How I Maintain a Tan in Winter

Winter changes everything. The air is drier. Skin loses moisture faster. And the idea of maintaining a tan can start to feel unnecessary—or worse, overdone.

But a winter tan isn’t about looking sun-kissed.
It’s about looking healthy, rested, and intentional.

Done correctly, less really is more.

Why Winter Tanning Is Different

Cold weather strips moisture from the skin. Indoor heat doesn’t help. Dry skin causes self tanner to fade faster and develop unevenly, which is why winter tans often look patchy or heavy if applied the same way as summer.

The approach has to change.

In winter, the goal isn’t depth—it’s balance.

Moisture Comes First

If I’m maintaining a tan in winter, moisturizing matters more than tanning itself.

Dry skin absorbs self tanner unevenly and sheds faster. Keeping skin hydrated allows the tan to sit evenly and fade naturally instead of breaking apart.

I moisturize daily, focusing on:

• Hands and wrists

• Elbows and knees

• Neck and face

Light, oil-free moisturizers work best. Heavy oils can interfere with how the tan develops.

You Don’t Need to Tan Everything

This is where most people overdo it.

In winter, I don’t tan my entire body. There’s no reason to. Most of what’s visible is limited to the face, neck, hands, and sometimes the chest.

Maintaining a subtle tone in those areas creates the appearance of a natural tan without unnecessary product or upkeep.

A little goes a long way.

Less Product. Fewer Applications.

Winter skin doesn’t need frequent applications. I use less product and tan less often—usually once every 7 to 10 days, depending on how my skin feels.

Overapplying on dry areas can make the tan look obvious instead of refined.

The goal is consistency, not intensity during the winter months.

• Lighter application on joints and hands

• Extra blending around the hairline and beard

• Avoiding layers on already dry skin

Exfoliate, But Be Conservative

Exfoliation still matters, but winter skin doesn’t tolerate aggressive scrubbing.

I exfoliate lightly and less often—about once a week—and always moisturize afterward. The objective is to remove buildup without stripping moisture.

The Result

A winter tan should be subtle. Clean. Almost unnoticeable.

It shouldn’t look like you’re trying to hold onto summer—it should look like you’re taking care of yourself.

That’s always been the standard at Gatsby Tan. Grooming that enhances your presence without calling attention to the process.