What happens if you put moisturizer over fake tan?

Author: Prof. Marlin Kemmer MD  |  Last update: Sunday, December 21, 2025

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.

Can I put moisturizer over fake tan?

As for potential pitfalls when it comes to moisturising after a fake tan, all you need to do is be wary of heavy moisturisers that could cause your tan to melt away before it has set in. Opt for a lightweight and fast-absorbing moisturiser instead, to keep your tan on and looking good.

Will moisturiser remove fake tan?

16. DON'T moisturise after the initial rinse off of fake tan residue. This is a biggie. The product is still developing. Adding moisturiser at this point will dilute the tan's development. 17. DO moisturise like a boss every time after that to look after your tan investment.

What happens if I moisturise after a spray tan?

Moisturized skin will absorb the spray tan solution better and help you maintain your glow, but some lotions will actually strip your spray tan and cause more harm than good. We want to share some of those harmful ingredients and ingredients that will actually exfoliate your tan before you're ready.

Does moisturiser stop you from tanning?

Moisturise

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.

Does FAKE TAN AGE SKIN? | Self tan safety | Dermatologist @DrDrayzday

Does moisturising make 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.

Does applying moisturizer remove tan?

A moisturizer with a high level (greater than 1 percent of AHAs) will decrease the melanogenesis process, causing your client to lose their tan. Dry, cold winter prevents skin from maintaining a moist healthy condition due to the loss of natural oils, natural moisturizing factors, and vitamins.

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.

What is the best moisturizer for prolonging 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.

Does fake tan get darker 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). That brown water disappearing down the drain?

What takes off fake tan?

The quickest steps are the basic (olive, coconut or baby) oil, soak in the tub, then use an exfoliating body mitt and body scrub or the specialist products designed to remove fake tan efficiently.

Does layering fake tan make it darker?

**Risk of Over-Tanning**: Applying a second layer can lead to a much darker and potentially unnatural appearance. This may result in an uneven or patchy finish, especially in areas where the product tends to gather.

How long does fake tan last?

Before we dive into tips on how to extend your sunless tan, you're probably wondering, “Just how long does a fake tan last?” On average, your skin retains self tanner for 5-7 days, but this period of longevity can vary based on many factors. Expired self tanning products, sensitive skin, and skin types are a few.

Do you have to wash off fake tan moisturiser?

What sets gradual tanning lotions apart is that they use far less DHA than traditional self-tan, and deliver it in a moisturiser product that doesn't need to be washed off.

Can I use CeraVe lotion after spray tan?

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. Lotions with perfumes contain high alcohol levels and tend to dry out the skin.

How long after self tanning can I sit down?

Now that your self-tanner is on, it's time to take care of it. Be patient and let it dry fully before you put on clothes, jump into bed, sit on the couch, etc. Essentially, leave it alone until it sinks in. This could take around 20 minutes.

Why does my fake tan look cracked?

This is a spray tan, about 3-4 days old and what you are seeing is the tanned dead skin which is fading, and exfoliating off. When you see your fresh spray tan crackling between day 3-7, this is more related to the skins exfoliation rate, every persons skin exfoliates at its own rate.

Does oil break down self-tanner?

If you love a good facial oil, we're with you. But it's best to give your old faithful, or any heavy oil-based moisturisers, a miss the day you bronze – both before and immediately after. Why? Because oils are known to break down self-tan.

Does moisturising help tan last longer?

1: Lock in hydration

The best natural way to keep your holiday tan for longer is to hydrate your skin well. Avoid drying ingredients such as ethanol alcohol and invest in a moisturising after sun that cools and rehydrates your skin after sun exposure.

What happens if you moisturise after fake tan?

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.

How do you ruin fake tan?

BUT be sure to follow our 101 guide to getting it right so you take off without looking like a streaky mess.
  1. Not Pre-Tanning. ...
  2. Using Oil-Based Soaps. ...
  3. Failing to Powder Post-Application. ...
  4. Doing Anything Except Rinsing in Your First Shower. ...
  5. Going About Normal Activities Too Soon. ...
  6. Skipping SPF in the Sun.

How do you sleep after fake tan?

Use a fan or adjust the temperature in your room to ensure a comfortable sleeping environment. Sleep on dark towels: Placing dark towels on your bed where your body will come in contact with the sheets can help absorb any excess tan solution and prevent it from transferring onto your bedding.

Can I put moisturizer over 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.

Does ice remove tan?

Apply ice: If you have excessive sun burns then this is really going to work wonders. Wrap some ice cubes in a muslin (mulmul) cloth and apply gently on the tanned areas. In case of excessive sun burns apply ice directly on the affected areas. It soothes your skin and makes it tan free.

Why do I tan so easily when I'm white?

This happens because “Each of us produces a different quantity and quality of melanin. Melanin is a pigment produced by our cells found in the basal layer of the skin,” explains Dr Puig.

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