Should you moisturize before self-tanning?

Author: Prof. Eden Spinka  |  Last update: Tuesday, August 26, 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.

Is it better to moisturize before or after fake tanning?

Moisturize First: A hydrated skin ensures your tan looks even and lasts longer. After your self-tanner has completely dried and developed, apply a lightweight moisturizer. It not only makes your tan look more radiant but also creates a smooth base for your makeup.

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.

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.

Moisturizing Before Self Tanning

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 is the best moisturizer before self-tanning?

LOTIONS Avoid any oils or lotions that use mineral oil (petroleum), baby oil, coconut oil, and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (which is found in most body washes). I have found the best lotions to use are Aveeno, Cetaphil, Hempz, and CeraVe.

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.

What should I put on my face before fake tan?

Smooth your face before you apply a fake tan with a facial scrub, such as the Fresh Scrub , enriched with lava beads and willow herb extract. Additionally, the Gentle Peeling Smooth Away Cream is ideal for all skin types; it eliminates dead skin cells and impurities, leaves skin soft and radiant, and ready to tan.

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.

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.

What happens if you fake tan over dry skin?

Very dry skin can affect how skin pick up the self-tanner's colour, and cause an uneven tan. Fortunately, this doesn't have to be the case. No matter how dry your skin is, you can still fake your way to a flawless tan while avoiding sun damage.

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.

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!

How to prevent dark spots when fake tanning?

Not protecting extra-dry areas

These spots are notorious for soaking up too much tanner and going too dark or muddy looking. So it's generally a good idea to apply some body moisture cream or lotion here as a barrier before you get your bronze on.

How long after moisturizing can I fake tan?

Moisturise and exfoliate 24 hours before applying tan for best results. Do not moisturise on the day of tanning.

How do you prep your skin for self-tanning?

Use a washcloth to exfoliate the skin prior to applying a self-tanner. Using an exfoliating product also will help remove dead skin cells. Spend a little more time exfoliating where your skin is thickest, on the elbows, knees and ankles. Dry your skin.

What goes first fake tan or moisturiser?

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.

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 to prep for fake tan?

Before applying fake tan it's vitally important to have clean skin. By making sure you have a relaxing bath or shower with some of your favourite spa products and using a good cleanser on your face you will make sure you have thoroughly eliminated all residual dust and dirt as well as dead skin cells.

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

10 fake tan tips for beginners
  1. Exfoliate 24 hours before. ...
  2. Remove hair 24 hours before. ...
  3. Avoid deodorants and perfume. ...
  4. Choose the right tan for you. ...
  5. Moisturize just before tanning. ...
  6. Always Use A Tanning Mitt. ...
  7. Allow Your Tan To Dry Before Dressing. ...
  8. Wash Off Your Tan In Cool Water.

Is it better to moisturize before or after 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 is the best self-tanner that doesn't turn you orange?

16 Self-Tanners That Don't Leave My Fair Skin Orange or Streaky
  • Bondi Sands. ...
  • Coco & Eve. Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Foam. ...
  • St. Tropez. ...
  • Coola. Organic Sunless Tan Dry Oil Mist. ...
  • Vita Liberata. Clear Tanning Mist. ...
  • Alba Botanica. Sunless Tanner Lotion. ...
  • Tan Luxe. Super Glow SPF 30. ...
  • Clarins. Self Tan Instant Gel.

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.

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