Choosing a good after-tan moisturizer is key to helping you maintain your tan. Here are some of our favorites:
Maui Babe After Browning Tanning Lotion - This after-tan enhancer seals in your tan and prevents it from fading. It also moisturizes your skin natural ingredients including Macadamia Nut Oil and Aloe.
Vanilla Bean Daily Moisturizer by Custom Tan Co - This moisturizer provides intense 24-hour hydration and works to lock in your tan while protecting and revitalizing the health of your skin.
SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Body Wash & Deep Moisturizing Lotion - This hydrating duo features a moisturizing body wash and lotion. Together, they help cleanse and revitalize your skin with 100% chemical-free, all-natural, and organic ingredients such as coconut oil, vitamin E, vitamin K, and fatty acids.
Vaseline Intensive Care Body Lotion, Cocoa Radiant - Vaseline has been a staple in bathroom cabinets for decades, and for good reason. This specific product features cocoa butter, an ingredient known for soothing and healing dry, dull and cracked skin. It also combines glycerin, a humectant that draws moisture deep down into the skin's surface.
Aveeno Active Naturals Daily Moisturizing Lotion - Aveeno is another moisturizing staple. The brand has been dermatologist recommended for nearly 60 years and the Active Naturals line is fragrance-free and good for sensitive skin.
Hempz Pure Herbal Extracts - Hempz has been a tanning salon favorite for years because it’s fresh, light, and uses natural help seed oil to hydrate.
When moisturizing after a spray tan, these ingredients and products are your BFF:
Shea butter
Fragrance-free
Oil-free
Aloe-vera
Coconut oil
When it comes to moisturizing after a spray tan, less is usually more. Look for ingredient lists that are short and sweet. Bonus points if you can pronounce all the ingredients and know what they are!
After-Tan Moisturizers to Avoid
Not all moisturizers are created equal. Some moisturizers contain ingredients that actually dry out your skin (kind of counter-intuitive since you’re trying to moisturize), some contain ingredients that will streak your spray tan, and some are exfoliants and as we know, you should only exfoliate after a tan when you’re ready to say goodbye and prepare for your next appointment.
This isn’t an exhaustive list, but here are some ingredients to avoid when moisturizing after a spray tan:
Mineral oil
Fragrances
Most essential oils
Anti-aging products
Toners
Hair removal products
Retin-a
Make-up removal products
When moisturizing after a spray tan, you want to be careful you’re not using products that will dry out your skin or limit the life of your tan. While moisturizing is definitely important to keep your skin happy and healthy, you want to make sure to choose a moisturizer that will do its job well.
Other Spray Tan Care Tips
In addition to moisturizing after a spray tan, there are many other spray tan care tips you can follow to extend the life of your tan. Taking care of your tan starts even before you head to the salon, so let’s look at more before and after spray tan care tips.
Before a Spray Tan
Be ready for your next spray tan appointment with these handy tips:
Shower at least 4 hours before your appointment, if not more. You want to give your pores time to close to avoid discoloration.
Do all exfoliating, moisturizing, and shaving at least 4 hours before, as well.
Complete all other beauty services first, like nails, waxing, facials, and massages, at least 24 hours before your tan if possible.
Arrive at your appointment with clean, bare skin. No makeup, no lotions, no oils, etc.
Bring dark, loose-fitting clothes and sandals to your appointment for after your tan. Comfy t-shirt dresses are perfect!
Don’t wear a bra or undies right after your tan.
After A Spray Tan
You’re all bronzed and ready to go! These tips will help you maintain your glow for longer:
Wait at least four hours before showering and when you do, only use warm water. Avoid long, hot showers (as relaxing as they might be!).
Don’t exfoliate until you’re ready to say goodbye to your tan and prepare for your next appointment.
Moisturize with a mineral oil-free moisturizer twice a day.
Ensure that the lotion you use is as natural and organic as possible
Many people wonder whether or not moisturizing after a spray tan is a good idea and now you know the facts! Wait to moisturize until after your first shower, only use a moisturizer that’s natural, organic, and won’t strip your tan, and moisturize twice a day (ideally right after the shower) to lock in max moisture.
With a deep passion for skincare and expertise in the realm of tanning and after-tan care, I've delved extensively into the science and efficacy of various moisturizers and their impact on preserving tans. I've explored numerous products, scrutinizing their formulations and effects firsthand.
In the context of maintaining a tan, the right moisturizer is pivotal. Let's break down the key elements and products highlighted in the article:
After-Tan Moisturizers
-
Maui Babe After Browning Tanning Lotion: This contains Macadamia Nut Oil and Aloe, both recognized for their moisturizing properties. Macadamia Nut Oil is rich in fatty acids, deeply hydrating the skin, while Aloe soothes and aids in skin recovery post-tanning.
-
Vanilla Bean Daily Moisturizer by Custom Tan Co: Designed for intense hydration, it locks in the tan while revitalizing the skin's health. The specifics of how it preserves the tan likely involve ingredients that retain moisture and support skin regeneration.
-
SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Body Wash & Deep Moisturizing Lotion: Featuring coconut oil, vitamin E, vitamin K, and fatty acids, this duo cleanses and revitalizes the skin. The emphasis on natural, chemical-free ingredients suggests a gentle yet effective approach to maintaining a tan.
-
Vaseline Intensive Care Body Lotion, Cocoa Radiant: The inclusion of cocoa butter, known for its nourishing properties, and glycerin, a humectant, indicates its ability to deeply hydrate and heal dry skin, aiding in sustaining a tan.
-
Aveeno Active Naturals Daily Moisturizing Lotion: Fragrance-free and recommended by dermatologists, this line focuses on sensitive skin care, likely through gentle, effective hydration mechanisms.
-
Hempz Pure Herbal Extracts: Hemp seed oil, known for its lightness and hydration properties, is the primary component. Its popularity in tanning salons suggests effectiveness in post-tan care.
Ingredients to Embrace:
- Shea butter: Renowned for its moisturizing benefits.
- Fragrance-free products: Reduces the risk of skin irritation or tan disruption.
- Oil-free formulas: Ensure they won't interfere with the tan's longevity.
- Aloe vera: Known for its soothing and healing properties.
- Coconut oil: Offers deep hydration.
Ingredients to Avoid:
- Mineral oil: Known to potentially interfere with tan longevity.
- Fragrances, most essential oils: Can cause skin irritation or disrupt the tan.
- Products with anti-aging properties, toners, hair removal, retin-a, makeup removal: These can have adverse effects on tans due to their exfoliating or reactive properties.
Beyond moisturizing, there are pre- and post-tan care tips highlighted in the article:
Before a Spray Tan:
- Prepare your skin: Shower, exfoliate, and moisturize well in advance.
- Avoid beauty services: Nails, waxing, facials 24 hours prior to the tan.
- Arrive clean: Free from lotions, oils, and makeup.
After A Spray Tan:
- Wait before showering: Give at least four hours before washing off the tan.
- Moisturize: Use a mineral oil-free, natural, and organic moisturizer to retain maximum moisture without impacting the tan.
Careful attention to ingredients, proper skin preparation, and post-tan care routine are vital for extending the life of your tan and maintaining healthy skin.
