Whether you like to maintain a tan year-round or only in the summertime, there are various ways to get a sun-kissed look. The sun’s rays can be dangerous and pose a risk to your health due to UV exposure, and tanning beds could lead to cancer. Self-tanner and spray tans are the greatest ways to add color to your skin tone without hurting yourself in the long run. You should also know the best lotions after spray tan sessions.
Spray tanning doesn't need much maintenance, but certain products can help keep you glowing. For example, you need to know the best lotions to use after spray tan sessions to keep your skin hydrated and healthy. You should also avoid certain ingredients in your products. Watch out for artificial fragrances and essential oils that irritate your skin. Hair removal and anti-aging products are also not a good idea while your spray tan sets in. It's best to avoid using lotion until after your first shower to avoid smears.
You shouldn't tan in some circumstances, such as when breastfeeding, as your baby might ingest some of the chemicals in tanning lotions or spray tans. Always pay attention to the rules before and after spray tanning. You want to ensure your skin looks healthier and feels softer than ever. Caring for your skin means finding the best lotions after spray tan sessions.
What Are the Best Lotions to Use After a Spray Tan?
The best lotions after spray tan sessions are free of artificial fragrances and don't contain harsh ingredients that can damage your skin. Plenty of daily moisturizers will fit your needs — you should try them to ensure you like them first. Here are a few of the best lotions to use after spray tan sessions to make your skin feel healthier.
1. La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+M Triple Repair Moisturizing Body Cream
La Roche-Posay is the leading body care brand in Europe, and once you use it, it's easy to see why: The moisturizer can repair even the driest skin, making it smooth and healthy. It's allergy-tested and perfect for sensitive skin, so everyone can use the Lipikar Body Lotion without fear. This lotion can be used daily, so you can still rely on it to keep your skin healthy even after the initial spray tan period.
2. SheaMoisture Coconut and Hibiscus Illuminating Body Lotion
This nongreasy moisturizer will leave you with an illuminating glow. It has natural shea butter and coconut oil, making it perfect for almost every skin type. It has a light fragrance that comes from its natural ingredients. This lotion can even your skin tone over time, making it a perfect choice after your first shower following a spray tan.
3. Naturium Bio-Lipid Restoring Body Lotion
This Naturium lotion replenishes your skin barrier to make it soft and smooth. It has a special fragrance-free formula that is nontoxic and cruelty-free. Your skin will absorb this moisturizer quickly and leave you feeling refreshed — and you'll like the look of your skin. The company offers a 30-day money-back guarantee if you don't like the quality of the product. However, this formula is ideal for any skin type, and you’ll love how you look and feel.
4. Maui Babe After Browning Tanning Lotion
You need a moisturizer that can lock in hydration after you've let your tan sit for a few hours. This lotion is great for spray tans because it can help soothe your skin. It hydrates so effectively that you won't need to worry about peeling or flaking, and it's designed to help tans fade more slowly so they last longer. It has a light fragrance and can subtly bronze your skin.
5. Vaseline Intensive Care Body Lotion Cocoa Radiant
This lotion is a great value, as you get three bottles for around the same price as one bottle of the other brands. It boasts 90% more hydration than skin without lotions and is a great daily moisturizer for people on a budget. Even better, the bottle is made of 50% recycled plastic, and the brand aims to create packaging out of 100% recycled plastic in the future.
6. CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion
This moisturizer is specifically for the sensitive skin on your face but can still be used as a body lotion. It's a gentle formula that will give you long-lasting hydration all day. CeraVe's products are developed with dermatologists, so you can be sure that everything from the brand is allergy-tested. It helps restore your skin barrier, which can be a perfect way to fight off irritation.
7. Nivea Fresh Fusion Body Lotion
This breathable lotion leaves you with hydrated skin for 48 hours. It contains vitamins C and E, which will enrich and nourish your skin. It has a floral scent, so use it carefully on your freshly tanned skin. However, it's also paraben and dye-free, made with plant-derived ingredients, so you know what's going onto your skin. Nivea is nearly 100 years old and a leading skin care solutions expert. Its expertise makes this lotion an excellent choice for someone who doesn't mind a slight scent.
8. Aveeno Active Naturals Daily Moisturizing Lotion
This fragrance-free lotion is a great option for anyone looking for a new daily moisturizer. It keeps dry skin moisturized for a full day, and the oatmeal included in the formula will soothe irritated skin. You will see improved hydration within a day. Hydrated skin is protected skin.
9. Hempz Original Lotion
Hempz has various lotions that can provide even more moisture for dry skin, but its original formula is a great place to start if you've never tried it before. It comes in several scents but has no harsh chemicals like many other scented skin care products. Its formula is derived from natural hemp seed oil and boasts dramatic hydration that may leave you surprised at its results. It features vitamins A, C and E to improve and hydrate your skin.
10. Alba Botanica Very Emollient Body Lotion
This lotion is ideal for anyone who wants drastic hydration. It's a cruelty-free option that doesn't feature any harsh ingredients. Alba Botanica is perfect for dry skin, thanks to its natural coconut oil and coconut milk ingredients. The brand features other lotions that focus on healing and protecting your skin. It's also hypoallergenic, so even the most sensitive skin may be able to rely on this lotion for intense hydration.
11. Vivvi & Bloom Face and Body Whip Lotion
Though this lotion is intended for babies, it’s great to use after your spray tan because it’s so gentle. It’s also 96% natural with no added fragrances or toxic substances. Its ingredients are sourced responsibly, so you can wear this lotion guilt-free. It’s perfect for daily use, making it an irreplaceable part of your skin care routine after a spray tan.
12. Palmer’s Cocoa Butter
This moisturizer is great for anyone who likes the light scent of cocoa. Its firming properties tighten your skin naturally, making it ideal for anyone who wants to rid themselves of loose skin gradually. It’s an all-natural lotion from a company that’s been in business for nearly 200 years. Trust Palmer’s when you need deep nourishment and want to support sustainability.
13. Norvell Post Sunless Skin Repairing Body Butter
This product is perfect if you have dry or dull skin following your spray tan. It’s specifically formulated for use after sunless tanning, and its nongreasy feel will make you delighted you picked it up. This product can even extend the length of your spray tan.
10 Best Drugstore Self-Tanners
Sometimes, you may not want to or cannot get a spray tan. Self-tanners work well in giving you the color you want with little investment. Just know that self-tanners take a bit of upkeep, so you may have to reapply them regularly. These are some of the best drugstore self-tanners you can get for a decent price. You may find your new favorite way to tan.
1. Bondi Sands Aero Self-Tanning Foam
Bondi Sands Aero is a foam that will leave your tan looking richer than ever. It has an ultrafast drying formula, so you won't have to wait as long for your tan to sink in. You only have to wait six hours before you shower with this formula, and it comes in various shades for anyone who wants to experiment with how dark or light their perfect tan could be.
2. Banana Boat Summer Color Self-Tanning Lotion
This tanning lotion is perfect for all skin tones and promises a quick dry. It's streak- and oil-free, meaning you won't be left with any odd-feeling residue after you use it. Reviewers note that they rely on this brand and keep returning to it because it leaves no streaks or smudges. You can apply it several times for a deeper tan, and the formula is tinted so you can see where you've already used it.
3. Jergens Natural Glow Self-Tanning Daily Moisturizer
This product is a moisturizer and self-tanner in one. It adds color over time, so you won't notice it after one application. It can also reduce the appearance of cellulite, and your skin will have a healthy glow as a result of use. It has a light scent, nothing like some other self-tanners smell.
4. Sun Bum Browning Lotion
Sun Bum is well-known for having mineral sunscreen that works wonderfully to protect people against the sun's rays. It also has a tanning lotion for sensitive skin that's water-resistant and won't harm coral reefs. You have to put sunscreen on before the tanning process begins. You must be out in the sun for Sun Bum's Browning Lotion to work effectively, but you can still try it without the sunlight. It stains, so you must wait before sitting on your towel.
5. Australian Gold Instant Sunless Tanning Lotion
Australian Gold has an instant and gradual option for self-tanner, depending on your preferences. This product works for all skin types, hydrates and fights inflammation while helping you achieve the deep tan you want. This lotion is as much a skin care product as a self-tanner, and the brand prioritizes consumers taking care of themselves and achieving the look they want while protecting their skin.
6. L'Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze Tinted Self-Tanning Lotion
This product can give you a natural tan without ever stepping out into the sun. Make sure to cleanse and exfoliate before application if you want your tan to look as natural as possible. Use this product daily to reach the color you want and then reduce to once or twice a week to maintain your tan.
7. Bondi Sands Pure Gradual Tan Milk
This tanning lotion is perfect for all skin tones, especially for people who want a gradual tan over time rather than a drastic change all at once. It prioritizes skin care ingredients that promote hydration and radiance before the tanning element. This formula is perfect for sensitive skin and doesn't have a fragrance. You can use it daily to build up the level of tan you want.
8. Neutrogena MicroMist Airbrush Sunless Tan
This spray self-tanner is great on a budget, as the price includes three bottles. The fine mist will ensure you cover yourself evenly. You don't need to rub it in, and it dries in less than five minutes. Because it's a spray option, you can easily reach areas you wouldn't be able to in lotion form, like your back. This formula won't clog your pores, and it's made with natural ingredients to help you achieve the tan you want.
9. Tanologist Express Tan Self-Tan Water
This mist can sit on your face without needing to be washed off. It's a clear formula, so you don't need to worry about it staining anything. You can use this lightweight product as a primer or a setting spray, as it can also help soften and hydrate your skin while it builds a tan over time. This product is a great addition to your skin care routine if you want to gradually develop color rather than get it all at once.
10. St. Moriz Instant Fast Tanning Mousse
This mousse is perfect for all skin tones, and the product gives a deep bronze color to your skin. It comes with two bottles and features a wash-off guide to help you achieve the perfect color you want. Four to six hours later, you should have a tan without any hassle. Just don't put water on the areas while your tan is developing. You can shower and go about your day as usual after the color has set.
11. Beauty by Earth Self-Tanner Mousse
This mousse comes in different options for all skin tones. It can help you achieve your desired tan within just a few hours, and you can apply it several times to deepen your shade or achieve the desired result. It’s made with clean ingredients and is cruelty-free, and you can even get it in travel size to take it with you on all your adventures.
12. b.tan Darker + Glowy Self-Tanner Kit
The great thing about this self-tanner is that it comes in a kit, which means you get an application mitt to help you spread it over your skin more easily. This product promises no orange tones, just the darker, deeper tan you want. It takes about one hour to develop, but you can leave it on for up to four hours for a darker shade.
13. St. Tropez Self-Tan Express Starter Kit
This starter kit can give you a natural-looking glow in around an hour. It comes in a travel-friendly size that you can take anywhere. Because it’s so quick-drying, it’s perfect for self-tanning beginners who want to try something different from a spray tan. It works with your particular skin tone to create a tan that looks great on you.
How Long After a Spray Tan Can I Shower?
You can shower soon after a spray tan. You'll want to wait about eight hours before showering and having a warm rinse. The longer you wait, the better your tan will develop. Try not to leave the solution on for longer than 24 hours. You can use soap again after a day has passed, when it won't interact negatively with your spray tan. Make sure to pat yourself dry once you're finished, as scrubbing with a towel might smudge or damage your tan.
Incorporate the Best Lotions After Spray Tan Sessions Into Your Routine
You should moisturize daily. Adding hydration to your skin can help repair its barrier while giving it a more youthful look. Creams and lotions can take care of dry skin, which is especially essential when you've just had a spray tan and want to keep your skin moisturized. You’ll also want to limit your shower time to help maintain your color and avoid overdrying.
You'll look and feel healthier when using the right moisturizers, and some of the best drugstore self-tanners can also be incorporated into your skin care routine. You’ll notice an immediate improvement in how your skin looks after using lotion daily for a little while.
The best lotions to use after spray tan sessions are often also some of the most affordable. You don't need to have products with luxurious fragrances or cost a lot to be effective. Simply pick a lotion you think will work with your skin type, and you may find out it's the best moisturizer you've ever used.
Try to incorporate it into your daily routine, even when you're not maintaining a tan. That way, your skin will always look soft and healthy, and you can enjoy the natural glow that comes with it.