WITH the dismal Scottish summer we’ve had, if you have been lucky enough to jet off to the sun on holiday you’ll want to do everything you can to hold on to that golden tan.

After-sun products are great while you’re away, but to maintain healthy skin in the weeks and months to come, follow these expert tips.

Use a body scrub before you go. Then when you’re away and after you return, drink plenty of water to ensure skin cells stay hydrated. And don’t forget to regularly moisturise.

To keep tanned skin in tip-top condition steer clear of exfoliators and lotions that contain fruit acids when you get home. Try moisturiser with a subtle shimmer to complement your tan.

Institut Esthederm Tan Enhancing Lotion, £39.50 from www.escentuals.com, not only prolongs your tan but also calms sun-exposed skin.

The lotion soothes and calms the skin, moisturising deeply and diminishing inflammation and irritation.

And it keeps on working: the formula will activate the pigmentation process, allowing your skin to stay sun-kissed for longer.

Delicately perfumed, it sinks into the skin and protect your tan, leaving skin luminous and radiant. Apply after sun exposure and daily after your holiday is over to optimise and prolong the length of your tan.

Codage Paris has just launched the prescription bag Beach Time, £69 from www.codageparis.com.

It is specially designed for people who are going to be exposed to warm weather and need their skin to be as best protected from the heat and other damaging effects the warm weather has on the skin.

Created by skin experts, the bag contains your perfect prescription for summer skincare and has around four to six weeks of use after you get home.

First, prepare skin with Eau Micellaire to moisturise and detox skin.

Then use the intense moisturising Serum No1 and Summer Time protection and comfort lotion.

Finish with Creme de Jour, offer protection, with smoothing and radiance benefits.

Xen-Tan Transform Luxe, £24.99, is an ideal tan extender to keep using long after your trip to the sun is a distant memory.

It builds a gradual tan and is formulated with aloe vera to regenerate, hydrate and soothe skin.