Post-tanning care is the secret to keeping your glow fresh, whether you’ve achieved it through a traditional tanning method like sunbathing or tanning beds, or opted for a spray tan. A good post-tan routine helps extend the life of your tan, while also keeping your skin healthy and glowing.
Why Post-Tanning Care is Important
UV exposure from the sun or tanning beds could deplete moisture, making your skin feel tight and dry, which often leads to peeling and uneven skin tone. This is where a solid post-tanning care routine helps. With the right products, you can replenish the moisture lost during tanning and prolong your bronze.
For spray tans, the spray solution interacts with the outer layer of your skin, which naturally sheds over time. Moisture is key here too. The tan can fade unevenly and look patchy and dull without the right amount of moisture. So when you take care of your skin, your spray tan will last longer and look better.
Essential Ingredients to Look for in Post-Tanning Products
When it comes to post-tanning care, the right ingredients make all the difference. Whether you’ve spent some time in the sun bed or just had a spray tan, here are some must-haves for your aftercare routine:
- 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.
- Vitamin E: This antioxidant helps repair the skin, reducing the risk of peeling or flakiness after UV exposure. It also helps maintain an even tone in spray tans, preventing blotchiness.
- Shea Butter: Rich in fatty acids, Shea Butter deeply nourishes and moisturizes the skin, which is essential for combating the dryness that comes with tanning.
- DHA-Friendly Ingredients: For spray tans, it’s important to avoid anything that might strip the color. Harsh exfoliants should be swapped for gentle, hydrating formulas that protect your tan while keeping your skin moisturized.
Top Best Post-Tanning Care Products
Here are some of the best products to keep your skin hydrated, glowing, and your tan long-lasting.
For Sunbed Tanning
Indulge Extender is a must-have for anyone looking to extend the life of their UV tan. This 24-hour hydrating body moisturizer delivers intense hydration, keeping dry and damaged skin soft and smooth. The rich body cream is loaded with color-extending agents that help your tan last longer while maintaining its vibrancy. It’s packed with antioxidants that fight free radical damage, along with detoxifying agents to cleanse the skin from impurities. On top of that, it boosts skin radiance and helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Loaded with vitamins and nutrients, Indulge Extender also promotes collagen production and strengthens your skin’s natural moisture barrier. In short, this product is great for keeping both your tan and your skin looking youthful and fresh.
For Spray Tanning
- Norvell Body Butter offers intense hydration without the risk of stripping your spray tan. It’s free of harsh ingredients that could lead to streaking or drying out your skin. The ultra-nourishing formula keeps your skin supple and soft, ensuring your spray tan maintains a healthy, glowing appearance for longer. If you want a smooth, streak-free tan that lasts, this is the moisturizer to reach for.
- Norvell Spray Mist is a lifesaver. It’s perfect for refreshing areas like your face, arms, and chest between spray tan sessions. Formulated with the same high-quality color as Norvell’s spray tan booths, this mist ensures an even, streak-free glow every time. Whether you’re extending your tan or just looking for an instant glow-up, this spray mist has you covered.
- If you’re looking for a cleanser that doesn’t compromise your spray tan, Norvell Shower Cleanser is a standout choice. Its pH-balanced formula is specially designed to keep your tan bronzed and vibrant, preventing any brassy tones from developing. Instead, it helps preserve your tan while leaving your skin feeling clean and hydrated. Using this in your daily routine ensures your glow stays flawless from start to finish.
All of these crucial products for an amazing tan, you can get at the closest GloTanning location.
What to Avoid in Post-Tanning Care Products
When it comes to maintaining a long-lasting, flawless tan, the products you don’t use can be just as important as the ones you do. Here’s a breakdown of ingredients and product types to avoid to keep your tan vibrant and your skin healthy.
For Traditional Tanning
- Alcohol-Based Products: While some lotions or sprays might feel cooling initially, products containing alcohol can severely dry out your skin, especially after sun exposure. Dry skin can lead to flaking, peeling, and irritation. It’s best to steer clear of alcohol-based products and opt for deeply hydrating alternatives.
- Synthetic Fragrances: Perfumes and synthetic fragrances often contain chemicals that can irritate or dry out sun-kissed skin, so it’s wise to choose fragrance-free or naturally scented products.
- Harsh Exfoliants: Over-exfoliating post-tanning can strip away the top layer of skin prematurely, leading to peeling and an uneven tan.
For Spray Tanning
- Exfoliants and Scrubs: Just like with traditional tanning, exfoliating post-spray tanning is not recommended. Scrubbing your skin will cause uneven fading and patchiness. It’s important to keep exfoliation to a minimum after a spray tan to allow the color to fade evenly and naturally.
- Retinoids: While this is great for skin renewal, it’s not ideal for maintaining a spray tan, as it can cause your tan to fade much faster. If you’re using retinoids, you might want to pause them while your tan is fresh.
- Oily or Greasy Products: Products with heavy oils can break down the DHA (the active ingredient in spray tans) and lead to streaking or patchiness. Avoid overly oily lotions, creams, or body butters, and instead choose lightweight, hydrating options that preserve your tan without causing it to slide off.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’ve opted for a traditional sun-kissed tan or a flawless spray tan, taking care of your skin afterward is crucial. Proper hydration, the right ingredients, and avoiding harmful products will help you maintain that beautiful tan while keeping your skin healthy. And now that you know enough about post-tanning care, learn how to choose the best tanning product.
Remember, a well-maintained tan is all about balance: give your skin the moisture it craves, protect it from irritants, and avoid products that could strip your color away. With the right post-tanning care routine, you can enjoy your sun-kissed look longer.
