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
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- FEATURES AND BENEFITS: Norvell Pro-Blending ( DHA Barrier ) Cream prevents DHA bronzing sprays from over-darkening areas of the body that tend to take too much color resulting in an overall un-even tan. Used as directed, it helps produce a more even, natural looking bronze all over without over staining of susceptible areas by tanning solutions. Our barrier cream is unscented and suitable for all skin types.
- SAY HELLO TO A PERFECT COLOR BLEND: Barrier Cream is a pre-sunless tanning, skin moisturizer that helps prepare skin for a perfect color blend. Keep the bronzing spray effect more even and avoid over-tanning of any area in need of protection. An easy and effective preventative measure to help avoid tanning solution from penetrating the soles of your feet, palms, knees, elbows etc.
- PROFESSIONAL TIP: Apply liberally to knees, elbows, palms, soles, cuticles, knuckles and areas between fingers and toes, just before a spray tan session. Since the barrier cream prevents the treated areas from bronzing, make sure to blend smoothly and gradually outward from target areas into surrounding skin to allow for even color transition. Prepare for the perfect self tanning session or a better sunless tan at the tanning salon.
- NORVELL PRODUCTS HAVE A SHORT SHELF-LIFE: Due to the quality of ingredients that are used to manufacture Norvell products, the typical shelf-life is 5-6 months from the production date to the expiration date. Please note that the transit from the manufacturer to Amazon and to the final consumer should be accounted for when purchasing Norvell products.
- Specially formulated after tanning and after browning lotion
- Easy-open 4 ounce bottle
- Prevents tans from fading, moisturizes, and heals damaged skin
- Today, Maui Babe continues to be a family owned and operated business in Maui, Hawaii. Our goal is to provide the best suntan lotions and skincare products to all of our Maui Babes. We love what we do and care about all of our Maui Babes! It is with an infinite amount of aloha and passion that we do what we do.
- - Product of Maui, Hawaii
- Healing aloe for soothing relief
- Nourishing rose hips oil
- Maintains and extends your tan
- Daily Moisture for Healthy Looking Skin
- Perfect for Everyday Hydration
- Tan-Extending Hydration: Biotanning, carrot oil and shea butter blend together to give your tan the nutrients it needs while keeping skin soft, smooth and glow-ready
- Tattoo Enhancing Dragon Fruit: Advanced formula with dragon fruit, tigergrass and ocean botanicals helps enhance and refresh the appearance of your favorite tattoos so ink looks fresh and defined
- Luxurious After-Tan Feel: Silky, fast-absorbing after-tan moisturizer leaves skin feeling comfortable and pampered, making this your skin’s bestie in a bottle
- Scent & Vibe: Finished with a Mandarin Coconut Breeze fragrance that spritzes skin in a bright, beachy aroma so you can Spritz, Glow, Repeat as part of your daily ritual
- How to Use: Apply daily to clean, dry skin after tanning or showering, avoid use on fresh tattoos; not a self tanner or SPF product
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.