How soon after spray tan can I moisturize?

Author: Josephine Kreiger  |  Last update: Friday, August 15, 2025

Only rinse until you see the water is clear, then stop (this should only take a few minutes) - and pat dry. DO NOT MOISTURIZE UNTIL THE TAN HAS TOTALLY DEVELOPED. We recommend you wait at least 12 hours after receiving your tan, before moisturizing to ensure it has fully developed.

Does moisturizing help fake tan last longer?

Moisturising is the best way to extend that tan's stay on your skin, locking in colour and maintaining your skin's hydration to stop any unwanted peeling or flaking. The best way to extend the tan's stay on your skin? It's moisturising after your tan.

Can I put Aquaphor on after a spray tan?

Aquaphor is used for makeup after a fresh tan.

What shouldn't you do after a spray tan?

One of the crucial don'ts of spray tanning is bathing or swimming right after tanning. When you've had newly-tanned skin, you need to avoid making any contact with water, moisture, or even sweat. So, make sure you stay away from showers for the recommended amount of time or until your tan has fully developed and dried.

Can I wait 12 hours to shower after spray tan?

Patience is key when it comes to a spray tan. Give the tanning solution time to work its magic by waiting at least 8-12 hours before showering. Some tans may require longer development periods, so it's essential to follow your technician's specific recommendations.

BEST AT HOME SELF TAN ROUTINE BY A PRO SPRAY TAN ARTIST

Does spray tan continue to develop after washing it off?

Please note: the tan will continue to develop even after the shower, so do not be alarmed if you're not as tanned as you expect to be. The tan will continue to develop over the next 12-24 hours.

Can I wear jeans 12 hours after a spray tan?

How long after a spray tan can I wear tight clothes? While it's tempting to jump back into your skinny jeans or body-hugging dress right after your session, it's best to hold off for a bit. The tan will fully develop and set into your skin after about 24 hours.

How long should I wait to moisturize after a spray tan?

Only rinse until you see the water is clear, then stop (this should only take a few minutes) - and pat dry. DO NOT MOISTURIZE UNTIL THE TAN HAS TOTALLY DEVELOPED. We recommend you wait at least 12 hours after receiving your tan, before moisturizing to ensure it has fully developed. Continue to avoid bar soaps.

What will mess up a spray tan?

Loofahs, washcloths, brushes, and body washes with microbeads are all going to hasten the tan's departure. Your first shower after your spray tan will likely result in a puddle of colored water around your drain, but this is normal. As you leave the shower, make sure to pat yourself dry with the towel, don't rub.

How to get the best results from a spray tan?

Remember, a great spray tan starts with great preparation. So exfoliate, moisturize, dress wisely, and keep your skin product-free on the day of your session. Once you've got your gorgeous glow, take good care of it. Avoid sweating, stay hydrated, moisturize generously, and resist the urge to take hot showers.

What moisturiser is best after a spray tan?

Best moisturizer ingredients to use after a spray tan
  • Mineral oil.
  • Cocoa butter.
  • Shea butter.
  • Glycerin.
  • Hyaluronic acid.
  • Vitamin E.
  • Aloe vera.
  • Coconut oil.

Can I shave 2 hours before spray tan?

Avoid shaving immediately before your spray tan session. Ideally, shave 24 hours prior to allow your skin to recover and avoid any potential irritation. Exfoliate gently: If you're shaving before tanning, gently exfoliate your skin using a mild scrub or exfoliating glove.

What should I sleep in after a spray tan?

Wear loose, dark clothing: Opt for loose-fitting, dark-colored clothing to sleep in after getting a spray tan. Tight clothing can rub against your skin and cause the tan to rub off unevenly. Dark clothing will also help to mask any potential smudges or stains that might occur while you sleep.

How long after fake tanning should I moisturize?

The answer is YES, but only after the self tan has fully developed. All Bali Body fake tan's take around 8 hours to fully develop and reach their maximum level of glow. Regardless of when you wash the colour guide off, we highly recommend you don't moisturise until the 8 hour mark.

What lotion to avoid after spray tan?

You must avoid the following ingredients when using a moisturizer: Mineral Oil, Petroleum, Paraffins, Paraffinum Liquidum, Ceresine. Curel lotions will fade a tan faster, on some people. Avoid lotions with a high alcohol content such as CeraVe.

What is the best body wash to use after spray tan?

Dhesthetics has 2 recommended body washes to use in the shower to help preserve your tan. Aveevo Daily Moisturizing body wash or Cetaphil Daily Nourishing body wash. All of these body washes have great ingredients in them that will help to preserve not only your tan, but keep your skin healthy.

Why won't my legs tan but my arms do?

Compared to the rest of the body, skin on the legs does not produce the same amount of melanin, which results in legs getting less tan. Skin on the legs is thicker and harder and the UV light from the sun or sunbeds cannot easily penetrate it.

What not to do the day of a spray tan?

Day of Spray Tan (Pre Care):

Do not apply lotions, creams, or perfumes prior to session. Use deodorant very sparingly, as a harmless green tint can appear when solution and deodorant mix.

How long after a spray tan can I wear a bra?

Wearing tight clothing, including bras with straps that can rub against your skin, can cause the tan to wear off unevenly or even come off in patches. To ensure that your spray tan looks its best and lasts as long as possible, it's generally recommended to wait at least 8-12 hours before wearing a bra.

Do you spray tan naked?

No, you don't have to be naked when you spray tan. While some people prefer to be nude to avoid tan lines, you have the option to wear whatever is most comfortable for you—like a swimsuit or underwear. During your tan, bronzer could transfer to your clothing but don't worry!

What is the best moisturizer to prolong fake tan?

The best moisturiser to prolong fake tan is an oil-free moisturiser like Purity Repair Skin Conditioning Treatment will help keep lock in moisture, and help to keep the skin nourished and hydrated. While also extending the life of your self-tan by up to 48 hours.

How to not smell like spray tan?

Use baby powder. After applying your sunless tanning product, dust a little baby powder on your skin to help absorb and limit odour.

What is the best self tanner?

After extensive testing, we determined the highest rated self-tanner to be the St. Tropez Self Tan Express Bronzing Mousse. It's an airy mousse that's easy to apply and blend and leaves you with a natural-looking glow. You can also customize the depth of color based on how long you leave it on your skin.

When to moisturize after spray tan?

Many people wonder whether or not moisturizing after a spray tan is a good idea and now you know the facts! Wait to moisturize until after your first shower, only use a moisturizer that's natural, organic, and won't strip your tan, and moisturize twice a day (ideally right after the shower) to lock in max moisture.

What is the best thing to wear after a spray tan?

WEAR LOOSE-FITTING CLOTHING

After your tan, you should wear loose-fitting clothing so your tan doesn't rub off or look uneven. The perfect outfit is a long, black t-shirt dress and sandals. You'll want to avoid wearing anything tight, like jeans, leggings, yoga pants, socks, or sneakers.

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