Ever step out of the spray tan booth feeling like you’ve hit the jackpot, only to watch your beautiful bronze start fading unevenly just a few days later? It’s frustrating, right? That perfect glow can disappear fast if you don’t treat your skin correctly afterward. The biggest secret to keeping that sun-kissed look vibrant isn’t just the tan itself—it’s what you put on your skin afterward.
Choosing the right moisturizer after a spray tan can feel like a minefield. You worry about ingredients that might strip the color or formulas that feel too heavy. Will it make your tan patchy? Will it feel greasy? These are common worries that stop people from enjoying their glow for as long as they should.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will show you exactly what ingredients to look for and which ones to avoid. By the end of this post, you will confidently pick the best moisturizer to lock in your color, keep your skin soft, and extend your tan for days longer. Let’s dive into the simple steps for perfect post-tan hydration.
Top Moisturizer After Spray Tan Recommendations
- TIGHTEN, TAN, AND TONE: Get summer-sexy skin that’s tight, tanned, and toned in one ultra-hydrating, routine-simplifying step! Proprietary, innovative, multi-tasking moisturizing mist sets and seals your sunless tanning application, while deepening and darkening DHA development for long-lasting, succulent, sun-kissed color.
- BRONZING WITH BENEFITS: This hydrofirm moisturizing spray seals the deal on your self-tanning application, while providing thirsty, parched skin with a beautifying blast of sumptuous, skin-smoothing hyaluronic acid and healing and hydrating aloe vera.
- GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR TAN: Exclusive formula is your faux glow’s flawless finishing touch, as it expertly extends and amplifies your tan for days longer, while firming, lifting, and perfecting the skin. Essential for body-building show contestants that need that extra dose of double-duty DHA action.
- KIND TO SKIN HEALTH: Gentle, irritant-free, 100% vegan post tan moisturizer contains zero parabens, sulfates, and gluten.
- NEW LOOK, SAME FORMULA - The Norvell formula you’ve always loved in bold new packaging. With 40 years’ experience, Norvell delivers a natural glow. Our famous Norvell University offers award winning training to certified technicians worldwide.
- Wash hands after application
- Leaves skin velvety soft and smooth
- Reduces tan break-up and improves fade
- For perfect results and a tan that lasts longer and fades more evenly
- Glowing Essence After Sun Refresher – Moisturizing rich body spray formulated to help lock in results while leaving the skin soft, glowing and perfectly fragranced.
- Cactus Water – High in antioxidants, vitamins and electrolytes to keep skin hydrated.
- Coffeeberry - Rich antioxidant that helps to neutralize free radical damage and help to prevent cellular damage in the skin.
- Coconut Water – Deeply softens and nourishes the skin.
- Caffeine Extracts – Helps to reduce puffiness while also improving skins firmness.
- Glowing Essence After Sun Refresher – Moisturizing rich body spray formulated to help lock in results while leaving the skin soft, glowing and perfectly fragranced.
- Pearl Extracts - A luminous skin enhancer rich in amino acids that helps keep skin soft, smooth, and hydrated.
- Diamond Peptides – Combination of light-reflecting diamond powder and peptides that work to blur imperfections, firm the skin and deliver a luminous, glass-like glow.
- Probiotic Grape Water – An ingredient that helps soothe and balance the skin, boost hydration and support a healthy skin barrier.
- Caffeine Extracts – Helps to reduce puffiness while also improving skins firmness.
- Get A Radiant Tan Guilt-free! Our Blend Of Pure, Organic Ingredients Extends Your Sunless Glow. Made In The Usa, No Harmful Additives, Just Natural Goodness: Organic Aloe Vera, Oils (argan, Olive, Jojoba, Avocado), Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamins B2, B5, B12. Vegan & Sealed For Safety.
- Enhance Your Beauty With Our Fade-fighting Formula! Extend Your Gorgeous Tan From Any Source - self-tanner, Spray, Or Sun. Also Doubles As A Superb Daily Moisturizer, Leaving Skin Soft And Tan Lasting Up To 3 Days More. No Fake Tan Smell, Non-comedogenic, And Non-sticky.
- The Proper Gift For Her Awaits! Impress With Our Organic Tan Extender Lotion, Loved By Many For Its Radiant Results. Personalize With A Heartfelt Message For Your Girlfriend, Wife, Mom, Sister, Or Friend.
- Essential For Frequent Tanners! Ensure Longer-lasting, Even Fades With Our Tan Extender Moisturizer. Formulated To Complement Our Self-tanning Oil, It Enhances Results, Reduces Break-up, And Improves Fade. Note: Not A Standalone Self-tanner Due To Lower DHA Percentage.
- Suitable For All Skin Types, Including Sensitive Ones. Achieve A Radiant, Sun-kissed Glow Year-round With Our Organic Self-tanning Oil And Tan Extender Lotion.
- TIGHTEN, TAN, AND TONE: Get summer-sexy skin that’s tight, tanned, and toned in one ultra-hydrating, routine-simplifying step! Proprietary, innovative, multi-tasking moisturizing mist sets and seals your sunless tanning application, while deepening and darkening DHA development for long-lasting, succulent, sun-kissed color.
- BRONZING WITH BENEFITS: This hydrofirm moisturizing spray seals the deal on your self-tanning application, while providing thirsty, parched skin with a beautifying blast of sumptuous, skin-smoothing hyaluronic acid and healing and hydrating aloe vera.
- GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR TAN: Exclusive formula is your faux glow’s flawless finishing touch, as it expertly extends and amplifies your tan for days longer, while firming, lifting, and perfecting the skin. Essential for body-building show contestants that need that extra dose of double-duty DHA action.
- KIND TO SKIN HEALTH: Gentle, irritant-free, 100% vegan post tan moisturizer contains zero parabens, sulfates, and gluten.
- NEW LOOK, SAME FORMULA - The Norvell formula you’ve always loved in bold new packaging. With 40 years’ experience, Norvell delivers a natural glow. Our famous Norvell University offers award winning training to certified technicians worldwide.
- Coconut Lotion - Coconut Spray Lotion provides moisturizing body lotion in a unique no-touch spray format. Made with nourishing coconut oil, this hydrating formula absorbs in seconds, leaves no greasy feeling and continues working for 48 hours.
- Spray On Lotion - Comes in a convenient spray on bottle that allows for hands free application. Perfect for travel and those hard-to-reach spots. It couldn't be more simple, just spray to apply! The lotion spray absorbs in seconds!
- For Every Body - Good for all skin types. This body spray is great for normal, sensitive, oily and dry skin. Our moisturizing lotion leaves skin feeling smooth and soft. Feel the amazing moisturizing effects for 48 hours.
- Lightly Scented Lotion - Formulated with a pleasant tropical coconut fragrance that is light and fresh without being overwhelming. Enjoy a fine mist spray anytime of the day without any greasy residue. Restore softness and hydration to your skin.
- Cruelty Free - Our Coconut Body Lotion is not tested on animals. Buy and use with confidence knowing your skin can be better than ever with a nice shimmer and glow. Use after the shower or any other time of the day. Great body lotion for men or women.
- ALOE VERA SPRAY: Cool down and hydrate after a long day in the sun with our refreshing spray. It's infused with aloe to help prevent peeling for a longer-lasting tan.
- MOISTURIZING PROTECTION: Packed with our signature blend of herbal extracts and plant-based ingredients to soothe and condition skin
- NON-GREASY AND LIGHTWEIGHT: A perfect formula for a daily body oil packed with natural plant extracts that won't leave you feeling sticky.
- SCENT: Fresh Citrus lemon zest, mint leaf and aloe, refreshing and soothing
- HEMPZ: Cruelty & allergen free – Hempz products are vegan, gluten free, paraben free, cruelty free & made in the USA
The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Moisturizer After Your Spray Tan
Getting a beautiful, sun-kissed glow from a spray tan is exciting! But keeping that color looking fresh and even is the real trick. The secret weapon? The right moisturizer. Using the wrong lotion can make your tan fade fast or turn patchy. This guide helps you pick the perfect partner for your post-tan skin.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for a moisturizer to use after a spray tan, focus on these important features. These elements help lock in the color and keep your skin happy.
1. Hydration Power
- Deep Moisture: Look for lotions that promise long-lasting moisture. Dry skin flakes off faster, taking your tan with it.
- Non-Greasy Feel: You want a lotion that soaks in quickly. Heavy, oily creams can sometimes break down the DHA (the tanning agent) too fast.
2. Tan-Safe Ingredients
- DHA Compatibility: The best lotions will often say “tan extender” or “safe for spray tans” right on the label. This means they won’t strip your color.
- Color Enhancers (Optional): Some moisturizers contain a tiny amount of self-tanning bronzer. These help gradually deepen your color between professional sessions.
3. Texture and Application
- Lightweight Formulas: Lotions or light creams usually work better than thick butters, especially in the first 24-48 hours after tanning.
- No Harsh Scrubs: Always avoid moisturizers that contain physical exfoliants like salt or sugar, as these will scrub your tan away.
Important Materials Your Skin Needs
The ingredients list tells you a lot. Certain materials are fantastic for extending the life of your glow.
Hydrating Heroes
- Hyaluronic Acid: This ingredient pulls water into your skin. It keeps the skin plump and the tan looking smooth, not dry.
- Glycerin: A classic humectant, glycerin draws moisture from the air to your skin. It is a gentle hydrator.
- Natural Oils (Use with Caution): Lightweight oils like Jojoba or Squalane are okay in small amounts. However, heavy mineral oils should be avoided right after tanning.
Skin Soothers
- Aloe Vera: Aloe calms the skin and provides light hydration without feeling heavy.
- Vitamin E: This antioxidant helps protect your skin barrier, keeping the tan locked in place longer.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What you put in your lotion matters. Some ingredients actively fight against your beautiful bronze color.
Quality Boosters:
- Paraben-Free Formulas: Lotions without parabens often have cleaner, skin-friendly formulas.
- Mineral-Based SPF (For Daytime Use): If you use the moisturizer during the day, make sure any SPF included is mineral-based (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide). Chemical sunscreens can sometimes interact poorly with the DHA.
Quality Reducers (Things to Avoid):
- Alcohol (Denatured Alcohol): This ingredient dries out the skin very quickly. Dry skin flakes, and your tan fades unevenly.
- Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) and Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs): Acids like Glycolic or Salicylic acid are chemical exfoliants. They are great for acne, but they will aggressively fade your spray tan.
- Heavy Fragrances: Very strong perfumes can sometimes contain drying agents that shorten your tan’s lifespan.
User Experience and Use Cases
How and when you use the moisturizer changes the results you see.
Initial Post-Tan Care (First 24 Hours)
In the first day, your tan is still developing. Use a very light, fragrance-free moisturizer only if your skin feels extremely tight. Wait until after your first shower to use your main tan extender lotion.
Daily Maintenance (Days 2-7)
This is when your moisturizer works hardest. Apply it generously after every shower. Focus especially on dry spots like elbows, knees, and ankles. Consistent application keeps the color from clinging only to the driest parts of your skin.
Use Case: Extending the Color
If you use a tan extender moisturizer that contains a small amount of color guide (a gentle self-tanner), you can keep your glow vibrant for an extra day or two without needing a full re-application.
10 Frequently Asked Questions About Moisturizer After Spray Tan
Q: When should I apply my moisturizer for the first time?
A: Wait until after your initial rinse-off shower, usually 8 to 12 hours after your spray tan appointment. After that, apply it twice daily.
Q: Can I use my regular body lotion?
A: You can, but only if your regular lotion does not contain AHAs, BHAs, or heavy alcohol. Check the label carefully. A dedicated tan extender is always safer.
Q: Does the moisturizer make my tan darker?
A: A standard moisturizer does not make your tan darker. However, a “tan extender” moisturizer has a tiny bit of tanning agent that subtly deepens the color as you use it.
Q: Why do my knees look patchy after moisturizing?
A: Knees and elbows absorb product faster. Make sure you apply a very thin layer to those areas, or gently blend in less product compared to your legs or arms.
Q: Are oil-free lotions better for spray tans?
A: Yes, oil-free lotions are generally safer. Heavy oils can sometimes break down the DHA formula too quickly, causing faster fading.
Q: Should I use a different moisturizer before my next tan?
A: Before your next appointment, you must use an exfoliating scrub or a dedicated tan remover. This removes the old tan so the new one goes on evenly.
Q: Is it okay if the moisturizer has perfume?
A: Fragrance itself isn’t the biggest problem, but strongly scented lotions often use drying bases. Choose lightly scented or fragrance-free options for the best longevity.
Q: How much moisturizer should I use each day?
A: Use enough to cover the skin completely without rubbing hard. You want to glide the product on, not scrub it in. Think generous but gentle application.
Q: Can I use cocoa butter after a spray tan?
A: Pure, heavy cocoa butter is often too thick and occlusive for the first few days. It can trap moisture unevenly. Stick to lighter lotions until the tan starts to fade naturally.
Q: Does the moisturizer help stop the dreaded “breakdown”?
A: Absolutely. Consistent moisturizing keeps the surface layer of your skin hydrated. Healthy skin sheds slower, which means your tan fades evenly instead of breaking down into dark, dry patches.