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Indoor tanning and sunbathing dry out the skin.
This creates a problem: dry skin doesn’t develop a tan as quickly as hydrated skin does.
That’s why you need the best moisturizer for tanned skin.
Put on lotion before and after tanning to make sure a lovely, even bronze.
Today, I’ll review the best after tan lotions and the best tan extender lotions.
Then you can find the best moisturizer for tanning.
Contents
If you don’t have time to read the complete article, here are our top picks.
Now, let’s look at the best lotions for tanned skin.
Australian Gold makes some of the most popular tanning lotions and sunscreens. It’s not surprising that they’ve developed an excellent tan extending lotion.
If you don’t mind the delectable tropical fragrance, your skin will delight in the experience.
First, the formula of this moisture lock tan extender tanning lotion has aloe vera green tea, tea tree oil, jojoba oil, avocado oil, macadamia nut oil, olive oil, and panthenol plus vitamin E to condition the skin. These are necessary ingredients to keep your skin looking healthy, especially after tanning.
Second, if you’re a little bit sunburned, this lotion will cool you down so that you’re comfortable. The next day, you’re likely to look and feel a lot better.
And finally, the tanning lotion feels lightweight and non-greasy, yet it leaves the skin super smooth, we feel these are some of the finest tan extenders that minimize the appearance of fine lines.
Ed Hardy also produces top-quality tanning lotions. The INK tan extender brightens tattoos and keeps your skin like silk.
This tan extender lotion is based on antioxidants, shea butter, and lotus leaf extract. This combination doesn’t just rehydrate your body, but it also firms the texture and is designed to keep your skin look radiant.
Happily, this product is free of oil and wheat to protect sensitive skin and prevent acne. Make sure you are gentle enough on the skin while applying.
It has a honey bourbon fragrance that appeals to men and women alike.
Here’s another moisturizer from Australian Gold. The critical ingredient is hemp seed extract and it also includes ingredients like green tea, jojoba oil, argan oil, tea tree oil, avocado oil, olive oil, and sunflower seed oil, an outstanding skin conditioner, and has everything you need.
Once you apply this lotion, the effects last for 24 hours and are also perfect for a sensitive skin type.
Plus, it has anti-aging and firming benefits.
If you’re curious, it smells a lot like vanilla.
Hempz makes more than one version of body moisturizer. You can choose from a variety of scents like this one which smells like bananas and flowers.
As they point out, hemp seed oil calms inflammation and conditions the skin. It’s packed with Omega fatty acids to keep the skin’s natural barrier healthy and is designed to keep your skin look radiant.
Next, this herbal body moisturizer has ginseng to slow down aging. It’s rich in antioxidants like vitamins A, C, and E.
Finally, this is a vegan formula that’s free of parabens and are also perfect for sensitive skin. It also includes Vitamins like B2, B5.
Want to know a secret?
You can keep your tan looking perfect for longer with one simple trick.
Use a moisturizer with a bronzer for long-lasting effect.
This silicone-based lotion feels like you’re putting silk on your skin. As it turns out, it actually has silk amino acids in it.
It sinks in quickly and leaves your body feeling ultra-smooth.
Meanwhile, the bronzer adds a touch of color to keep you looking sun-kissed even if your tan is fading and at the same time extend the life of your tan.
Users say the scent is very similar to Victoria’s Secret’s Bombshell and is also perfect for a sensitive skin type.
Devoted Creations is known for tanning lotions that are perfect for indoors as well as after tanning moisturizers.
This one is silicone-based, which means it’s ultra-lightweight and never greasy.
It also has diamond powder for a subtle sheen on your bronzed skin and a perfect pick for nude tanning.
Guys and gals adore the way this after tan moisturizer smells.
What’s more, it has DermaDark bronzer to build a gradual color even if you haven’t gone tanning.
Unlike some sunless tanning products, it doesn’t stain clothing, turn orange or streak. It comes in a pump top bottle for quick application. It’s rich in antioxidants like vitamins A, C, and E.
After sunbathing, try this popular European product. Lancaster’s after-sun lotion has an exclusive technology called Heli.
This sun lotion doesn’t just hydrate the skin to prevent peeling. It also promotes melanin production to speed up your tan.
But wait, there’s more to love. Even if you haven’t been outdoors, it gradually darkens your color with tanning ingredients.
You’ve had your fun in the sun, now it’s time to moisturize.
Maui Island’sSun tan sealer heals damage caused by sunburn, windburn, and dry air.
It has a scrumptious tropical fragrance that helps you feel like you’re still on vacation and is perfect to take care of your skin.
Moreover, the blend of aloe vera, Hawaiian ginger, and rosehip oil provides a healthy dose of hydration. At the same time, Maui coffee extract firms the skin to minimize cellulite. This will give you hydrated skin after tanning.
Sunbathers love Clarins’ after sun lotion.
This sun lotion is mild enough to use on your face and neck, as well as the rest of your body, and is perfect to take care of your skin..
Not only is it a moisturizer, but it’s also a sunless tanning product. It will keep your skin perfectly bronze. We feel this is one of the finest skin-care products out there.
Jergens makes at least two kinds of sunless tanning lotions that are ideal for extending a tan.
One works in the shower on wet skin. And this one is a regular lotion that you apply each day to keep your rich bronze.
Unlike some sunless tanning lotions, this one doesn’t dry out the skin. Just be sure to wash your hands after applying it to keep your palms and nails from changing color. We feel this is much better than the Golden Star Beauty Tan Extender Daily Moisturizer. These lotions can also be used for dark skin.
You don’t have to spend time in the sun to be bronzed.
Even the palest redhead can benefit from this gradual tanning lotion. After one week, your skin will be one shade darker.
Regular use will maintain a sun-kissed glow year-round and will keep your skin hydrated.
Furthermore, the water-based formula keeps your skin hydrated and comfortable.
For those who spray tan, a tanning extender lotion is also essential. It helps maintain the vibrant color for days longer.
Although spray tanning isn’t as dehydrating as it is suitable for tanning indoors or sunbathing, you can definitely benefit from a moisturizer. Hydration is crucial, regardless.
This specially formulated lotion has grape seed, and hemp seed oils plus fruit extracts to keep the skin young. This is the best after tanning lotions out there.
Plus, the relaxing Paradise Breeze fragrance of this after tanning lotion disguises the odor from tanning and DHA. We feel this is much better than the Golden Star Beauty Tan Extender Daily Moisturizer.
How about a drugstore moisturizer for tanned skin?
Yes, it exists. Hawaiian Tropic’s after the tanning lotion is cheap and surprisingly effective. It can help your skin cool down after too much sun.
This Sun Gel is non-greasy and it has a pleasant coconut papaya fragrance.
The hydration lasts for 24 hours after you apply it.
If you’re into natural products, take a look at Burt’s Bees lotion for sunburn relief.
It’s 98.6% natural and doesn’t have petrolatum, phthalates, or parabens.
We feel this is the best after tanning lotions out there.
With nutrients from coconut oil and aloe vera, it soothes irritated skin. It helps it recover faster after tanning.
I like the Sun Bum products as they are vegan and reef-safe. They won’t poison wildlife in rivers, lakes, or oceans.
Sun bum lotions are also good for humans as they are gluten-free and avoid harsh ingredients.
This soothing aloe lotion can go in the refrigerator to cool down your skin after tanning.
Can you use regular body lotion after tanning?
Of course, you can – any moisturizer is better than none. And Gold Bond’s lotion has specific benefits that might interest you.
First, it’s based on shea and cocoa butter. These are lightweight emollients that don’t clog pores and don’t feel greasy.
Next, the specially formulated lotion is mild enough to use on your face, not just your body. It’s also made for diabetics and persons with eczema and psoriasis.
The hydration lasts for 24 hours after you apply it.
But there is one catch.
Pay attention to this one because it matters if you don’t go tanning often.
This lotion contains gentle exfoliants. Yes, it will make your skin shed faster. The purpose is to keep it renewed, soft, and healthy. You can also go for the Maui Babe tanning lotion, which is a great choice to take good care of your skin.
But you should always check the label for exfoliating ingredients like lactic acid, glycolic acid, sunflower seed oil, Vitamin E and urea. Any of those could make your tan fade faster.
If you hate artificial fragrances and greasy textures, you’re going to appreciate Cetaphil’s lotion.
It covers all the basics that you need to keep your skin smooth. Then, there are no frilly extras.
It’s fragrance-free, and it won’t clog pores. The benefits last for 24 hours and also block harmful UV rays.
I hope when you went tanning, you protected your face.
I know you want it to look bronzed like the rest of your body, but there are consequences, as you know.
It only takes a moment to notice the crow’s feet and wrinkles on the face of someone who spent a lot of time in the sun.
If you’ve decided to protect your face, kudos to you. Use this CC cream to tan it instead.
It’s mild enough for sensitive skin and has a light coconut scent. You can also go for the Maui Babe tanning lotion, which is a great choice to take good care of your skin.
I’m sure you understand that tanning every day is a no-no. Your skin needs time to rest and develop color between sessions.
What you need is a moisturizer with sunscreen.
It’s because SPF35 blocks 97% of the harmful UV rays. It’s not about getting darker, but rather about avoiding skin cancer and wrinkles.
This lightweight product is oil-free and potent enough to defend against sunburn all day long. (If you plan to be outdoors in direct sunlight, you’ll need to reapply it after a couple of hours, though.)
The moisturizing effects last for 12 hours, too. You can also go for the Maui Babe tanning lotion, which is a great choice.
Dermatologists recommend a minimum of SPF 30 sunscreen. Why that number? Why not something lower if you’re already tan?
It’s because SPF30 blocks 97% of the harmful UV rays. It’s not about getting darker, but rather about avoiding skin cancer and wrinkles.
Believe it or not, you can still tan while wearing sunscreen. It just goes a lot slower.
Please give your skin a break and protect it when you can. You’ll thank yourself down the road.
This unscented daily lotion strengthens the skin with pro-vitamin B5 and seals in moisture for 24 hours.
Well-hydrated skin doesn’t exfoliate as quickly as dry skin. If you use moisturizer, your tan won’t fade as soon as it would without.
After all, your tan exists in the top layers of your skin where the melanin is. It’s normal to shed the top layer of skin each week.
That’s why spray tans, for example, only last about a week to ten days.
But you can keep your tan looking its best when you apply lotion each day.
Typical moisturizers have three parts: humectants, emollients, and occlusives.
The humectants, like glycerin or hyaluronic acid, draw in moisture.
The occlusives, like shea butter, prevent the moisture from escaping.
And the emollients make the skin feel smooth.
Emollients and occlusives, like dimethicone, sometimes do each other’s work.
Moisturizers help hold your skin together and keep it healthy.
Using lotion on tanned skin not only makes it look better and feel softer, but it can also help the skin recover from sun damage.
After tanning lotion also comes with additional anti-aging benefits.
Many moisturizers contain antioxidants to counteract free radicals caused by UV radiation. The free radicals would lead to premature aging, if not for those antioxidants.
When you tan, you put your skin at risk, but moisturizers help counterbalance the problem.
Also Read: Ultimate Nude Tanning Guide
Keep your tan vibrant and your skin healthy by using a moisturizer after tanning.
Not only will it help your bronze last longer, but it will make your body look and feel better.
Also, make sure to keep in mind, using a tanning bed is a much safer option when compared to outdoor tanning, also a tanning bed will give you that perfect tan without going outdoors.
Hydrated skin develops color faster and retains it better.
It also helps to moisturize with plenty of antioxidants to prevent premature aging.
If you discovered your new favorite moisturizer today, please tell us about it in the comments below.
Sources:
1. https://www.utmedicalcenter.org/the-importance-of-moisturizing/ The University of Tennessee Medical Center,
2. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/moisturizers-do-they-work Harvard University,
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