Why shouldn't you moisturize before tanning?

Author: Prof. Domenica Robel  |  Last update: Wednesday, October 15, 2025

As part of your tanning prep, it is essential to ensure your skin is hydrated by using a moisturiser every day on the lead up to your application. Avoid using a moisturiser on the day of tanning as this can cause a barrier which affects how the tan absorbs.

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.

Is it bad to put lotion on before tanning?

Using regular lotion in a tanning bed is generally not recommended. Here are a few reasons why: Ingredients: Many regular lotions contain oils, fragrances, and other ingredients that can react negatively with UV light, potentially causing skin irritation or burning.

Does moisturiser stop you from tanning?

What's more, dry skin reflects light, this prevents your skin from absorbing light to its full potential to develop your tan. So by deeply moisturising your skin, you are able to absorb UVA and UVB faster for a deeper, more developed and longer-lasting tan.

How long to wait after moisturizing to 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.

Moisturizing Before Self Tanning

Can you tan over moisturizer?

Once you've primed your skin, it's important to leave it clean and clear before applying your fake tan — that means no moisturiser, deodorant, or perfume! Fake tan can sometimes accumulate on dry areas like hands, elbows, knees, and feet.

Should I moisturize before I tan?

It's always a good idea to moisturize before applying self tanner. Dry skin tends to absorb excess tan, which can leave you with a patchy color. It's important to make sure your skin is well-hydrated before self tanning so that you can enjoy an even radiant glow.

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 get 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.

Should you moisturize before going in the sun?

Hydrate your skin

Even though moisturizing cream does not protect skin from the sun, unlike sunscreen, it can, in a certain way, help limit its ravages. The more your skin is exposed to the sun, the more it dries out. And as it dries out, it becomes more vulnerable to UV rays.

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.

How many tanning sessions to get a base tan?

It depends on many factors, including skin type, level of current tan, the tanning bed and skin care products you use. Typically, you'll see results after 3-5 sessions.

What is the best moisturizer before 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. Lotions with perfumes contain high alcohol levels and tend to dry out the skin.

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 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 not to do after tanning?

Opt for Gentle, Moisturizing Products: Avoid harsh soaps and scrubs right after tanning. Instead, use a mild, hydrating body wash to prevent dryness and peeling, which can dull your tan. Pat Dry, Don't Rub: Vigorous towel drying can be too abrasive. Patting your skin dry is gentler and helps avoid exfoliating too much.

How many times a week should you tan to see results?

If you're new to tanning beds, you should start with 2-3 sessions per week. Once you've achieved your desired tan, maintenance sessions of 1-2 times per week are usually more than enough.

How do you get a flawless tan?

  1. Step 1 - Exfoliate your Skin. Having gorgeous, clean skin is great but not if there are lots of dead skin cells determined to cling onto it! ...
  2. Step 2 - Cleanse your Skin. Before applying fake tan it's vitally important to have clean skin. ...
  3. Step 3 - Moisturising. ...
  4. Step 4 - Take care of your Hair Line and Eyebrows.

What happens if you moisturise before tanning?

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.

Do you tan better wet or dry?

Moist skin will tan better and more evenly than dry skin. Your skin knows that moisture is important and uses a variety of methods to retain moisture in its surface. Your skin retains water within its natural oils to help them maintain an ordered structure around each skin cell.

How to get a golden tan?

To get a fast, beautiful and natural tan, see the following tips:
  1. Eat a diet rich in beta-carotenes. ...
  2. Exfoliate your skin. ...
  3. Sunbathe with sunscreen. ...
  4. Moisturize and nourish the skin. ...
  5. Avoid prolonged exposure. ...
  6. Change positions frequently. ...
  7. Take breaks. ...
  8. Use self-tanner.

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.

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.

Can I self tan with dry skin?

When it's time to tan, we'd say the best self tan for dry skin is a lotion. These are our most hydrating product, as they moisturise and tan your skin a the same time.

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