Don't let the autumn chill get in the way of your sun-kissed glow.

Five Steps to the Perfect Mid-Autumn Tan

1. Exfoliate

Prior to tanning, exfoliating with a loofah or scrubber helps to get rid of the top layer of dead skin. This allows your tan to develop on the fresh new skin that was underneath, lengthening the duration of your tan! The following link will provide the steps you need to create the perfect, homemade exfoliation scrub:

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/guacamole-recipe.html

2. Location

“Location. Location. Location.” Not just the name of your favorite indie rock band you saw at Lollapalooza. Choosing the perfect spot to tan is of utmost importance, as you’ll be spending most of your day there. Many people agree that it is most effective to tan in direct sunlight, but not direct direct
sunlight—if you know what I mean.

3. Apply Sunscreen

The American Academy of Dermatology says, “Use enough sunscreen.” For more skin cancer prevention tips, see a board-certified dermatologist.

4. Continue Procrastinating For Your Next Midterm

Be sure to complete this step indoors and out of reach from harmful UVA and UVB rays, as your protective layer of sunscreen is rendered ineffective until 15 minutes after application. Use this time to continue not studying for that big test.

5. Moisturize

After spending all day tanning, you want to keep your beautiful tan, don’t you? Unless you’re an ancient Egyptian who wishes to remain pale to display the regality of your family’s lineage to your slaves, of course you do! Applying a moisturizer after tanning will keep your skin (and your tan!) from drying out and flaking off, just like that Tinder date who stood you up for coffee. I mean, what’s up with that?

6. Tricked you! There are actually six steps to the perfect back to school tan.