You just got that perfect, sun-kissed glow from your spray tan. It looks amazing! But now comes the big question: how do you keep that beautiful color from fading too fast? Many people love their spray tans, but they struggle to find the right lotion to make it last. It is frustrating when your hard-earned tan starts to look patchy just a few days later.
Choosing the correct aftercare lotion is super important. Some lotions might accidentally strip the color away, while others just do not offer enough moisture. You want something that keeps your skin happy and your tan vibrant. That is why we are diving deep into the best lotions designed specifically for post-spray tan care.
In this guide, you will learn exactly what ingredients to look for and which lotions top the charts for extending your glow. Get ready to say goodbye to faded color! Keep reading to discover the secrets to a longer-lasting, flawless spray tan.
Top Lotion For After Spray Tan Recommendations
- 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
- SKIN-NOURISHING AFTER SUN MOISTURIZER — Blended with coconut oil, shea butter, and avocado oil and is a perfect beach essential for dry skin
- INTENSIVELY HYDRATING — Hawaiian Tropic After Sun Body Butter offers 12-hours of hydration
- ULTRA-RICH MOISTURIZERS leave skin feeling silky-soft, with an indulgent coconut scent that reminds you of a dreamy vacation
- THOUGHTFULLY made — Hawaiian Tropic after sun lotion does not contain oxybenzone
- PETA-CERTIFIED CRUELTY-FREE — We never test on animals
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- HAWAIIAN TROPIC BODY LOTION may help extend your tan for a longer-lasting glow
- MADE WITH COCOA BUTTER + SHEA BUTTER hydrates and smooth skin; provides 12-hour skin hydration with a lightweight texture
- PACKED WITH BOTANICALS offers care as a moisturizer for dry skin
- THOUGHTFULLY FORMULATED – cruelty free + PETA certified; dermatologist-tested body lotion
- ICONIC HAWAIIAN TROPIC SCENT
- MADE WITH ALOE–Moisturizing lotion provides sunburn relief and helps preserve your tan
- REPLENISHES MOISTURE–After sun lotion with aloe cools your skin after having fun in the sun
- PROTECT THE FUN–Say 'yes' to more outdoor fun!
- FREE FROM–After sun skin care lotion made without oxybenzone or octinoxate
- LASTS AS LONG AS THE FUN DOES–Reapply Banana Boat After Sun Lotion as directed on the product label
Finding Your Glow: The Essential Buying Guide for After Spray Tan Lotion
A spray tan gives you a beautiful, sun-kissed look instantly. To keep that glow looking amazing for as long as possible, you need the right lotion afterward. This guide helps you choose the best lotion to lock in your color and keep your skin happy.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for an after-tan lotion, look for specific features that make a big difference in how long your tan lasts.
- Moisturizing Power: The best lotions deeply hydrate your skin. Dry skin flakes faster, taking your tan with it. Look for words like “intense hydration” or “24-hour moisture.”
- Tan Extenders: Some lotions have a little bit of the tanning ingredient (DHA) in them. These are called tan extenders. They help slowly build back color as your old tan fades, making the fade look more even.
- Lightweight Feel: You want something that soaks in quickly. Heavy, greasy lotions can feel uncomfortable, especially on warm skin right after a tan.
- Scent: After spray tans, some lotions have a slight chemical smell from the tanning solution. Many modern lotions use pleasant, light scents like coconut or vanilla to cover this up.
Important Ingredients: What Makes a Good Lotion?
The ingredients list tells you a lot about how well a lotion will work. You want ingredients that nourish the skin without stripping the color.
Hydrators and Humectants:
These ingredients pull water into your skin. They are crucial for preventing dryness.
- Hyaluronic Acid: This is a superstar ingredient. It holds lots of water, keeping skin plump and tan lines smooth.
- Glycerin: A very common and effective moisturizer that helps lock in hydration.
Nourishing Oils and Butters:
These ingredients create a protective barrier to stop moisture from escaping.
- Shea Butter or Cocoa Butter: These are rich and great for very dry areas like elbows and knees.
- Coconut Oil or Jojoba Oil: These oils absorb nicely and help keep the tan looking dewy.
Ingredients to Avoid (The Tan Killers):
Some common ingredients break down spray tans quickly. You must avoid these in the first week after tanning.
- Alcohol (especially high up on the list): Alcohol dries out the skin very fast.
- Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) like Glycolic or Lactic Acid: These acids are chemical exfoliators. They speed up cell turnover, making your tan fade faster.
- Retinoids or Retinol: These are powerful skin renewal ingredients. Keep them away from your fresh tan.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of the lotion affects your tan longevity.
Quality Boosters:
Lotions formulated specifically for post-tan care usually have better quality. They balance deep moisture with lightweight application. High-quality lotions often use natural extracts that soothe the skin, which is important because the DHA process can sometimes feel slightly drying.
Quality Reducers:
Cheap, heavily fragranced lotions often contain more drying agents or mineral oils. Mineral oil can sometimes sit on top of the skin rather than sinking in, leading to a patchy look as the tan wears off. Always check that the lotion is labeled “Paraben-Free” and “Oil-Free” if you are worried about clogging pores.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the lotion matters as much as what’s in it.
Best Use Cases:
You should apply this lotion at least once, preferably twice, every day after your shower. Focus extra attention on areas that tend to fade first: hands, feet, neck, and wrists. If you are going to the beach or swimming, apply a generous layer before and after exposure. This acts as a shield.
User Feel:
A good lotion feels luxurious but disappears fast. You should be able to get dressed five minutes after application without the lotion feeling sticky or transferring onto your clothes. If the lotion leaves a white residue or feels heavy, it will likely feel unpleasant during daily use, making you less likely to use it regularly.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About After Spray Tan Lotion
Q: When should I apply the lotion for the first time?
A: Wait until after your first official shower following your spray tan appointment. Then, apply it generously all over your body.
Q: Can I use my regular body lotion instead?
A: You can use your regular lotion, but only if it does not contain any exfoliating ingredients like AHAs or high amounts of alcohol. Specialized after-tan lotions work better because they are color-safe.
Q: Do I need a specific lotion if my skin is oily?
A: Yes. If your skin is oily, choose a very lightweight, gel-based formula or a non-comedogenic (non-pore-clogging) lotion. Avoid thick butters.
Q: How much lotion should I use?
A: Use a generous amount, especially on dry spots. Think of it as feeding your skin. You want enough to rub in completely until the skin looks smooth, not shiny.
Q: Will this lotion make my tan look darker?
A: Only if it is a specific “Tan Extender” lotion. Regular moisturizing lotions just keep the color you have looking fresh and even.
Q: Is it okay if the lotion has a slight fragrance?
A: Yes, a light fragrance is usually fine. Just make sure the main ingredients are moisturizers, not alcohol or perfume oils.
Q: Does the lotion help if my tan starts looking patchy?
A: Absolutely. Applying lotion regularly helps the tan fade evenly. If you have a very patchy spot, apply extra lotion just to that area a few times a day.
Q: Can I use this lotion on my face?
A: Check the label. Some body lotions are too heavy for facial skin. If the lotion is labeled “non-comedogenic,” it is usually safe for the face.
Q: How long will using the right lotion help my tan last?
A: Good moisturizing can extend your tan by two to three extra days compared to not using any lotion at all.
Q: Should I put the lotion on before or after applying sunscreen?
A: Always apply your after-tan lotion first. Let it soak in completely. Then, apply your sun protection (SPF). The lotion keeps the tan healthy, and the SPF protects your skin.