What is the best moisturizer before tanning?

Author: Ara Jaskolski  |  Last update: Sunday, October 12, 2025

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.

What moisturizer to use before tanning?

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.

Should you use moisturiser before tanning?

The short answer: be sure to moisturise 24/48 hours before you plan to fake tan. This ensures that your skin is in the very best condition it can be before a fresh layer of fake tan, as well as exfoliating and removing any unwanted hair of course. Any later than this could mean an uneven final result.

What should I put on my skin before tanning?

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 moisturize before or after 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.

Why you should use a lotion before your tanning session - tanning tips

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 to maximize tanning bed results?

How To Tan Quicker On Sunbeds
  1. Prepare Your Skin. Exfoliate Before Your Session. ...
  2. Adjust Your Tanning Time. Start with a Shorter Session. ...
  3. Use The Sunbed Correctly. Rotate Your Position. ...
  4. Maintain A Healthy Diet. Get The Right Nutrients. ...
  5. Avoid Things With Negative Effects. Remove Makeup and Cosmetics.

What should you not do before tanning?

Avoid wearing make-up, perfume or deodorant on the day of the tanning bed session. That's because these chemicals can negatively impact the even result of the final tan. For the same reason, please don't wear watches or jewellery.

What lotion to use when tanning?

What type of lotion do I need? BRONZERS-A bronzer is a tanning lotion that has sunless tanner mixed into it, and contains ingredients that "dye" the skin to a dark hue. and Maximisers are the basic indoor tanning lotions. They are engineered to maximize UV-stimulated melanin results, which is what produces a tan.

How do you prepare your skin for tanning?

Exfoliate your skin prior to your tanning session at The Tanning Shop; This will get rid of any dead skin and will make it easier for your skin to activate melanin production providing a bronze tan. Moisturise your skin with a non-oil-based lotion after your shower & exfoliate.

How long do you have to leave moisturizer on before tanning?

To keep the drier areas from going patchy, make sure you moisturise all over and pay extra special attention to these troublesome areas. Try to leave the moisturiser to sink in for at least half an hour before you start the application stage of your fake tan routine.

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.

What foods make you more tanned?

Papaya: Like carrots, orange fruits and vegetables, such as papaya, help to enhance your tan naturally thanks to its high beta-carotene levels. Melon: This refreshing fruit, rich in antioxidants and beta-carotenes will help you to keep your golden skin tone.

Can I use Maui Babe browning lotion in a tanning bed?

Maui Babe Browning Lotion 8 Ounces

A: yes it will work in your tanning bed . Maui Babe is very oily and I only use it after I have a good base tan.

What is the best moisturizer after tanning?

Aloe Vera: Known for its soothing and hydrating properties, Aloe Vera calms any redness or irritation, making it perfect for cooling sun-kissed skin. Hyaluronic Acid: This ingredient locks in moisture and helps maintain skin's elasticity, keeping it supple and smooth after tanning.

What moisturiser should I use before tanning?

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. If you do feel that you would need to moisturise before fake tan, choose a light oil free moisturiser that can absorb quickly and not sit on the skin.

What is the number one best tanning lotion?

The Best Self-Tanners of 2025
  • Best Overall. Bali Body Self Tanning Mousse.
  • Best Value. L'Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Water Mousse.
  • Best for Beginners. Clarins Self Tanning Instant Gel.
  • Best Shade Range. Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Foam.
  • Best Scent. St. Tropez Self Tan Classic Bronzing Mousse.

What is better, a bronzer or intensifier?

Bronzers are great for enhancing and darkening the tan, blend unevenly tanned areas, and enrich the tone (color) of the tan. Intensifiers are designed to enhance your natural color without DHA ingredients that work with the melanin in your skin. You will only see the color that your melanin produces.

What is the golden rule of tanning?

The professional indoor tanning industry promotes and teaches what we refer to as The Golden Rule of Smart Tanning: Don't ever sunburn. The indoor tanning industry has been more effective at teaching sunburn prevention than those who promote complete sun avoidance.

What should I put on my face before tanning?

Then, cleanse the skin and apply an oil-free moisturizer to lock in hydration, focusing on the chin, nose, behind the ears and the back of the neck. Top Tip: Oil can prevent the face tanner from absorbing properly, so avoid using any oil-based skincare products 24 hours prior to tanning.

Should I moisturize before tanning?

While you don't have to moisturize before self-tanning, doing so can make a big difference. For those with dry or combination skin, it's especially beneficial. Moisturizing before self-tanning is recommended for an even, natural-looking tan.

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 .

What can I use instead of tanning lotion in a tanning bed?

There are a few things you can use in place of tanning lotion, including body butters, and aloe vera gel.

What is the best tan accelerator?

Discover our top picks of tan accelerators will give you that healthy, bronzed goddess glow and keep your skin hydrated as well.
  • The Fox Tan Rapid Elixir.
  • Gatineau Tan Accelerating Lotion.
  • Piz Buin Tan and Protect Spray SPF 30.
  • Lancaster Golden Tan Maximizer After Sun Oil.

Previous article
Is 9pm too late for a workout?
Next article
Do men get hard during laser hair removal?