Should I moisturize before fake tan?

Author: Tania Nikolaus Jr.  |  Last update: Sunday, June 22, 2025

Apply Moisturizer Before Tanner After exfoliating your body, continue the prepping process by applying a moisturizer. You shouldn't apply self-tanner without moisturizing first, because skipping out on this prep step could potentially leave you with patchy color — this goes for your face and the rest of your body.

Should I moisturize before or after self tan?

It's always a good idea to moisturize before applying self tanner. Dry skin tends to absorb excess tan, which can leave you with a patchy color. It's important to make sure your skin is well-hydrated before self tanning so that you can enjoy an even radiant glow.

How do I prep my skin before fake tan?

How to Properly Prep your Skin for Self-Tanning
  • Shower with plain water (no less than four hours prior to your tan), shave and exfoliate.
  • You want to make sure that you schedule any waxing, facial, nail appointments, etc.
  • Come to your spray tan session or prior to self-tanning with clean, dry skin.

Can you put fake tan on top of moisturizer?

You can also just add the body self tanner to your moisturizer! This is what I do. My understanding is that the skin on your face soaks up the fake tan more easily so you can quickly go darker on your face than your body. Diluting it will moisturizer will help.

Does moisturizing help fake tan last longer?

Yes! Moisturising is key to a long-lasting, streak-free tan. Moisturise daily post-tanning to lock in hydration and leave your skin buttery smooth.

Moisturizing Before Self Tanning

Should I moisturize before a spray tan?

Moisturise heavily the evening prior to your appointment to rehydrate your skin. Applying extra attention to any dry areas. This will be the last time you use moisturiser until 24 hours after your spray tan appointment. DO NOT use moisturiser on your skin again prior to your spray tan appointment.

How to get the darkest fake tan?

If you leave the spray tan on for longer than 2 hours before showering it will simply develop further and achieve a deeper, darker tan.

What moisturizer is best before fake tan?

Use an oil free moisturiser to make sure that it doesn't create a barrier to the fake tan. If you have fair hair and eyebrows prevent them from being stained by by applying a little Vaseline or any other barrier cream to the hairline and the eyebrows.

What not to do after fake tanning?

AFTER THE TAN

Shower lightly in cold – lukewarm water for 45 seconds ONLY after your desired development time. Use plain water, don't use shower gels, scrubs, shampoos or loofah during the first 24 hours after your treatment. Pat your skin dry. Do not rub or scrub your skin.

How to make fake tan develop faster?

Use a hairdryer. Once you have the perfect coverage, grab your hairdryer to help it set. Be sure it's blowing cool air and move it along your body. Not only will this help the solution dry faster, but it'll also help to kick the tanning development process into overdrive.

What happens if you don't exfoliate before fake tan?

When you apply self-tanner to unexfoliated skin, it can cling to patches of dead skin, resulting in a streaky and uneven tan. Exfoliating before tanning provides a smooth and clean canvas for the tanning product, ensuring that it goes on evenly and adheres to your skin properly.

Should I moisturize before loving tan?

Remember to generously apply moisturiser or lotion liberally to your hands, wrists, ankles and feet minutes before tanning. Once you've finished applying the tan to your body and face with your Loving Tan Deluxe Applicator Mitt, swap your mitt out for a synthetic-haired, fluffy or flat-head buffing makeup brush.

What is the best way to prepare your skin for a spray tan?

How do I prepare my body for a spray tan?
  1. Shave or Wax: If you need to shave or wax, do it at least 24 hours before your spray tan session. ...
  2. Exfoliate: This is the golden rule of spray tanning. ...
  3. Clean Skin: Arrive at your session with completely clean skin.

Do you tan better if you moisturize?

Hydrated skin will not only tan better but will also keep its colour for longer. Moisturise your skin twice daily to prepare your skin for the sunshine and get that long-lasting tan. Dry skin can lead to a peeling and uneven sun tan and so is effectively the enemy.

Does fake tan still develop after a shower?

If you showered after just a few hours, you might notice your skin is not as tanned as you'd expected. Don't fret! Your colour will continue to develop and darken for a few hours (and a spray tan takes up to 24 hours to develop fully).

Is it bad to moisturise before fake tanning?

Moisturise before fake tan

Avoid using a moisturiser on the day of tanning as this can cause a barrier which affects how the tan absorbs. Instead, only moisturise dry areas such as elbows, knees, ankles and hands. This will prevent the tan from clinging and appearing darker giving a more natural look.

How to prep skin for fake tan?

Here's the ultimate five-step skin prep routine that will majorly improve your fake tan game.
  1. STEP ONE: EXFOLIATE. We all want our fake tan to look believable, but the most tell-tale sign of an at-home job is patchiness. ...
  2. STEP TWO: MOISTURISE. ...
  3. STEP THREE: CLEANSE. ...
  4. STEP FOUR: MOISTURISE AGAIN. ...
  5. STEP FIVE: REFRESH.

Can I moisturize before spray tan?

You should definitely moisturize before getting a spray on tan, but not too close to your appointment.

Should I moisturize before gradual tan?

It is essential to use gradual tan products on a sufficiently moisturised skin. As the application of a moisturiser can reduce the fixation of the gradual tan, it is preferable to moisturise the skin the day before.

Can I use Vaseline before fake tan?

Look for self-tanner formulated specifically for sensitive skin or dilute your tanner with lotion. If you have extremely dry patches, you can apply a layer of Vaseline before your tanner.

Should you moisturize before bed?

Best Time To Use Moisturizer

Moisturizer is a vital step in both your morning and night skincare routines. Applying it before bed is particularly important as your skin enters repair mode at night.

What ruins fake tan?

As sweat is acidic, it can cause self tan to break down when left to sit on the skin.

Do you look skinnier with a tan?

Similarly to how dark clothes can help you look slim, a tan can bring definition to the body, helping you look and feel thinner. Areas of the body that you tend to worry over and feel self-conscious of can become more defined with a spray tan and help you to look your very best.

What is the best fake tan for pale skin?

Best fake tans for pale skin
  • Kiko Milano Self Tan Mousse. ...
  • ICONIC London Prep Set Tan Mousse. ...
  • Loving Tan 2 HR Express Tanning Mousse. ...
  • Tan-Luxe The Future Airbrush 360 Self-Tan Mist. ...
  • Isle of Paradise Self Tanning Water. ...
  • Dove DermaSpa Summer Revived. ...
  • St Moriz Illuminating Gradual Tanning Lotion.

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