Lotions To Avoid After A Spray Tan
Spray tans are necessary for some, offering up an easy-to-achieve golden glow no matter the time of the year. The secret to a radiant spray tan is having nourished, moisturized skin.
Moisturizing is important anyway, but even more so in the days leading up to and after the spray tan to help lock in the color and your natural glow.
Not all lotions will preserve your spray tan perfectly, so which lotions should you use?
There are specifically designed lotions made for spray tan maintenance, and these are your best bet for maintaining a perfect, bronzed glow.
What lotions should you avoid after a spray tan?
Lotions with mineral oils, fragrance, exfoliation properties, or added chemicals should be avoided after a spray tan.
Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about post-spray tan lotion.
The Importance Of Moisturizing After A Spray Tan
Moisturizing before your spray tan is vital, as hydrated skin absorbs a spray tan solution much better than dry skin. Your skin needs to continue to be moisturized well after your spray tan.
Spray tans work using an ingredient called DHA. This chemical reacts with the outer dead skin cells, turning them a darker tone.
As our skin continuously replaces cells, it is common for dead skin cells to slough off to make way for fresh, new skin cells. When these dead skin cells shed, so does your spray tan.
To help keep this outer layer of skin cells in place longer, the skin must be moisturized and nourished, and applying lotion continuously after your spray tan will ensure this.
Which Lotions To Avoid
Not all lotions are conducive to keeping a spray tan glowing and long-lasting. Knowing which ingredients and properties to avoid will help you choose the right lotion to use.
The below properties of lotions should be avoided, as they will not give you the proper moisturization and results needed for maintaining a spray tan:
Exfoliation – You absolutely need to avoid a lotion that might cause your skin to exfoliate before it is meant to. Small beads or exfoliating creams should be avoided.
These will remove the top layer of skin cells, and with it, your tan. They can also result in a very patchy spray tan, which is sometimes worse than your spray tan fading altogether.
Mineral oils—Many lotions contain mineral oils, but these oils can strip your skin of a tan. They can also act as a barrier between the spray tan solution and your skin, resulting in streaks, patches, and dark spots.
Fragrances— Lotions containing fragrances are often not great for a spray tan, especially if they contain artificial fragrances, which could contain alcohol.
This will strip your skin of the spray tan, and once again lead to patches and streaks.
Here are some other common ingredients to avoid in lotions:
- Essential oils
- Anti-aging products
- Hair removal products
- Toners
- Retin-a
- Make-up removal products
All these will strip your skin of the tan, instead of providing it with much-needed moisture to ensure it is radiant and long-lasting.
Ingredients To Use In A Lotion
Now that you know what not to look for in a lotion, you should understand which ingredients and properties are beneficial to the maintenance of a spray tan.
- Oil-free
- Shea butter
- Fragrance-free
- Coconut oil
- Aloe-vera
Oil-free and fragrance-free lotions are best to maintain the integrity of the spray tan.
Ingredients such as shea butter, coconut oil, and aloe vera deliver vital, gentle hydration to the skin, keeping it wonderfully nourished and moisturized.
These natural ingredients are also gentle on the skin.
The Best 3 Lotions To Use After A Spray Tan
These three lotions are your best bet for a long-lasting, natural-looking tan. They have everything your skin needs to hold the spray tan, allowing it to look deep, dark, and bronzed.
1. Australian Gold Moisture Lock Tan Extender
For ultimate moisture control and hydration, the Moisture Lock Tan Extender from Australian Gold will be your best friend for spray tan maintenance!
The moisture lock lotion helps to seal in hydration, extending the lifespan of the tan and giving it a glowing, smooth complexion.
The lotion, which contains panthenol and aloe, soothes the skin and conditions it to hold in maximum color.
The included vitamin E also helps to nourish the skin, giving it the ultimate care.
The pump-action bottle is super easy to use, and the lotion glides evenly over the skin, drying quickly to lock in as much moisture as possible.
2. Hemp Nation Moisturizing Tan Extender Lotion
Natural and nurturing to your skin, the Hemp Nation Moisturizing Tan Extender Lotion is one of the best lotions for newly spray-tanned skin.
With a blend of vanilla, pineapple, and tropical fruit, enzymes and antioxidants help reduce signs of aging, improve skin elasticity, and deeply hydrate the skin, keeping it silky smooth and soft.
Pure hemp seed oil provides the skin with ultimate hydration, using the perfect balance of amino acids and essential fatty acids.
Shea butter, jojoba, and glycerin work together to lock down moisture, while a supercharged vitamin E and B5 fusion helps protect against aging.
To perfect the look of the skin even further, soft-focus microspheres scatter light on the skin to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
This is a do-it-all lotion that will give your skin much-needed hydration and make it look as youthful as possible.
3. Skinerals Tanner Extender Lotion
Skinerals is known for producing some of the gentlest products in the self-tanning and spray tanning industry, so you really can’t go wrong with their caring and soothing tan extender lotion.
The Skinerals Tanner Extender Lotion helps to extend the lifespan of both self-tanners and spray tans.
It can be used on both the face and the body, to complement the new tan color and to combat dryness.
The lotion uses safe, natural and organic ingredients over non-organic wherever possible, and is cruelty-free, paraben-free, sulfate-free and vegan.
Fruit and plant extracts, an essential oil blend, natural plant-based oils, and other caring ingredients leave the skin soothed, fresh, and perfectly toned.
Its slight color helps to enhance your spray tan color between applications.
Skinerals believe in natural skin science, and with their lotion, your spray tan will be left in the best condition possible, with a beautifully radiant glow, a smooth shine and healthier than ever before with regular use.
Related Questions
Can I use a lotion straight after a spray tan?
It is best to wait 12 hours after a spray tan before applying your first bit of lotion.
Using lotion too soon, especially within the first 8 hours, can disrupt the development of the spray tan, causing it to not adhere properly and tan unevenly across the body.
Applying lotion too early can result in streaks, patches, and lighter areas, leaving your tan looking unnatural.
What should I avoid after my spray tan?
You should not use a few things after a spray tan. These include oils, deodorants, perfumes, tight clothing, and soaps.
These could interfere with the spray tan product and completely ruin your developing tan.
Can I shower after a spray tan?
For a dark, rich color, you should shower 8 hours after your spray tan. If you want a lighter tan, you can shower earlier. Just avoid using any soaps or body gels in the shower.
Remember that the spray tan might contain a bronzer, which could make your tan appear darker than it is. This bronzer will be washed off after your first shower.
Can I use coconut oil as a moisturizer?
Coconut oil is a great moisturizer. It is natural and very caring to the skin. It will leave your skin hydrated, nourished, and rejuvenated.
It will hold your spray tan color for longer and, with repeated use, help it fade evenly.
How often can I spray tan?
The number of times you spray tan will depend on your skin type and how well you maintain your tan.
Generally, to keep a consistent glow, aim to spray tan 2–3 times per month.
If you plan to tan that frequently, be sure to choose a salon that uses high-quality products and provides the proper skin protection to avoid dryness and damage.
Lotions To Avoid For Spray Tans
While there are many lotions to avoid after a spray tan, some are absolutely perfect for maintaining your tanned glow.
Natural is always best, so whenever possible, opt for a lotion with organic and natural ingredients instead of ones with harsh chemicals.
Use your lotion daily, or even twice a day, especially after showering, to lock in moisture and keep your spray tan looking golden, radiant, and flawless.
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