Ever notice how your beautiful spray tan can sometimes feel… thirsty? That fresh, sun-kissed glow is amazing, but keeping it looking its best can feel like a secret mission. You just invested time and money in a gorgeous tan, and the last thing you want is for it to fade unevenly or feel dry just a few days later. It’s frustrating when your skin starts looking patchy!
Choosing the right lotion to use after your spray tan is more important than you might think. Picking the wrong product can actually steal your color away faster, leaving you with dull skin. On the flip side, the perfect lotion locks in that golden hue, keeping your skin soft and vibrant for days longer. It’s confusing trying to figure out which ingredients help and which ones hurt your glow.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will show you exactly what ingredients to look for and which ones to avoid completely. By the end of this post, you will know the perfect moisturizing routine to extend the life of your spray tan. Get ready to keep that flawless color shining bright!
Top Lotion After A 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.
- 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.
- HOLD ON TO THE GOLDEN GLOW LONGER - Australian Gold's Moisture Lock Tan Extender lengthens the longevity of color, and maintains your tan for longer, giving you a beautiful, luxurious and well-moisturized skin through the summer months
- MOISTURE LOCK FORMULA - Contains Sunflower Seed Oil and Olive Fruit Oil that work to moisturize deeply - this non-greasy hydrating formula dries quickly, leaving the skin soft & supple, with the tan locked right in place; It does not contain sunscreen
- AUSTRALIAN NATURALS - Enriched with Tea Tree Oil and the goodness of Vitamin E, both of which are powerful antioxidants, this tan extender fights off free radicals, gently nourishes and cleanses your skin leaving it smooth and fresh
- SMELLS LIKE YOU ARE ON THE BEACH - Infused with Aloe Vera to naturally soothe and deeply nourish skin that remains hydrated for long, and its delectable Cocoa Dreams fragrance in a mix of Coconut, Orange, and Vanilla, take an instant vacation to the sea!
- SPECIALLY FORMULATED LOTION - Australian Gold's time-tested formula is designed to be PABA Free, Dye Free, Alcohol Free & Gluten Free while having the goodness of hydrating ingredients for a luscious feeling skin
- ENHANCING SPRAY TAN PRIMER – Prep your skin with the Norvell Glow System Pre-Tan Enhancing Primer! Step one of our Glow System regimen, this smooth primer lotion is designed to balance pH levels of your skin to intensify your spray tan.
- NATURAL COLOR COMPLEX – Infused with natural ingredients, the pre-spray tanning lotion protects and nourishes a lasting tan. Vitamin E in the moisturizing lotion helps block free radicals from skin to reduce wrinkles and keep the skin youthful-looking.
- HYDRATING – Aloe Leaf Juice in the pre-tanning primer moisturizes skin to help with anti-aging. Tomato Seed Extract enables skin to absorb oxygen and prevent signs of aging. The pre-tan lotion’s Vitamin C stimulates collagen to tighten and smooth skin.
- EASY TO APPLY – Blend the pre-tan primer evenly over desired areas before tanning. For best results, use the Glow System regimen. It helps you to prep your skin pre-spray tan, use the proper products during your spray tan, and extend your glow post-tan.
- 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
- 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.
- REPAIR, RESTORE, AND REJUVENATE: Anti-aging body butter reverses and repairs existing damage, including hyperpigmentation, and wrinkling, while preventing and protecting skin from future damage. Enjoy a revitalized, firmer, youthful-looking appearance with this proprietary advanced repair cream.
- MEGA MOISTURISER: Thicker than standard moisturiser, body butter is awesome at softening dry patches, such as those found on the elbows, heels and knees. Depending on the dryness level, use a little each day or use as a night cream. Also try body butter on neglected areas like the neck and delicate decolletage.
- CALLUS ELIMINATOR: Give those hard to shed, easy to over-tan calluses the boot with the help of Skin Repairing Body Butter. Massage into feet before bed at night and cover with cotton socks to bed. Voila! You’ll wake up smooth and gorgeous!
- POUT PERFECTER: Did you know you could swipe some body butter on your pout and use it as a lip balm? Or better yet, add a little sugar to the moisturizer and use it as a mild lip exfoliant.
- 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.
- 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.
Your Guide to Glowing Skin: Choosing the Best Lotion After a Spray Tan
Getting a beautiful spray tan is exciting! To keep that sun-kissed glow lasting longer, you need the right lotion afterward. This guide helps you pick the perfect post-tan moisturizer.
Key Features to Look For
The best lotions do more than just moisturize. They actively help your tan stay vibrant. Here are the must-have features:
- Tan Extending Ingredients: Look for small amounts of DHA (Dihydroxyacetone). This is the main ingredient in self-tanners. A tiny bit helps refresh your color daily.
- Deep Hydration: Since spray tans dry out the skin slightly, intense moisture is crucial. Your lotion must lock water into your skin.
- Lightweight Feel: Heavy, greasy lotions can cause streaks. Choose a lotion that sinks in quickly.
- Scent: Some lotions have strong chemical smells. Pick one with a light, pleasant fragrance or one labeled “fragrance-free.”
Important Materials for Your Post-Tan Lotion
The ingredients matter a lot for your skin health and tan longevity. Good materials nourish your skin.
Top Hydrating Ingredients:
- Hyaluronic Acid: This ingredient pulls water into your skin. It keeps skin plump and smooth.
- Shea Butter or Cocoa Butter: These natural fats provide rich, long-lasting moisture.
- Aloe Vera: Aloe soothes the skin and reduces any potential dryness from the tanning process.
Ingredients to Avoid:
Some common ingredients can actually fade your tan faster. Check the label closely!
- Alcohol (especially high up on the list): Alcohol dries the skin out very quickly. Dry skin sheds faster, taking your tan with it.
- Mineral Oils: These can sometimes sit on top of the skin, preventing the tan from absorbing moisture evenly.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of the lotion affects how long your tan lasts and how your skin feels.
What Makes Quality Better?
- Natural Oils: Lotions using plant-based oils (like coconut or jojoba) often absorb better than synthetic ones.
- pH Balance: A lotion that matches your skin’s natural pH level works best. Most quality brands formulate lotions specifically for post-tan use, meaning they have the right balance.
What Lowers the Quality?
If a lotion contains too many harsh soaps or strong perfumes, it can strip the color. Also, if the lotion is very old or has been stored in extreme heat, the active ingredients might break down. This reduces its effectiveness.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the lotion changes your results. Think about when and how often you apply it.
Best Use Times:
- Daily Application: Apply lotion at least once, preferably twice, every day after your spray tan. This is the single best way to extend the life of your color.
- After Showers: Pat your skin gently with a towel after showering. Apply lotion immediately while your skin is still slightly damp. This traps the moisture in.
Addressing Different Skin Needs:
If you have very dry patches, like on your elbows or knees, use a thicker, dedicated moisturizer on those spots before bed. For overall maintenance, a lighter lotion works perfectly for the rest of your body. Always apply lotion before going to bed for maximum overnight absorption.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Lotion After A Spray Tan
Q: When should I apply my lotion after getting a spray tan?
A: Wait at least 8 hours, or until after your first shower, before applying your main post-tan lotion. Use it daily after that.
Q: Can I use my regular body lotion?
A: You can, but it is better to use a lotion specifically made for spray tans. Regular lotions might contain ingredients that fade your color quickly.
Q: Will applying lotion make my tan patchy?
A: No, the right lotion prevents patchiness! Dry skin flakes off unevenly. Moisturizing keeps the surface smooth so the tan fades evenly.
Q: How much lotion should I use?
A: Use a generous amount, but rub it in completely. You want your skin coated, but not shiny or sticky.
Q: Should I use lotion before my spray tan appointment?
A: No. Do not apply lotion or deodorant right before your appointment. These products can block the tanner from developing correctly.
Q: Does a tan-extending lotion make my tan darker?
A: A true tan-extender adds a tiny bit of color back each day. It helps maintain the current shade, it does not usually make you significantly darker.
Q: Is it okay if the lotion has a slight shimmer?
A: A subtle shimmer is fine and can look nice! Avoid lotions with very large glitter particles, as these might settle unevenly.
Q: Are lotions with alcohol bad for my tan?
A: Yes, lotions high in drying alcohol are generally bad. They dry out your skin, which makes your tan fade faster.
Q: How long will using the right lotion help my tan last?
A: Using a good daily moisturizer can often add two to three extra days to the life of your spray tan.
Q: Can I use this lotion on my face?
A: Check the label. If your face lotion is different, use that one. Faces often need lighter products than the body.