Should I put lotion on my face before self tanning?

Author: Prudence Brekke IV  |  Last update: Tuesday, September 9, 2025

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.

Should I moisturize my face before self-tanning?

Moisturize a few hours before applying self-tanner, and not immediately beforehand. Exfoliating is essential for an even, all-over sunless tan, but avoid exfoliating, shaving, or waxing after applying sunless tanner to extend your tan. Moisturize and wear SPF 30 daily to protect both your skin and your tan.

How do I prepare my face for self-tanner?

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.

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.

What lotion to use before self-tanner?

cerave, cetaphil, aveeno, Bondi sands, and Vaseline intensive care cocoa radiant are all good. You could also use a gradual tanning lotion if you want to prolong the fake tan.

I am officially done being a spray tan artist!

Can I moisturize my face before a spray tan?

Also, make sure to moisturize your skin using a product that is alcohol-free, mineral oil free, and petroleum-free (PLEASE no DOVE, Bath and Body Works or Drugstore brands!) no sooner than 8 hours before your spray tan - the more moisturized your skin is, the longer your spray tan will last!

Can you mix self-tanner with lotion for face?

You can mix in moisturizer and certain self-tanners like tanning serums together to reduce blotchiness. However, if you've already applied moisturizer separately beforehand, there's no need to additionally mix the products together.

Should I moisturize my face before tanning bed?

Leading up to the tanning bed session, moisturise your skin daily. Right before your session, exfoliate your skin thoroughly. Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. Check with your doctor first if you are on medication, as certain medications can react with UV.

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 put tanning lotion on your face?

Yes, you can use self-tanner on your face, but should you? That depends on your skin type, the ingredients in the product you're using, and how experienced you are with self-tanning.

How to get the best self-tan results?

Follow these steps:
  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.

Why does fake tan not work on my face?

Because your face is (generally) less covered up than the rest of your body, and if you have a rigorous skincare routine, you might find that the self tan on your face fades quicker than your body.

How long after moisturizer can I fake tan?

Moisturise and exfoliate 24 hours before applying tan for best results. Do not moisturise on the day of tanning. Note: if you are shaving or plan on doing some other form of hair removal, make sure you also do this 24 hours before tan application.

What is the best moisturizer before fake tan?

The Bondi Sands Coconut Body Moisturiser will deeply nourish and hydrate as it's enriched with vitamin E and jojoba, which will leave your skin feeling smooth and radiant. 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.

Can I put lotion on top of a self-tanner?

We want your tan to be 20/10 and unfortunately if moisturiser is applied it can leave blotches, marks and strip the tan in certain spots on the skin. Once you've washed off the colour guide and waited at least 8 hours, you can apply your favourite moisturiser to your entire body.

Should I moisturize before self tanning my face?

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.

Is it better to tan with or without lotion?

The Short Answer is YES!!

Indoor tanning lotions protect and nourish your skin for a better and longer lasting tan. Not only will using them make you reach a glowing color faster and easier, but they will also improve your skin's health overall.

Can I put lotion on my face before a spray tan?

You should definitely moisturize before getting a spray on tan, but not too close to your appointment. Scented products like lotions, creams, perfumes, and even deodorants can affect how your spray tan adheres to your skin.

How do I prepare my face for tanning?

In the same way that you'd prepare your body for tan application 24 hours in advance, you should prepare your face too. A day before tanning, exfoliate with a gentle, oil-free face scrub to smooth away rough, dry patches. Focus on areas that are prone to dryness, like the cheeks and around the nose.

Does moisturized skin tan faster?

Using a lotion moisturises your skin increasing tanning results by 60%. Dry skin reflects UV rays making the tanning process longer if you do not have hydrated skin. Healthy glowing skin A lotion will help increase skin hydration which will prevent a dry and dull complexion.

How to avoid bunny tail in tanning bed?

☀️Tanning Tip Tuesday☀️ How to avoid the “bunny tail” or white spots on lower back or under your arms or sides: ✅ when using a lay down bed always reposition your body every few minutes to achieve an even tan. Switch from side to side and rest your arms behind your head .

How do you tan your face with self-tanner?

Rub a small amount over your face in gentle, circular movements using an Application Mitt. To really nail that natural look, grab a blending brush and buff the product into your skin. Pay extra attention to the area around your hairline and jaw where harsh lines could appear.

Can I self tan two days in a row?

As for when you can repeat this process, typically you can use self-tanner every day or every other day until you reach your desired level of color and then once or twice a week to help maintain the results.

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