mangoes, sweet potatoes, apricots, almonds and olive oil—foods packed with beta-carotene and vitamins C and E—help your skin keep its radiance. A fresh carrot juice each morning, a handful of nuts as a midday snack, and you naturally boost your complexion. The antioxidants in fruits and vegetables also shield your skin from external stressors, slowing down fading and keeping your color vibrant for longer.
6 - Small Tricks to Keep Your Summer Glow
If your tan is starting to fade, don’t worry. A gradual self-tanner—whether from brands like Nuxe or Bioderma, or a natural DHA-based DIY recipe—can restore a luminous complexion without stressing your skin. Even better, a few drops mixed into your daily moisturizer or body lotion subtly extend that post-vacation glow while fitting seamlessly into your routine. Self-tanning gummies can also help, offering a golden radiance from within—just choose them wisely and don’t expect miracles.
Use once or twice a week on exfoliated, well-moisturized skin for a natural, lasting glow.
Finally, avoid overly hot showers, excessive scrubbing and, most importantly, UV tanning beds, which are both ineffective and hazardous. And if a steam room tempts you, exercise patience: the heat and humidity can quickly wash away your hard-earned summer radiance.
Comments