Finally looking at your incredible new sunless tan in the mirror has to be one of the best moments out there, reveling in your new goddess-like glow. The problem though is that spray tans and other sunless tanning methods are not permanent, so that radiant tone will fade pretty 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 extend the life of your tan.
What Are Tan Extending Body Washes?
Just like sunless tanning products themselves, tan extending body washes come in different forms. They have been created specifically to be used after a spray tan or self-tan, to ensure that 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.
The other way that tan extending body washes help to keep your tan around for longer is by containing small amounts of DHA. DHA is the ingredient in sunless tanning products which react with the outer layer of skin cells to darken them, causing the 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 are wanting to make the most out of your tan, keeping you looking deliciously golden for longer.
- Tan extending body washes help hold your tan for longer, meaning that you will not 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 great for your tan, but it is important for overall skin health as well.
- It is an alternative to other body washes and gels that might actually strip your skin of a tan. So to be safe, you know 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 soaps or washes.
- Tan extending body washes also usually have an incredibly fresh scent, and who can say no to smelling amazing while flaunting off a beautiful tan?
When Should You Use A Tan Extending Body Wash
After a spray tan, you should avoid getting your skin wet for at least 8 hours. After this, you should rinse off 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 you can use to help keep your tan glowing and golden for longer, by just washing with them in the shower!
1. Norvell Post Sunless pH Balancing Cleanser
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Norvell has created this post sunless cleanser to stop you 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 will help recharge and refresh your skin without running the risk of 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 such a great option for tanned skin is that it is free from soap, parabens, phthalates, sulfates and synthetic fragrances that can irritate the skin and cause a disruption with the skins natural pH.
Helping to hold the tan longer, the body wash is rich in moisturizers and essential extracts, leaving your skin pH balanced perfectly for the 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 to give your tan everything it needs to truly glow!
2. Devoted Creations Head To Glow Tan Extending Body Wash
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This in-shower body wash is everything you might need to enhance your tan for an extended period of time.
This tan extending body wash from Devoted Creations is made with an innovative cashmere blend that works with the skins natural moisture to help maximize hydration in the skin, still giving the skin a breathable moisture barrier.
A healthy dose of vitamin E from the body wash keeps the skin smooth and helps to prevent against cracking and dry skin, all while blocking free radicals, which goes a long way to promote youthful, healthy-looking skin.
The cocoa butter in the body wash also helps to hydrate the skin with superior moisture and provides the skin with immediate and long-term moisture to make the most out of your tan.
The easy pump action body wash is perfect to keep 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
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This tan extending body wash not only helps you to protect your sunless tan, but it helps your skin perfect the bronzed color as well.
Free from sulfates and parabens, this sunless body wash gently cleanses the skin and does not strip away any of the colors from the skin.
The added aloe vera helps to soothe and moisturize the skin, which helps promote a longer-lasting color than normal. Honey and banana extracts also do their bit to soothe and hydrate the skin in the most caring of ways as well.
With a fresh and sunny fragrance, this gentle body wash is caring but effective.
The body wash actually forms part of a three-step system, with the first being a primer used to prep the skin, the second lotion being used to develop the darkest color possible, and this third step 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 the most professional-looking tan that will be worth all the preparation and effort spent on having your sunless tan done!
4. Hempz Triple Moisture Herbal Whipped Crème Body Wash
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Made with only 100% vegan ingredients, you will not find a body wash that is more caring and gentle towards your skin.
Fortified with natural ingredients which are chemical-free, this body wash is sulfate-free and gluten-free. It has been created and enriched with a moisture system packed with many different natural elements, which give the skin 24-hour hydration.
Yangu oil included in the formula is the front driver for the natural hydration giving to the skin, allowing the tan to stay fresh-looking and even on the skin.
The body wash has been created with ingredients that are rich in antioxidants and fatty acids, resulting in a firmer skin tone, and youthful-looking skin.
The best part is that it can be used for both women and men, with the scent being that of natural hemp seed oil, some 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 the best possible results!
5. OGX Extra Creamy Coconut Miracle
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Being sulfate-free is one of the most important boxes to tick for a good tan extending body wash, and along with other great properties, this coconut miracle body cleanser has all the boxes ticked!
The coconut oil, the essence of tiare and extract of vanilla bean help to create an ultimate hydrating blend which helps to restore moisture to the skin in the most caring of ways.
A rich and creamy tropical blend based on coconut oil gives you the most amazing experience in the shower, with fresh scents and 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, you should use this creamy body wash every day, helping to keep your skin nourished, hydrated and glowing.
Caring For Your Skin
Preparing For Your Tan
One of the biggest factors that determine the lifespan of your spray tan is how you prepare your skin for the spray tan. Unprepared skin will definitely not hold a spray tan for long, and will probably result in you having 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 could cause your tan to fade quicker. 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 needs time to develop, and there is a chance it could 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 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 look of your tan and will help protect your skin to prolong the life of the tan.
- Do not shave or wax after your tan, as this could 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 to extend the life of your spray tan after the application
- Try and 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 allows the tan to fade more evenly over time as well.
Related Questions
Can I use a moisturizer after a spray tan?
It is highly recommended that you do use a moisturizer after a spray tan, but you should avoid doing so until after your first shower. Applying moisturizer before this could interfere with the reaction of the spray tan 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 how long you wait to shower 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 at 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 a long-lasting, radiant tan is a tan extending body wash. To make this even more effective, you can also use tan extending body lotion daily. This will help to keep your tan deep, dark and rich in color while giving your skin 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 wash lotions. It is the best thing you can do for your skin after a gorgeous spray tan!
