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In this post, I’m sharing the absolute best moisturizer for spray tan. I’ve also included advice on why moisturizer and spray tans go hand-in-hand!
A spray tan is a wonderful sunless tanning solution, giving your skin the bronze glow you want without any sun damage (or tan lines!).
To prolong the life of your spray tan, you’ll need to follow a few easy steps.
One of the best ways to keep your new spray tan intact is to use a high-quality moisturizer. With that being said, not all moisturizers are made the same.
Ensure the best results with some of my top moisturizer picks! These products are nothing short of dreamy, with options for all skin types, including severely dry and sensitive skin. The formulas range from sheer serums to thick lotions for all of your moisturizing needs.
You can also use these incredible moisturizers for at-home self-tanning. And, if you’re looking for the best self-tanner products, I have the coupon code for you!
Get 15% off Coco and Eve using this link and my Coco and Eve discount code LORNA15.
Use my discount code for any of my favorite Coco and Eve self-tanning products, including:
Each of these products are tried and true for the best self-tanning experience. The tanner gives me the perfect summer glow without any scent. Plus, it can be washed off in just a few hours, depending on how dark you’d like your tan.
But without further ado, let’s dig into the best moisturizer for spray tan, along with some practical knowledge to help you along the way!
Why is Moisturizer Important for a Spray Tan?
Using a high-quality moisturizer is very important when you’re getting a spray tan. Dry or dehydrated skin can cause an uneven tan. The tan settles into fine lines and appears darker on dry patches and dead skin cells.
By using a good moisturizer on your entire body as part of your regular skincare routine, you’re protecting your skin’s natural moisture barrier; this will improve the overall look of your tan!
Moisturizer is a necessary step to preserve the life of your tan. Unhealthy skin will cause your spray tan to fade fast. A little moisturizer can go a long way in keeping your tan lasting and glowing. Wearing the right clothes to bed after your tan will also help maintain your tan. See all my top tips here.
Also, it’s worth noting that I generally prefer tan lotion over tanning spray, but all these products work with both beautifully!
Should You Moisturize Before or After a Spray Tan?
You should absolutely moisturize both before and after your spray tan appointment. There are, however, a few guidelines you should follow before you break out the lotion.
Before your spray tan, make sure you’ve been moisturizing your body regularly. Prior to your spray tan session, avoid applying thick lotions or creams too close to the appointment. This could affect the way the spray tan sticks to your skin!
General spray tan tips include avoiding perfume, creams, and even deodorant for a flawless finish.
You should also moisturize after your spray tan, though not until after your first shower. Depending on the spray tan, or self-tanning products, you can take a quick shower after your tan has developed, anywhere from 3-24 hours after your tan.
Use a gentle body wash in the shower, avoiding strong bar soaps that can cause streaking. After, pat your body dry and use one of the best moisturizers for a spray tan! This process is your surest bet for a long-lasting spray tan.
11 Best Moisturizers for Spray Tan
Ready to explore the very best moisturizers for your spray tan? I’ve included 11 of my favorite moisturizers featuring natural ingredients, nourishing additives, and options for all skin types.
1. Nécessaire | The Body Lotion
The Nécessaire The Body Lotion is one of the best lotions for following up from a gradual tanner. Want to try it for yourself? Use code LORNA10 for 10% off this amazing moisturizer.
It’s filled with key ingredients, including vitamin E and jojoba seed oil, for deep moisture and skin-firming properties.
It’s also free of irritating or harmful ingredients like artificial fragrances and mineral oil.
2. Nécessaire | The Body Serum
If you’re looking for a lighter formula, the Nécessaire The Body Serum is the product for you. It includes powerhouse skincare ingredients, including hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and ceramide NP.
Though these names may sound fancy, they simply provide an intense boost of moisture to your skin, limiting moisture loss and strengthening your skin’s moisture barrier.
Use this serum as part of your self-tan care, and don’t forget to use code LORNA10 for 10% off!
3. OUAI | St. Barts Moisturizing Body Cream
The OUAI St. Barts Moisturizing Body Cream has a thick, buttery texture that provides deep moisture and renewal to your skin.
Vegan, cruelty-free, and great for ultra-dry skin, this is one of the very best moisturizers for spray tan.
The formula includes nourishing cupuacu butter, natural coconut oil, and squalene for added antioxidants.
4. First Aid Beauty | Ultra Repair Cream
The First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream is one of the most popular moisturizers on the market – and for good reason.
This product is budget-friendly, award-winning, and provides deep hydration to even the driest of skin.
The formula is thick and rich, while also absorbing fast into your skin. This makes it perfect for spray tan prep, maintenance, and more.
It’s also non-greasy, suitable for all skin types, and extremely comfortable on the skin.
I love the addition of shea butter in the ingredients. It’s filled with essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals to help protect your skin barrier.
5. Sol de Janeiro | Beija Flor Elasti-Cream
After using gradual tanning lotion or getting a spray tan, follow up with this Sol de Janeiro Beija Flor Elasti-Cream.
The floral scent is light like spring flowers.
The real star of this moisturizer is the formula – it’s infused with collagen, amino acids, and squalene for ultimate moisture, boosted elasticity, and a plumping effect.
The main ingredient of cacay oil provides a gentle retinol alternative, which is great for spray tan prep. It promotes skin cell turnover for smooth, healthy skin.
Meanwhile, the key ingredient, plant-based collagen, gives anti-aging power to your skincare, firming your skin.
6. Saint Jane Beauty | Hydrabloom Body Silk
The Saint Jane Hydrabloom Body Silk is unmatched in nourishment, deeply hydrating your skin while also targeting dry patches, dullness, and loss of tone. Use code LORNA15 for 15% off all Saint Jane products.
With a luxurious formula, this lotion truly feels like silk on the skin. The beneficial ingredients include hyaluronic acid, green tea, wild chamomile, and sea flower complex.
Use this product to provide silky, lasting hydration to your skin in the days leading up to your spray tan.
7. Moroccanoil | Night Body Serum
This Moroccanoil Night Body Serum is so deeply nourishing it’s a great choice to apply overnight before your spray tan. Just make sure to thoroughly wash off any residue in the morning!
The formula is lightweight, targeting dryness, dullness, uneven texture, and loss of skin elasticity.
Ingredients include firming argan and Tsubaki oils, holy basil extract, and smoothing vitamin C.
I love using this overnight serum as a skin treatment because it gives real results! Add it to your skincare regimen for glowing, healthy skin.
8. Sol de Janeiro | Bum Bum Firmeza Firming & Debloating Body Oil
The Sol de Janeiro Bum Bum Firmeza Firming & Debloating Body Oil is packed full of super ingredients like Brazilian olive oil, guarana caffeine, and microalgae extract.
The results are firming and nourishing while decreasing feelings of bloating and puffiness in the skin.
If you’re sensitive to fragrance, I’d stay clear of this body oil. But if you don’t mind scented products, this scent combination of salted caramel and pistachio smells practically edible! I absolutely LOVE the smell of all Sol de Janerio products. They transport me to the beach instantly.
9. Sol de Janeiro | Brazilian Bum Bum Body Cream
The Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Body Cream is a cult-classic product for a reason. Like its sister body oil, Brazilian Bum Bum Cream smells warm and confectionary with vanilla, salted caramel, and pistachio.
The formula is thick and creamy, with a tightening, smoothing effect.
Fatty acids from cupuaçu butter provide moisture and elasticity to the skin. Acai oil is filled with antioxidants for anti-aging effects. Guaraná smooths and tightens your skin.
Finally, coconut oil and shea butter provide lasting moisture and conditioning.
10. Moroccanoil | Body Lotion
It’s a good idea to follow up any tan lotion or spray tan with a moisturizing product like Moroccanoil Body Lotion (after your first shower, of course).
The formula is lightweight and combines argan oil, aloe vera leaf extract, and Tsubaki oil for moisturized strengthened skin.
11. TATCHA | Forest Awakening Cedar & Hinoki Body Milk
The TATCHA Forest Awakening Cedar & Hinoki Body Milk calms dry skin with incredible ingredients like squalene, peach tree leaf extract, and a stress-relieving blend of essential oils.
Body milk is an excellent choice for following up a spray tan, giving your skin deep moisture. This is a newer product from the award winning skincare brand, Tatcha.
Final Thoughts: The Best Moisturizer for Spray Tan
That rounds off my thoughts on the best moisturizer for spray tan. Of course, I couldn’t pick just one. All of these moisturizers are kind to the skin and can help keep your spray tan lasting and glowy!
Wearing the right clothes after tanning is so important, see all my top tips here. See more about my favorite tanning lotion here.
If you have any more questions about spray tans, skincare, or all things beauty, please reach out via Instagram or email. I’d love to help!
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