Should I put lotion on before I self-tan?

Author: Kavon Hill  |  Last update: Thursday, November 6, 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.

Do you put lotion on before self tanning?

5. Moisturize just before tanning. Fake tan can often cling to very dry areas, so make sure that your skin is well-hydrated. Use a moisturizer every day in the week leading up to tan application, then moisturize very dry areas, such as elbows, knees, ankles, feet and hands, 2 to 3 hours before tanning.

Is it better to put lotion on before tanning?

you definitely want to use a tanning lotion prior to tanning! moisturized skin holds a tan for much longer. if you do not use lotion, the rays will bounce off your skin instead of absorbing it! After tanning, lotion is called tan extenders.

How do I prepare my skin for self-tanner?

The exact way to prepare for a self tan is to remove unwanted hair, shower with a natural/organic soap and exfoliate at least a few hours before applying a self tan product. In doing these things beforehand you are preventing clogged pores, the correct skin PH level and a wax taking off your new sunless tan.

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.

Sunless Tanning Tips | All the Details | MsGoldgirl

How soon after moisturising can I fake tan?

If you can, wait at least an hour before applying your self tan so you give your moisturiser enough time to really get to work on your skin.

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.

What to do before applying fake tan?

Right before tanning, cleansing the skin will create a smooth base that allows the fake tan to adhere evenly. The key is to avoid anything too oily, lather up with Kiehl's Bath and Shower Liquid Body Cleanser, formulated with aloe vera and hydrolyzed wheat proteins, it softens and gently cleanses the skin.

Is it better to put self-tanner on clean or dirty skin?

Before applying self-tanner, it's important to prep your skin adequately. A key step to an excellent faux tan (that lasts!) is exfoliation. "Before applying faux tanner, your skin should be completely clean, dry, and exfoliated to remove any dead, dry skin," says Samantha Magill of Tournesol Beauty.

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 happens if you don't moisturize before tanning?

Moisturizing creates a smooth, hydrated base that helps your self-tanner glide on evenly. Without it, dry areas of your body—like elbows, knees, and ankles—soak up more product, leaving you with darker, blotchy areas.

Do you tan faster with or without lotion?

Lotion is 🗝 KEY!

Without a lotion, this can take up to 3 minutes, meaning that both sunbathing and on a sunbed you are wasting tanning time. Lotion helps to moisturise skin, speed up the tanning process, protect tattoos, lengthen the life of your tan, deepen future results and work as an anti-ageing skincare hero.

Can I mix self-tanner with moisturizer?

Do: Mix in some moisturizer. This is our best trick. If you use one pump tanner, one pump moisturizer your chances of being orange and blotchy are very slim. Mixing in moisturizer creates a more subtle glow, which after a few applications, will amount to your perfect tan!

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).

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.

Should I put lotion on before applying self-tanner?

4. 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.

How do I get the best results from self-tanner?

How to apply self-tanner
  1. Exfoliate. Use a washcloth to exfoliate the skin prior to applying a self-tanner. ...
  2. Dry your skin. ...
  3. Apply in sections. ...
  4. Wash your hands after each section. ...
  5. Blend at your wrists and ankles. ...
  6. Dilute over your joints. ...
  7. Give your skin time to dry. ...
  8. Apply sunscreen every day.

Can I shave right before self-tanning?

One crucial step in this preparation is timing your shaving routine just right. If you're wondering when the optimal time is to shave before applying self-tanner, we suggest aiming for approximately 24 hours before.

Should you moisturise then 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.

What not to do while fake tanning?

Don't Wear Tight Clothing Immediately: Tight clothing can rub against freshly applied fake tan and cause streaking or smudging. Opt for loose, breathable clothing until your tan has fully dried and developed. Don't Forget SPF: Fake tan does not provide protection against harmful UV rays.

How to prep skin for fake tan?

How to Prepare Your Skin for a Fake Tan
  1. Exfoliate.
  2. Cleanse skin.
  3. Moisturise.
  4. Vaseline or barrier cream to the hairline and eyebrows.

How long should I wait to put clothes on after self tanning?

A: I usually put this on before going to bed at night. I'll wait around 15 minutes before getting dressed. Even after it dries, I wear a long sleeve pajama top and bottoms, as well as socks, to keep from staining my white bed sheets.

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.

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