If I had to choose one skincare product that I would never stop talking about, it would be sunscreen. Second to that (which honestly goes hand-in-hand), would be self-tanner.
Just because I’m religious about staying out of the sun doesn’t mean I want to look pale and pasty all summer. That’s where self-tanner comes in.
In my opinion, using self-tanner or getting a spray tan are the most effective ways to get a bronzed glow without sacrificing your skin. While sitting out in the sun might feel nice, it can wreck havoc on your health and appearance — no wrinkles or skin cancer for me, please.
Whether you’re just learning how to apply self tanner or you recently started to get spray tans professionally done, there are some important tips you should consider in order to make your sun-kissed glow last longer.
I talked with my insanely knowledgable spray tan artist, Burcu Kulaksiz, founder of On the Go Glow, to source her post-spray tan must-do’s. Kulaksiz has had her spray tans featured on shows like Summer House, The Real Housewives of New Jersey, The Real Housewives of New York, The Bachelor, and more. Needless to say — she knows her stuff.
This post will walk you through exactly how to keep your sunless tan intact, including which body lotions you should use to extend it. I hope you find this post helpful, and if you have any recommendations, please feel free to comment them below!
6 Best Lotions To Use After a Spray Tan
As somewhat of a spray tan aficionado (thanks to Kulaksiz) I know that moisturizing your skin with the right lotion can make your tan last longer. This is crucial after you’ve spent time and money on getting your tan just right.
“Clients need to be moisturized and keep hydrated while they have a spray tan,” explains Kulaksiz. “Keeping the skin moisturized will help the color last longer and endure gradual fading. If the skin is dry then the color can flake off with the dry skin, making the spray tan look blotchy,” she adds.
It’s important to keep in mind that moisturizing after a spray tan might look different than your normal body care routine. It’s crucial that you use the right lotion so you can get the most out of your sun-kissed look.
When moisturizing after a spray tan, look for a lotion that’s made with the following ingredients: Shea butter, aloe vera, or coconut oil. Those scented with essential oils are also winners.
Aim to use moisturizers that are oil free and fragrance free, as well as those that are free of mineral oil. Keep in mind that lotions containing more natural and organic ingredients will be less harsh and irritating to your skin.
Here are some of the best lotions to use after a spray tan:
Isle of Paradise Brilliantly Bright Body Moisturizer
I love how quickly this lotion absorbs into my skin, and how it gives a slight sheen after application. It’s perfect to use after a spray tan because it doesn’t disturb the color at all.
SheaMoisture Coconut Oil and Hibiscus Lotion
This non-greasy moisturizer will provide a burst of hydration to dry skin, leaving it smooth and radiant as a result. The consistency is somewhat creamy and it’s formulated with shea butter which is ultra nourishing to dry skin cells.
Maui Babe After Browning Tanning Lotion
Seal in your tan and prevent it from fading with this lightly scented lotion. While extending the life of your tan, it also deeply moisturizes your skin with natural ingredients like macadamia nut oil and aloe vera.
Hempz Pure Herbal Extracts
This classic moisturizing lotion is ideal to have on hand whether you get spray tans or not. It’s extremely hydrating, non-sticky, and non-irritating. With ingredients that are rich in amino acids, vitamins, and antioxidants, this lotion will leave your skin feeling subtle and even.
Aveeno Active Naturals Daily Moisturizing Lotion
If your skin is a bit red or irritated after using tanning products, this daily lotion is the perfect pick. With soothing prebiotic oats as a main ingredient as well as a fragrance-free formula, it’s a good choice if you deal with sensitive skin. It’s also fragrance-free and will keep your skin hydrated for up to 24 hours after you apply it.
Vaseline Intensive Care Body Lotion
Sometimes it’s best to just stick with a basic moisturizing cream after using self-tanner. This one is a superstar for a variety of skin types, and it has proven to offer long-lasting hydration to dry skin.
Now that you know exactly which lotions work best post-spray tan, you might be wondering when you can start applying them.
Kulaksiz says the best time to moisturize is right after a shower, which will allow you to lock in extra moisture. Just be sure that your spray tan has fully developed before showering in the first place — you don’t want to compromise the color!
Another hot tip from Kulaksiz: “We recommend moisturizing two to three times a day but it depends on how dry your skin is! After your first real shower (not just the post-spray tan rinse), you should begin to moisturize regularly, one to two times a day to keep your skin hydrated. After the second or third day, you should start moisturizing two to three times per day.”
This might seem like a lotttt of information upfront, but I promise that if you take the time to care for your skin after a spray tan, you’ll enjoy the results for a much longer period of time.
p.s. if you need some tips on how to remove spray tan, check out this post!
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