The Best Lotion To Use After Spray Tan Treatments!
If you're looking for the best moisturizer to keep your new, fresh spray tan looking perfect and long-lasting, you've come to the right place! In this blog post, we will be reviewing some of the best products on the market.
We'll discuss why it's important to use a moisturizer and recommend our top picks for you. So if you're ready to learn more about the product that will be the spray tan solution to your tanned skin's prayers, keep reading!
What is a Post-Spray Tan Moisturizer and How do You Use It
A post-spray tan lotion or moisturizer is essentially a regular moisturizer that doesn't fade or strip off the spray tan. The goal of this product is to hydrate the skin thereby helping your tan last longer, look better, and improve the health of your skin. You want a gentle moisturizer that is devoid of these ingredients especially if you have sensitive skin:
- Mineral oil
- Fragrances
- Most essential oil
- Toners
- Hair removal products
- Retin-a
- Make-up removal products
- petroleum-based ingredients
- parabens
- sulfates
- alcohol
After you complete your spray tan and waited for 8 to 12 hours for it to set in, you can go ahead and apply the moisturizer. It is recommended to do this step at least once a day (ideally twice a day). Remember, moisturized skin means having healthy skin that maintains the tan for a longer period.
Most importantly, make sure you ask all your moisturizing and non-moisturizing related questions at your spray tan appointment.
In the large world of tanning with methods from spray tan lotions to tanning beds to spray tan, you want to make sure you are following the correct aftercare for your specific process. No one can guide you best like a professional.
Some Things to Look for in Your Moisturizer
When hunting for your perfect moisturizer, you want to look for gentle and hydrating ingredients. The following is a good place to start:
- Shea butter
- Fragrance-free
- Oil-free
- Aloe-vera
- Coconut oil
- Cocoa butter
How To Make The Most Of This Article
We all have our own skincare goals and we want to help you reach yours. Before you dive into the reviews, take a minute to jot down what your top 2 to 3 concerns are that you hope to solve with this product.
Throughout the reviews, we have highlighted key features to help you browse through with ease till you spot your go-to moisturizer!
Regular Picks That You Can Continue To Use
Our first three picks are everyday moisturizers that are gentle yet effective enough for you to continue to use post-spray tan.
Best Sensitive Soother: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
Everyone knows that dry, itchy skin can put a damper on our daily life. But don’t worry, because CeraVe Moisturizing Cream is here to help! Developed with dermatologists and tailored for people with even dry to very dry skin, this cream provides your skin with instant hydration and locks in that moisture. The 3-in-1 ceramide technology boosts the skin’s barrier for maximum hydration and slow release over time - meaning the gorgeous look and feel of your skin won’t just stop after you apply the cream. Plus, its non-greasy.
Reviews
No greasy. No dryness. No mess. Only smooth skin. Users enjoy the lack of fragrance. Sensitive skinned-tan lovers especially enjoy this product for its gentle but tan-maintaining properties.
What's in it & How is it Made
This product has been formulated with Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramides, and MVE technology.
This product is free of fragrance, and parabens, is allergy-tested, and is non-comedogenic.
Best Protector: HEMPZ Body Lotion
Introducing Hemz Body Lotion, your new best friend in skin nourishment! This unique lotion is designed to help you protect your skin from natural and environmentally triggered oxidants with powerful vitamins A, C & E. The lotion's powerful formula also helps to keep your skin moisturized with 100% pure hemp seed oil, and sunflower seed oil, featuring rich levels of omega fatty acids. It further helps to hydrate and relax your skin with the antioxidant-rich ginger root extract.
Note that this product is not fragrance-free, so folks with skin sensitivies in connection to fragrance should consider a patch test.
Reviews
Our users can't get enough of this product: it helps them maintain their tan while also being hydrating, and best yet - there's no oil! This is our blog's most popular pick by far; the positive reviews just keep coming in, each one echoing what we already know about its impressive capabilities.
What's in it & How is it Made
Ingredients used include Hemp Seed Oil, Shea Butter, and vitamins A, C, and E.
The product is vegan and free of gluten, THC, and parabens. It is also cruelty-free.
Best Gel Hydrator: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Body Gel Cream
This one is for the folks who cannot get enough of the gel texture. Are you ready to up your skin's hydration game? Look no further than Neutrogena Hydro Boost Body Gel Cream for. This ultra-lightweight and non-greasy lotion will quickly become your dry skin's best friend! Formulated with hyaluronic acid, which is naturally found in skin, to give you boost of hydration and lock it in so your skin won't feel parched. Suitable for normal to dry to even the most sensitive skin, you can use this lotion daily to keep moisture levels up and improve the look and feel of your skin over time.
Reviews
From tan enthusiasts to skincare specialists, people are raving about the light gel consistency of this product that infuses skin with hydration without leaving behind a sticky residue. It’s even recommended by experts for those who have sensitive skin!
What's in it & How is it Made
The key ingredient in this product is Hyaluronic Acid.
This product is oil, dry, alcohol, paraben, and fragrance-free.
Tan Extender Lotions
While the aforementioned moisturizers are great, some of us may what a little bit more out of our moisturizers. For you, we present our top picks in the category of tan extenders.
Tan extenders are specialized lotions designed to lengthen the life of your tan. They are made to replenish your skin with some of the moisture, nutrients, and vitamins that you may lose while tanning to best preserve your skin.
Best Ingredient-Packed Extender: Australian Gold Original Hemp Nation Moisturizing Tan Extender Lotion With Hemp Seed Oil
This Original Hemp Seed Moisturizing Tan Extender Lotion unlocks the secrets of lusciously hydrated skin with its natural blend of ingredients. Perfect for anyone wanting to experience the benefits of beautiful and nourished skin, this lightweight moisture-rich formula is ideal for use every day.
The combination of Shea Butter and Jojoba Esters creates a soft and supple effect that produces silky smooth results, while Hemp Seed Oil infuses your skin with a powerful dose of vitamins and microspheres that protect against signs of aging. With this lotion, your skin will surely feel replenished and hydrated.
Note that this product is not fragrance-free, so folks with skin sensitivies in connection to fragrance should consider a patch test.
Reviews
Users love this product for holding their spray tan in place and it is a brand that has been recommended by spray tanners. Plus, those with dry skin find it immensely helpful in providing the necessary hydration they crave!
What's in it & How is it Made
Ingredients used include Pure Hemp Seed Oil, Shea Butter, Jojoba Oil, Glycerin, and vitamins A, E and B5.
This product is THC and paraben-free.
Best Soothing Extender: Australian Gold Moisturer Lock Tan Extender Lotion
With Australian Gold Moisture Lock Tan Extender Lotion, you can extend the life of your tan and keep your skin hydrated. This formula contains natural sunflower and olive fruit oils to help seal in moisture, giving you silky smooth skin that glows. Aloe Vera and Vitamin E are added to help nourish your skin while panthenol and aloe provide deep conditioning so you can keep the color locked in longer.
Note that this product is not fragrance-free, so folks with skin sensitivies in connection to fragrance should consider a patch test.
Reviews
Our users are raving about this lotion's lightweight and hydrating combination! Of course, we chose this product because it was a tan extender, and the reviews prove that customers love its results. Its even been called a "tan-lock!"
What's in it & How is it Made
Ingredients used include Vitamin E, Aloe, Panthenol, Sunflower Seed Oil, and Olive Fruit Oils.
This product is free of mineral oil, PABA, dye, alcohol, and gluten. It is also cruelty-free.
Spray Tan Aftercare FAQs
It can be tough to figure out the best way to take care of your new spray tan, especially if you've never had one before.
We've compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions about spray tan aftercare. This should help answer any additional questions you may have. This should help answer any questions you have and help you make the most of your new tan.
Should I put lotion on after a spray tan?
Yes, it is important to put lotion on after a spray tan. Moisturizing your skin helps keep the color fresh looking for longer, and allows you to enjoy your bronze glow for days to come. The type of lotion you apply after a spray tan should be free of oils and alcohol as these ingredients can break down the self-tanning solution and compromise the longevity of your color.
Choose an oil-free moisturizer or one specifically designed for use with a self tanner like spray tan lotion in order to maintain that golden hue. Additionally, applying lotion helps prevent post-tanning dryness by replenishing essential hydration levels in the skin which can be lost during the UV drying process.
How often should I moisturize my spray tan?
Moisturizing your spray tan is essential for keeping it looking and feeling its best. You should be moisturizing at least once a day (ideally twice), preferably after showering or taking a bath in the morning or evening. It's important to always use a product specifically designed for fake tans (as opposed to general body lotion) as this will help keep your tan looking vibrant and natural.
What happens if you don't moisturize after a spray tan?
Not moisturizing after a spray tan can have a variety of adverse effects.
- It is important to note that if your skin is dry, it will absorb more of the solution and make the color appear darker than intended.
- If you don’t moisturize regularly after a spray tan, your skin may produce excess oils in an attempt to compensate for the lack of hydration leading to a blotched or faded tan.
- Not properly caring for your newly tanned skin can lead to undesired side effects such as patchiness, discoloration, and overly dried-out patches of skin that become scaly or even cracked due to insufficient lubrication.
- If neglected long enough, these issues can become very serious: dryness leads to inflammation which in turn weakens collagen fibers making them appear thin and fragile; once damaged they cannot regenerate which can lead to early signs of aging.
What is the best lotion to use after a spray tan?
Ideally, you should use an oil-free moisturizer with ingredients such as glycerin and aloe vera, which helps add moisture to your skin without causing breakouts or over-moisturizing.
Look out for hydrating ingredients such as shea butter, coconut oil, vitamin E or hyaluronic acid – all these will help keep your body hydrated without compromising on the quality of your spray tan.
Additionally, certain products may contain anti-oxidants like green tea or fruit extracts which can protect against environmental stressors that could cause fading before its due time.
What is the best thing to wear after a spray tan?
After a spray tan, it is best to wear loose, dark-colored clothing. This helps to ensure that the solution adheres to your skin and provides maximum coverage. Opt for materials like cotton and bamboo as they are more breathable than synthetic fabrics and reduce the chances of your tan rubbing off on your clothes.
Additionally, avoid excessive friction on the tanned areas while wearing clothing, so try wearing garments with minimal seams or pockets.
It is important not to wear tight-fitting items such as skinny jeans or leggings for at least 8–12 hours after getting a spray tan; this delay allows the DHA enough time to develop fully onto your skin without being disrupted by tight fabric pressing against it.
Do and don'ts after spray tan?
If you’re getting ready to venture into the world of spray tanning, here are some do's and don'ts that will help you get the best results.
Do:
- Exfoliate your skin.
- Wear loose fitting clothing after a spray tan so as not to rub off any of the solution before it has time to set in properly.
- Apply moisturizer twice daily (morning and night) post-tan – this will ensure that your colour stays flawless for days!
- Reapply SPF sunscreen often if heading outdoors post-tan as UV rays can cause an unpleasant fading effect on freshly tanned skin - be sure to pick up a broad spectrum SPF 30+ formula just in case!
Don’t:
- Don't exfoliate again until it's time for another spray session - doing this prematurely ends up stripping away too much product resulting in uneven coloration.
- Avoid facial acids, serums, and scrubs.
- Avoid hot baths, saunas & steam rooms directly after getting sprayed - high levels of humidity could cause premature fading leading undesired results.
- To prevent any potential patches forming afterwards refrain from scrubbing bathing suits against freshly applied fake tanned locations successively when engaging in poolside activities after tanning.
How long do I wait to shower after spray tan?
After receiving a spray tan it is important to wait 8-12 hours before taking a shower. This will ensure that the solution has had enough time to properly develop and set, providing you with an even, long-lasting tan. Showering too soon after a spray tan can lead to patchiness and along with washing away some of your newly applied pigment.
When you do finally get in the shower, keep in mind that it should be cool or lukewarm water as hot water may prematurely fade your color.
Should I sleep in my spray tan?
This depends on your particular spray tan. If it is a light spray tan, following the post-tan instructions, you may be able to sleep in your tan.
However, there are some things to keep in mind. Sleeping in a spray tan can cause the product to break down prematurely, leading to an uneven or patchy tan. Additionally, lying down on a freshly applied spray tan can lead to sweating and make it more difficult for the product to adhere properly; this could result in blotches or streaks which are difficult to fix.
Does spray tan get darker the next day?
Yes, spray tans can get darker the next day. This is because the active ingredient in most spray tan solutions, DHA (dihydroxyacetone), continues to work and darken skin color even after the solution has been applied. Spray tanning works by reacting with dead skin cells on your body's surface, which leads to a chemical reaction that produces pigment in your skin.
Since you may have different levels of dead skin cells on different parts of your body or from one spray tan session to another, you might notice that some areas are darker than others.
Furthermore, as DHA also reacts with other proteins present in your sweat or oils produced by sebaceous glands over time, it can cause slight darkening or deepen of color after application. Keeping yourself hydrated can reduce this effect to some extent as well. It’s also important to steam towels and bed sheets after use when a new layer of spray tan is applied so as not to absorb any oils from the previous layer which could interfere with fading process otherwise.
How long does it take for a spray tan to fully set?
The time it takes for a spray tan to set depends heavily on the product being used and the type of application method. Generally speaking, most spray tans will take around 6-8 hours to fully set and develop in the skin. It is important to note that even after the 6-8 hour mark, your tan may continue developing over a period of 24-72 hours. Some formulas may require that you wait up to 12 hours before showering or coming into contact with water.
Best Lotion To Use After Spray Tan Treatments: What We Recommend
Spray tanning is a great way to get that sun-kissed glow without risking the damaging effects of tanning beds and real-life sunbathing. However, as you may now understand, treating your skin correctly afterward is an absolute must. So if you're planning on getting a spray tan shortly, don't forget to invest in a quality moisturizer afterward.
Thanks so much for reading! Until next time - happy bronzing!
How We Curated Our List
It can be overwhelming trying to figure out what products are best for your sunless tan needs, especially if this is going to be your first time using a post-tan moisturizer. The market is flowing with hydrating options in the forms of body butter, essential oils, and different varieties of lotions.
To make the process easier, we've carefully curated a list of exemplary products that not only meet your budget constraints but also align with your preferences. Make sure to check them out!
Thanks again for reading!
Like these stories? You will (probably) love our monthly newsletter.
