Are you looking for the best lotion to use before a spray tan?
I was too!
I love a good sunless tan, and have found that using lotion DAYS before helps your tan apply evenly, and maintains the life of your spray tan!
In this article, we will go over the BEST lotions to use before spray tanning, so you can achieve natural sun-kissed skin and maintain it for as long as possible.
This also applies to self tanning as well.
Benefits of a Spray Tan or Self Tan
Spray tans, and self tanning are a great way to achieve a darker skin tone without the harmful UV rays from the sun or a tanning bed.
Spray tanning and self tanning is a way to safely get a beautiful natural tan.
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Understanding the Importance of Using Lotion Before your Spray Tan Appointment
I want to make it clear that you DO NOT want to put lotion on right before your spray tan appointment. This can result in an uneven tan.
Lotion should be applied days before your tan session to be sure moisture is being retained so it can increase the longevity of your tan.
If your skin is dry and flaky due to lack of moisture, it will cause your skin to flake and make your tan patchy.
Whether you’re going to get a spray tan, or you’re self tanning at home, know that moisturizing your skin days before is one of the most important things you can do.
DO NOT SKIP THIS SECTION: How to Prep Your Skin for a Spray Tan or Self Tan
If you want the best results from your spray tan or your self tan lotion, mousse, etc, you want to ensure you take proper care of your skin beforehand.
Days Before Your Sunless Tan:
1. Moisturize
Days before your sunless tan you want to moisturize daily.
This ensures that your skin has the moisture it needs to provide a sun-kissed glow and improves the life of your tan.
2. Shave (A day Before)
Shave any unwanted hair at least 8 hours before your appointment.
If you do this any closer to your appointment you will have opened your hair follicles and the tanning solution will settle into them creating black dots.
Day of your Tanning Session or Self Tanning:
If you want the best spray tan, your best bet is to do these things in this order on the day of your appointment!
1. Shower
You want to shower before you get a spray tan or self tan so you can wash away anything that may get in the way from absorbing the tanning solution.
2. Exfoliate
You want to be sure to get all of the dead skin cells off of your body.
This is the best way to prevent patches of your skin from falling off after the tan solution is applied.
This is especially important to do if you have extra dry skin with any problem areas such as dry patches.
This can be done with an exfoliating scrub you would apply in the shower, or with an exfoliating mitt and slows down the fading process.
3. Use a Good Body Wash
To ensure that you receive a natural tan, you must have clean dry skin.
So using a clear translucent body wash is best.
For a list of the Best body washes to use before and even after a spray tan visit my article Best Body Wash Before a Spray Tan: Before and Aftercare
TIP: Whatever you do, do not use dove products, or bar soaps of any kind.
Best Lotion to Use Before a Spray Tan
1. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
The CeraVe Moisturizing Cream is a popular and highly recommended skincare product because it brings so much hydration to the skin.
This cream contains key ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin which keep your skin hydrated and stay that way.
CeraVe is also known for its ceramide-rich formula. Ceramides are essential for maintaining the skin’s protective barrier.
This is such a great option because it is non-irritating, can be used on the entire body including the face, provides long-lasting hydration, is affordable, dermatologist recommended, perfect for sensitive skin, not greasy, and is perfect for skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.
This in my opinion is the best moisturizer to use before a spray tan because it really does keep my skin healthy.
2. St. Tropez Prep and Maintain Tan Extender Lotion Before Spray Tan
The St. Tropez Prep and Maintain Tan Extender Lotion’s primary purpose is designed to extend the life of your spray tan or self tan while also providing some skin benefits.
This lotion provides a hydrating formula, quick absorption, and skin care benefits since it has aloe vera in it which has healing and soothing properties.
The Tan Extender Lotion also has a hint of self tanner which subtly builds a gradual, natural-looking tan while you use it.
St. Tropez is a well-known and respected brand in the self-tanning industry.
This one is perfect for all skin types and is such a good lotion that gives you healthy skin!
3. Body Shop’s Coconut Body Butter
Body Shop’s Coconut Body Butter is known for giving intense skin hydration.
The formula has a rich and creamy texture, and a pleasant coconut scent.
It absorbs quickly leaving the skin soft and hydrated without a greasy feeling.
The Body Shop is known for using natural and ethically sourced organic ingredients such as organic coconut oil. It has no synthetic dyes, so it is perfect for those seeking a lotion to use before a spray tan that has zero harmful ingredients.
It provides long-lasting hydration, is paraben-free, cruelty-free, and can be used on the entire body especially dry areas such as the elbows, knees, and heels.
4. Vaseline Intensive Care Body Lotion
Vaseline Intensive Care Body Lotion provides major moisturization, a non-greasy formula, and deep healing, especially on dry areas like elbows, knees, and heels.
It’s perfect for sensitive skin and comes in different scents.
A little bit of this lotion goes a long way, so it’s a very affordable lotion to use before spray tanning or self tanning.
5. Alba Botanica Very Emollient Body Lotion Coconut Rescue
Alba Botanica Very Emollient Body Lotion Coconut Rescue provides moisturization with a non-greasy formula.
This line of lotion is known for its hydrating and soothing properties due to the ingredients in it such as shea butter, aloe vera, coconut oil, and chamomile to help soothe and hydrate the skin.
The Very Emollient line has emollient properties and is designed to be extra moisturizing for those with dry or sensitive skin.
6. Queen Helene Cocoa Butter Hand & Body Lotion for Dry Skin
The Queen Helene Cocoa Butter Hand & Bod Lotion for Dry Skin is formulated to provide moisture and nourishment to the skin.
This lotion is known for its rich cocoa butter content and is designed to keep your skin soft and hydrated.
It has a rich, creamy texture that provides nourishment to your skin along with an amazing scent.
Not only is this one of the best lotions to use before a spray tan, but it’s also the most affordable since it’s under $5!
7. Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion
The Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion is the perfect lotion to use before spray tanning or self tanning especially if you have sensitive skin.
Aveeno’s Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion is formulated with colloidal oatmeal and is known for its soothing and moisturizing properties.
I notice a big difference in the way my skin looks when I use this lotion. It looks so much healthier and hydrated even after a week of using it daily!
8. Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula
Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula is based on the use of cocoa butter as its primary ingredient.
Cocoa Butter is derived from the cacoa bean and is known for moisturizing and nourishing the skin.
It has the best cocoa scent and is one of the best lotions to use before spray tanning and self tanning.
9. La Roche-Posay Triple Repair Body Moisturizing Lotion for Dry Skin
The La Roche-Posay Triple Repair Body Moisturizing Lotion for Dry Skin is for those who have extremely dry skin and need to add extra hydration to their skin before a spray tan.
It is dermatologist-recommended, repairs your skin, and is fragrance-free which is beneficial for those with sensitive skin.
10. Eucerin Intensive Repair Body Lotion
This is another one of the best lotions to use before a spray tan or self tanning since it’s formulated for extremely dry skin and sensitive skin.
Eucerin Intensive Repair Body Lotion contains an advanced ceramide complex that helps strengthen the skin’s natural moisture barrier.
It’s not greasy, fragrance-free making it perfect for sensitive skin and even those with eczema, and it’s dermatologist recommended.
11. Vanicream Moisturizing Lotion
The Vanicream Moisturizing Lotion is a light lotion that is perfect for hydrating your skin.
Vanicream products are formulated without any common irritants, including fragrances, dyes, lanolin, parabens, and formaldehyde, making this lotion perfect for those wanting a lotion without harsh chemicals.
It provides moisturization without being too heavy and quickly absorbs into the skin so you don’t get a greasy feeling.
Another awesome thing about this particular product is that you can use this on your body AND face!
12. Sweet Almond Oil
Sweet almond oil is a natural oil that’s known for its amazing skin benefits.
It’s rich in vitamins, essential fatty acids, and antioxidents making it perfect for your skin.
Not only does this oil provide moisturization which is essential before a spray tan, but it improves skin tone, soothes irritation, reduces under-eye circles, prevents premature aging, is a natural makeup remover, and improves skin elasticity!
Now that’s amazing!
13. Pure Shea Butter
Pure Shea Butter is another way to naturally moisturize your skin.
Not only does it hydrate your skin, but it protects your skin’s barrier and is rich in Vitamins A, E, and F, which have anti-aging and skin-nourishing properties.
It also reduces inflammation, reduces scars and stretch marks, is a natural sunscreen, and soothes skin conditions like psoriasis and rosacea.
This is the perfect natural lotion to use before a spray tan and it has so many added benefits!
Common Mistakes to Avoid Before A Sunless Tan
1. Moisturizing right before your appointment.
You want to moisturize DAYS in advance, not right before your spray tan or self tanning.
After you shower right before your appointment, it may be tempting to moisturize, but don’t!
You want clean dry skin and if you put a sunless tan over lotion it won’t absorb into the skin correctly.
2. Shaving right before your appointment.
Whether you’re getting a spray tan or self tanning at home, you may want to shave any unwanted hair.
BUT, be sure you do this 8 hours before.
If you do it right before your appointment or self tanning, your hair follicles will be open and cause black dots on your skin.
Common Mistakes to Avoid After a Sunless Tan
1. Getting wet before your tan is dry.
If you get wet before your spray tan is dry it will cause an uneven tan and won’t develop as dark as the other areas that didn’t get wet.
This also means don’t apply liquid makeup until your tan is dry and washed off correctly.
Avoid sweating, or go swimming before you have washed off your spray tan or self tan.
2. Showering Too Early
Your first shower should be a water-only shower and should not be taken until your tan has dried.
The amount of time you need to wait depends on the type of spray tan you receive. Be sure to ask your tan artist.
3. Wiping your skin dry after your first shower.
Your tan is still developing so be sure to use a dry towel to pat your skin dry, because the last thing you want is for your tan to develop streaks.
4. Wearing light colored clothes.
Wear loose-fitting clothing, particularly with dark colors.
After your spray tan or self tan, a little bit of the color could transfer onto your outfit, so wear loose dark clothing instead of light colors to ensure you don’t get stains on your clothes.
Related to Best Lotion to Use Before a Spray Tan
Self Tanning Lotion Vs Spray Tan: Which is Best?
16 Best Exfoliators Before a Spray Tan & How to Exfoliate
Can You Put Makeup On After Self Tanner? Do’s and Dont’s
Best Body Wash Before a Spray Tan: Before and Aftercare
25 Best Natural Soaps for Eczema and Dry Skin