Well, it hasn't seem to do anything to my tan, but it fairly minor, mostly I have freckles. You tan because of the pigment in your skin, I would not think you could brush that pigment away. I do not know how to make a tan last longer, only to get sun in the winter too. :) If you would like to increase your tan you might consider using coconut oil, it is very healthy and non-toxic and seems to protect from sunburn if applied often from the accounts I have read. Best of luck to you, Caitlin Lorraine

Scott,

Your tan comes from within. Moisture will get you the best tan, and moisture will also keep your tan longer. You can only do so much depending on skin type, however. But skin brushing shouldn't have any negative effects on your tan.
Exfoliation is actually very good for a tan. Your tan is produced below the surface, not on it.

Avoid shaving right before or after exposure when you're just starting to build your tan. Use sunscreen (sounds counter productive I know) unless you tan indoors (it'll ruin the acrylic on the beds). Avoid anything that causes sensitivity to UV (some citrus, lots of OTC meds, etc) because even the slightest difference in absorption of the UVs (A vs B) will dry the skin significantly. Any tan will zap your skin, let alone a burn.

Try contacting companies in the tanning industry such as California Tan (even if you don't tan indoors) - they'll be more than happy to explain the entire tanning process to you (as well as pitch some of their products ha). Seriously, though - having worked in a tanning salon and owned one - they will teach you quite a bit.

Best of luck!