Best Tan Extender Lotions to Prolong Your Summer Glow

Your tan may fade, but with the right tan extender, that golden glow doesn’t have to disappear so soon. If you’re unfamiliar, tan extenders are specialized lotions designed to prolong your tan by keeping your skin hydrated and nourished. 

The key here is hydration—dry skin causes tans to flake and fade faster. Tan extenders, packed with nourishing ingredients like aloe vera, glycerin, and antioxidants, not only lock in moisture but also support skin health, meaning fewer patchy spots and a more even fade. 

But choosing the right tan extender is more than just grabbing the nearest bottle. Different tanning methods require specific care. So let’s see what are the best tan extender lotions based on your favorite method.

Best Tan Extender Lotions for UV Sun Beds

When it comes to UV bed tanning, keeping your skin hydrated and healthy is key to making that deep bronze last longer. Indulge Extender is a must-have for anyone looking to prolong the life of their UV tan. This 24-hour hydrating body moisturizer is specially formulated to not only maintain your tan but also improve your skin’s overall health.

Why Choose Indulge Extender?

• Ultimate Hydration: Packed with rich moisturizing agents, this lotion delivers superior hydration, helping to soften and repair dry, sun-kissed skin.
• Color-Extending Power: With advanced color-extending agents, Indulge Extender ensures your glow stays vibrant much longer, giving you that just-out-of-the-bed look for days.
• Antioxidant Protection: Loaded with antioxidants, this lotion helps with keeping your skin looking fresh and radiant.
• Detoxifying & Nourishing: It doesn’t just moisturize. Indulge Extender detoxifies the skin, drawing out impurities while nourishing it with vitamins and nutrients to boost collagen production and improve your skin’s natural moisture barrier.

Using Indulge Extender daily means more than just prolonging your tan—it means healthier, smoother, and more youthful-looking skin. Want to keep your golden glow glowing? Head over to your nearest Glo Tanning location and pick up a bottle of Indulge Extender. 

Best Tan Extender Lotions for Spray Tans

Spray tans sit on the outermost layer of your skin, so as your skin naturally sheds, your tan fades. A good tan extender works by moisturizing and slowing down this shedding process, which is crucial for maintaining an even tan. Some extenders also contain a small amount of DHA (the active ingredient in spray tans) to subtly add color back in, helping you avoid those dreaded streaks or patchy spots.

Also take a look at the best tanning bed lotions.

Tips for Choosing the Best Spray Tan Extender

1. Go for Oil-Free Formulas: Oils are a spray tan’s worst enemy, as they can break down the tan and cause it to fade unevenly. Always choose an oil-free extender to keep your tan intact for longer. One of the great examples is Norvell Body Butter which you can also get at some of Glo Tanning locations. 
2. Look for Ingredients That Hydrate Deeply: Hydration is key to extending the life of any tan, but especially a spray tan. Look for ingredients like aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin, which help lock in moisture and keep your skin supple without feeling greasy.
3. Antioxidant-Rich Formulas Are a Plus: Antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, can protect your skin from environmental damage and free radicals, which contribute to premature fading. These ingredients help your tan stay vibrant while improving your skin’s overall health.

Tips for Tan Extender Lotions for Outdoor Tanning

Using a tan extender lotion is essential to lock in moisture and protect your skin, helping your outdoor tan last longer and look more even. Here are some top tips for choosing and using tan extenders when you’ve been soaking up the sun outdoors:

• Choose a Lotion with Strong Hydration: Outdoor tanning can dry out your skin, making it more likely to peel and lose color quickly. Look for tan extenders that are packed with hydrating ingredients like aloe vera, shea butter, or hyaluronic acid. 
• Avoid Lotions with Harsh Chemicals: After tanning outdoors, your skin may be more sensitive than usual. To prevent irritation, avoid tan extenders that contain parabens, sulfates, or artificial fragrances. 
• Reapply Sunscreen for Future Tanning: Even though tan extenders are designed to help prolong your tan, they don’t replace the need for sun protection. When you’re heading back outdoors, don’t forget to reapply sunscreen to prevent burns or uneven fading. Look for broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF to protect your skin while keeping your tan vibrant.
• Apply Extender Right After Sun Exposure: Timing is everything. Apply your tan extender as soon as possible after outdoor tanning, when your skin is still warm and slightly damp from a shower. This helps the lotion absorb better, locking in moisture and extending your color.

What Tan Extender You Should Get for Sensitive Skin

For those with sensitive skin, you want a product that will keep your glow going strong, but you also need something gentle enough not to irritate your skin. Here are some tips to help you find the best tan extender lotion for sensitive skin.

• Opt for Fragrance-Free Formulas: Fragrances are one of the biggest culprits when it comes to skin irritation. Many tan extenders come with scents that may be too harsh for sensitive skin. Look for lotions labeled “fragrance-free” or “unscented” to avoid unnecessary irritation and ensure your skin stays calm while your tan stays fresh.
• Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Sensitive skin reacts to more than just fragrances—certain chemicals can also cause flare-ups. To avoid this, steer clear of lotions with parabens, sulfates, and alcohol. These ingredients can dry out or irritate the skin so stick to clean, simple formulas with minimal additives.
• Look for Soothing Ingredients: To keep sensitive skin happy while prolonging your tan, search for tan extenders that contain soothing, anti-inflammatory ingredients. Aloe vera and chamomile are excellent choices for calming irritation and nourishing the skin while maintaining your color. 
• Choose a Lightweight, Non-Comedogenic Formula: Sensitive skin can be easily overwhelmed by heavy creams, which may clog pores and cause breakouts. Opt for lightweight, non-comedogenic lotions that won’t block pores or sit heavily on the skin. This way, your skin can breathe while still getting the moisture it needs to prolong your tan.
• Patch Test Before Use: Apply a small amount of the tan extender on a discreet area of your skin (like behind your ear or on your wrist) and wait 24 hours to see if any reaction occurs. This simple step can save you from irritation or discomfort later on.
• Prioritize Hydration Without Greasiness: Look for tan extenders that hydrate without leaving a heavy, oily residue. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid, shea butter, and glycerin can provide moisture without weighing down your skin, ensuring your tan fades evenly and naturally.

Final Thoughts

Keeping your tan glowing longer doesn’t have to be complicated—especially when you’ve got the right tan extender lotion in your skincare routine. Whether you’re a fan of UV bed tans, spray tans, or need a formula that’s gentle enough for sensitive skin, the key is finding a product that hydrates, protects, and nourishes. Remember, the best tan extenders not only help preserve your color but also improve your skin’s health, giving you a radiant, even fade.