5 Best Tan Extending Body Washes
Finally, looking at your incredible new sunless tan in the mirror has to be one of the best moments, reveling in your new queen-like glow.
The problem, though, is that spray tans and other sunless tanning methods are not permanent so that the radiant tone will fade fairly quickly.
Is there a way to make your sunless tan last longer?
There most definitely is! Help comes in the form of tan-extending body washes, which can be used daily or on alternate days to prolong the life of your tan.
Stick with us as we explore how these new products work and how they can help you maximize the benefits of your beautiful, bronze tan.
What Are Tan Extending Body Washes?
Just like sunless tanning products themselves, tan-extending body washes come in different forms. They have been specifically created to be used after a spray tan or self-tan, ensuring the tan stays darker for longer.
While all can be used in the shower, there are two different ways that a tan extending body wash can help you keep your tan for longer.
The first is by providing your skin with essential hydration that helps nourish the skin. Hydrated skin holds onto a spray tan much longer than dry skin.
The extra hydration stops the skin from drying out and also ensures the skin cells holding the tan do not dry out and shed as quickly. Hydrating and moisturizing your skin after a spray tan is so important.
Another way tanning extends the life of body washes is by containing small amounts of DHA.
DHA is the ingredient in sunless tanning products that reacts with the outer layer of skin cells to darken them, resulting in a tanned appearance.
With small amounts of DHA in the tan extending body wash, your skin will be kept a darker shade for longer.
Why You Should Use A Tan-Extending Body Wash
Using a tan extending body wash is an absolute must if you want to make the most out of your tan, keeping you looking deliciously golden for longer.
- Tan-extending body washes help maintain your tan for longer, meaning you won’t have to visit the tanning salon or reapply your self-tan at home as often.
- Your skin will be kept wonderfully hydrated when using a tan-extending body wash. Not only is this beneficial for your tan, but it is also essential for overall skin health.
- It is an alternative to other body washes and gels that might strip your skin of a tan. So, to be safe, you know that a tan-extending body wash will only do good for your tan.
- A tan extending body wash also helps to clean your skin after each wash, saving you from using any other form of soap or wash.
- Tan extending body washes also usually have an incredibly fresh scent, and who can say no to smelling amazing while flaunting a beautiful tan?
When Should You Use A Tan-Extending Body Wash
After a spray tan, it is recommended to avoid getting your skin wet for at least 8 hours. After this, rinse your skin under a lukewarm shower.
The next day, you can start using your tan-extending body wash. You can either choose to use it daily or alternate it by using a moisturizing cream one day and then a tan-extending body wash the next day.
You should use a tan extending body wash throughout the lifespan of your sunless tan. It will not make your tan last forever, but it will help it fade more evenly for when it is time to reapply.
The Best Tan-Extending Body Washes
Here are the best tan-extending body washes that can help keep your tan glowing and golden for longer, simply by washing with them in the shower.
1. Norvell Post Sunless pH Balancing Cleanser
Norvell has created this post-sun cleanser to stop you from using any tan-sabotaging soaps that might strip the tan from your body!
Instead, this body cleanser will bring out the radiance of your sunless tan.
Free from sulfates, this body-balancing and color-optimizing body wash helps recharge and refresh your skin without risking your tan fading.
With a sweet and warm vanilla scent, the cleanser is an absolute pleasure to use and will leave your skin with a sugar-kissed scent.
What makes this an excellent option for tanned skin is that it is free from soap, parabens, phthalates, sulfates, and synthetic fragrances that can irritate the skin and disrupt the skin’s natural pH balance.
Helping to hold the tan longer, this body wash is rich in moisturizers and essential extracts, leaving your skin perfectly pH-balanced for a sunless tan.
It will not strip the skin of natural lipids and will keep the bronzed look of your skin around for longer.
Being travel-size, this is the ideal accessory to carry around and give your tan everything it needs to glow truly!
2. Devoted Creations Head To Glow Tan Extending Body Wash
This in-shower body wash is everything you need to enhance your tan for an extended period.
This tan-extending body wash from Devoted Creations is made with an innovative cashmere blend that works with the skin’s natural moisture to help maximize hydration, while still providing a breathable moisture barrier.
A healthy dose of vitamin E from the body wash helps keep the skin smooth, prevents cracking and dryness, and blocks free radicals, all while promoting a youthful, healthy-looking appearance.
The cocoa butter in the body wash also helps to hydrate the skin with superior moisture, providing the skin with both immediate and long-term benefits to make the most out of your tan.
The easy-pump action body wash is perfect for keeping in your shower and is easy enough to use to ensure a long-lasting tan that keeps your skin beautifully healthy as well.
3. California Tan Sunless Body Wash
This tan-extending body wash not only helps protect your sunless tan, but it also helps your skin achieve a perfect bronzed color.
Free from sulfates and parabens, this sunless body wash gently cleanses the skin without stripping away its natural color.
The added aloe vera helps to soothe and moisturize the skin, which helps promote a longer-lasting color than usual.
Honey and banana extracts also contribute to soothing and hydrating the skin in a gentle and caring manner.
With a fresh and sunny fragrance, this gentle body wash is caring but effective.
The body wash forms part of a three-step system, with the first step being a primer used to prep the skin, the second step being a lotion used to develop the darkest color possible, and the third step being the body wash used to ultimately prolong the lifespan and enhance the color of the sunless tan.
The California Tan Sunless Body Wash has been specially formulated to deliver a professional-looking tan that is worth all the preparation and effort spent on achieving a sunless tan.
4. Hempz Triple Moisture Herbal Whipped Crème Body Wash
Made with 100% vegan ingredients, you won’t find a body wash that is more caring and gentle for your skin.
Fortified with natural, chemical-free ingredients, this body wash is both sulfate-free and gluten-free.
It has been created and enriched with a moisture system packed with various natural elements, providing the skin with 24-hour hydration.
Yangu oil, included in the formula, is the primary driver of natural hydration, allowing the skin to stay fresh-looking and even-toned.
The body wash has been formulated with ingredients rich in antioxidants and fatty acids, resulting in a firmer skin tone and a more youthful appearance.
The best part is that it can be used by both women and men, with a scent composed of natural hemp seed oil, apple fruit extract, and other natural oils.
Not only will this help extend the lifespan of your tan, but it will keep your skin looking youthful and firm, nurturing it to bring out the best of your skin.
It does all of this while still cleansing and conditioning the skin for optimal results.
5. OGX Extra Creamy Coconut Miracle

Being sulfate-free is one of the most important boxes to tick for a good-tasting body wash, and along with other excellent properties, this coconut miracle body cleanser ticks all the boxes!
The coconut oil, the essence of tiare, and the extract of vanilla bean combine to create an ultimate hydrating blend that restores moisture to the skin in a caring and gentle manner.
A rich and creamy tropical blend, based on coconut oil, provides a fantastic shower experience with fresh scents and a creamy coconut texture.
Being paraben-free and sulfate-free, the body wash is suited for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
To achieve quality skincare and a long-lasting tan, use this creamy body wash daily, helping to keep your skin nourished, hydrated, and radiant.
Caring For Your Skin
Preparing For Your Tan
One of the most significant factors that determines the lifespan of your spray tan is how you prepare your skin for the spray tan. Unprepared skin will not hold a spray tan for long and will likely result in a patchy tan.

Exfoliating the day before in the shower with an exfoliating mitt will remove any excess buildup of product or dead skin cells, which can cause your tan to fade more quickly.
Avoid using lotions, moisturizers, or other heavy creams that will leave a residue when you spray tan. This goes for makeup as well!
During Your Tan
Here are some things to remember when you are having your spray tan done, what to do, and what not to do:
- Wear dark underwear or swimwear
- White garments may become stained from the spray tan
- Many women choose to wear a thong or go topless to avoid tan lines
- All jewelry should be taken off
- Hair should be tied up and off the shoulders
After Your Tan
Once you have completed your spray tan, you can’t just jump into any clothing on hand. The spray tan product requires time to develop, and there is a risk that it may still stain clothing. Here is what you should and should not wear:
- Wear loose-fitting clothes that do not cling to your skin
- Avoid wearing workout clothes, tights, or a sundress
- Wear loose-fitting shoes or flip-flops
- Do not wear bras, socks, or tights
- Lay a towel down onto the leather seats to prevent sweating and to protect your seats
Maintenance
Maintenance and care of your tan in the week or two leading up to your next appointment is vital. It will help enhance the appearance of your tan and protect your skin to prolong its life.
- Avoid shaving or waxing after your tan, as this can strip the color from your skin.
- Do not get your tan wet until enough time has passed for the spray tan to develop.
- Use a tan extender body wash to help hydrate and nourish your skin, extending the life of your spray tan after application.
- Try to avoid saunas, steam rooms, and chlorinated pools for as long as you can, as these can also strip the color from your skin.
- Keep your skin as hydrated as possible by either using a moisturizer or a tan extender daily. Moisturized skin not only holds a tan for longer but also allows the tan to fade more evenly over time.
Related Questions
Can I use a moisturizer after a spray tan?
It is highly recommended that you use a moisturizer after a spray tan, however, it is best to wait until after your first shower.
Applying moisturizer before this could interfere with the spray tan’s reaction and cause streaks and patches.
How can I control the depth of my spray tan?
You will be able to choose your tone at a spray tan salon, but you can also control how dark you want the color to be by waiting a certain amount of time before showering after a spray tan.
Showering after 1-3 hours will result in a light spray tan, 3-5 hours for a medium tan, and 5-8 hours for a deep, rich tan. The tan develops for up to 8 hours after the spray tan has been done.
How should I rinse after a spray tan?
You should avoid scrubbing your skin or using any products during your first shower after your spray tan. Just rinse off with warm water and, using a towel, gently pat your body dry instead of rubbing it dry.
Tan Extending Body Washes
Your answer to achieving a long-lasting, radiant tan is a tan-extending body wash. To make this even more effective, you can also use a tan extending body lotion daily.
This will help keep your tan deep, dark, and rich in color while providing your skin with the best hydration and nourishment possible.
Extend your time between spray tan visits and treat your skin to some love and care with one of these great tan-extending body washes and lotions. It is the best thing you can do for your skin after a gorgeous spray tan!
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