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The Golden Rule of Tanning
The secret to getting and keeping an amazing tan is moisturizing your skin!
This means that before you tan, use tanning lotion to help your skin absorb more of the UV rays that produce your tan. But what many tanners don’t realize though is to make that new tan last even longer, the secret is to apply moisturizer daily, both before and after tanning!
UV tanning dries out the skin, and as anyone who’s ever had dry skin knows, it can look dull and even flake. Hiding your gorgeous tan under a layer of dry skin is no way to show it off!
These daily moisturizers are chock full of vitamins, minerals, and conditioners that help replenish and revitalize the skin after tanning, giving your skin a smoother, more youthful complexion!
What to Look for in an After Tanning Lotion
Personally, I’ve owned more moisturizers than I can count. From Shea body butters to perfume infused lotions that you get in those gift boxes when you buy a designer fragrance, I’ve got a whole bathroom cabinet full of products for curing dry skin. But just because a lotion moisturizes your skin, doesn’t necessarily make it an optimal lotion for tanning.
Many of these lotions can still moisturize your skin, however, lotions designed for tanners offer a number of additional benefits that you and your skin are going to love!
So here we’re going to break down what things you should be looking for when you’re shopping for a moisturizer to use before and after your tanning sessions!
All-Day Tanning Moisturizers for that Silky Feeling
While it seems obvious, one thing you definitely want your lotion to offer is all-day moisture! Have you ever used a lotion and felt minutes later that you still felt dry and needed to reapply more? I know I have, especially with my hands and feet! And if we remember the Golden Rule of Tanning, we know that dry skin is tanning’s mortal enemy!
Tanning lotions do more for your skin than simply make it smell good. These hydrating formulas are full of moisture-rich ingredients, natural oils, and silicone which keep skin hydrated for the entire day. So whether you’re tanning or not, your skin is going to be soft and smooth all day!
Anti-aging and Skin Firming Lotions
While you’re browsing for an after-tanning moisturizer, you’ll likely notice all the anti-aging and skin firming technologies many big-name lotion brands boast about. Each one usually has its own patented blend designed to keep your skin looking vibrant and youthful.
If you’re concerned about the aging of your skin and the effects tanning will have on it, then make sure your lotion features anti-aging and skin-firming ingredients such as collagen and hemp seed oil. These can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Skin Damage Repair
No matter how much you want to argue it, regular tanning can be hard on the skin. That’s why it’s important to use lotions that repair the damage caused by UV rays.
If you’re particularly concerned about lotions that will help you improve your skin’s overall health, then keep your eyes out for those formulated with aloe, vitamin C, and vitamin E. Both of these vitamins are antioxidants that naturally protect against sun damage.
Tan Extenders: Get the Most Out of that Beautiful Tan
Did you know that using a moisturizer daily after tanning can help extend the life of your tan? Just like when you head to the tanning salon, your skin tans easier when it’s well hydrated. Well the same can be said for keeping your tan!
That’s right, simply applying a tanning moisturizer daily can significantly improve and balance your skin tone, as well as keep you looking tanner, longer. Some moisturizers include bronzers and gradual bronzers, which will not only help extend your tan but can even gradually darken it too. If you want a darker tan, definitely look for a moisturizer with added bronzers!
Refreshing Scent: Smell as Gorgeous as You Look!
This is sort of a must if you ask me. We’re talking about all-day moisture and using it daily. You don’t want your moisturizer to leave you smelling funky all day!
Luckily for you, every lotion on this list features a yummy scent that will leave you smelling great and looking great all day! So whether you prefer sweet, fruity scents or lovely floral scents, there will definitely be a moisturizer on this list that smells good to you!
And that’s about it. Tanning moisturizers are important for a beautiful, glowing, tan that lasts. There are tons of great options out there for you to check out, but to make your life easier, here are the top 10 favorite before and after tanning moisturizers. I’m sure you’ll find something you and your skin will love!
Juicy Daily Moisturizer by Designer Skin
Who’s it for? Someone who doesn’t like to compromise!
What’s it smell like? White Peach.
Designer Skin is one of the most popular tanning lotion brands, and this delicious after tanning lotion will no-doubt, be your favorite Designer Skin moisturizer!
You don’t have to make any compromises with this highly-rated moisturizer. This lightweight lotion is easy to apply, comfortable to wear all day and features all the things you’re looking for in a daily moisturizer. It will keep your skin soft and moisturized for the entire day, but it will also help reduce the signs of aging, keeping your skin looking youthful and glowing.
Infused with passionfruit and white peach juices, your skin will soak up this nutrient-rich lotion. Formulated with skin-repairing ingredients like chamomile, aloe, hemp, and vitamins A & C, Designer Skin Juicy will minimize redness and irritation and prevent peeling.
This lotion has a long-lasting fragrance that reviewers adore! Its light white peach scent is sweet and refreshing, without being overpowering. If you like clean and sweet scents, then you’ll like this one!
Whether you’re an avid tanner or not, you and your skin will certainly benefit from using this moisturizer daily!
Forever After All Day Moisturizer by Australian Gold
Who’s it for? Someone who wants the well-rated lotion.
What’s it smell like? Vanilla.
Say “bye” to dry! This moisturizer has been seated at the top of many tanners lists for years! Why? Because not only does it make your skin perfectly soft all day long, but its rich anti-aging blend with hemp seed oil works to tighten the skin and smooth away wrinkles!
You’ll also love the generous size of this lotion! If it seems like you’re always running out of something, then you can rest easy with this one. Forever After comes in a whopping 22oz bottle, so it should last you a while, even with daily applications!
There are many other things to like about this lotion. It’s lightly scented vanilla, which is pretty much the most universally appreciated fragrance. It also doesn’t contain any bronzers, so there’s no concern about getting it on your clothing. Just liberally apply it all over your body for soft, smooth skin that will last all day!
Want even another reason to pick this after-tanning lotion? Check out the 700+ 5-reviews on Amazon and see why it’s a bestseller!
Herbal Body Moisturizer by Hempz
Who’s it for? Someone who loves variety.
What’s it smell like? There are many scents available, including Floral and Banana, Spun Sugar & Vanilla Bean, Pomegranate, Sweet Pineapple & Honey Melon, Green Tea & Asian Pear, Fresh Coconut & Watermelon, and more.
Wow, that’s a ton of scents! And yes, there are even more that I didn’t mention! If you’re the type of person who gets easily tired of the same smell, day-in, and day-out, then pick up a few of your favorite Hempz Herbal Body Moisturizers and have a different scent for each day of the week!
You’ll love this lotion for more than just its variety of scents. Every lotion is made using its moisturizing base formula. Hemp seed oil, which contains fatty and amino acids, is blended with shea butter and vitamins A, C, & E, to produce a nutrient-rich lotion that will restore your skin’s healthy glow!
Plus, its paraben-free formula makes it a smart and safe skincare option for even the most sensitive skin types! So you can use this over your whole body and face with little concern of irritation or breakouts!
Dead Sea Mineral Body Lotions by Ahava
Who’s it for? Someone with sensitive skin and wants an all-natural product.
What’s it smell like? Orignal, but it also comes in several additional scents.
Ahava is one of the leading Dead Sea skincare experts, making a line of products using these nutrient-rich minerals straight from the Dead Sea. Their luxurious body lotions are without question, some of the best quality Dead Sea Mineral infused lotions you can buy!
So why all the fuss over Dead Sea minerals? There are 21 minerals, including magnesium, calcium, and potassium, which help replenish your skin’s basic needs. It also includes a few of our favorite ingredients: witch hazel extract, which smooths skin’s texture, and aloe vera, which helps prevent dehydration.
Not only are you getting super high-quality moisture, but this lotion works great for any skin type, including those with notoriously sensitive skin. It’s hypoallergenic, vegan, and paraben-free, so there are no harsh chemicals to irritate your skin. This all-natural body lotion will leave you looking refreshed and hydrated.
Moisture Lock Tan Extender Moisturizer Lotion by Australian Gold
Who’s it for? Someone who wants a great, inexpensive lotion.
What’s it smell like? Cocoa Dreams.
You don’t need to spend a lot to get a great after tanning lotion. Whether you prefer tanning inside at the salon or laying out on the beach on a sunny afternoon, the Moisture Lock Tan Extender Moisturizer by Australian Gold will keep your tan looking great for days after tanned. And the best part, this lotion is under $10, making it completely guilt-free to slather on daily!
But what else can we expect from one of the leading suntan skincare brands? Australian Gold was founded in 1985 and has been producing some of the most popular sun-tanning products on the market ever since.
People who have been using this lotion for years rave about its consistency, how it leaves skin soft and smooth, and it’s wonderful classic scent.
Like many of the other lotions on this list, it is important to note that this lotion does not contain any SPF. So if you’re bringing this lotion with you to the beach, make sure you grab your favorite sunscreen so you don’t burn! Tans look good, sunburns… not so much!
Spa Luxury Tan Extending Moisturizer by Devoted Creations
Who’s it for? Someone who wants to feel like they’re at the spa.
What’s it smell like? Sparkling Blackberry Woods.
Want a little luxury in a bottle? This silicone-based moisturizer from Devoted Creations is designed to give your skin the feeling you get after spending the day at the spa!
This rich and creamy cashmere blend contains many additional benefits for your newly tanned skin, including Intenslim, to help breakdown skin stored fat accumulation, bronzers, for an extra sun-kissed glow, and anti-aging and skin-repairing ingredients, which restore your skin’s healthy appearance after tanning.
And as with any skincare product, a primary concern is its smell. This lotion is scented Sparkling Blackberry Woods, which reviewers love! It’s lightly fruity fragrance has natural, earthy undertones which smell great all day long!
Crown Of Gold Luxury Skin Softening Hydrator by Devoted Creations
Who’s it for? Someone who wants a gradual tanning moisturizer that’ll even skin tone.
What’s it smell like? Sweet Seduction.
Look like a golden goddess with the Crown of Gold Luxury Skin Softening Hydrator by Devoted Creations. It’s got all the goodies you could want in it, from anti-aging and skin-repairing ingredients, to maximum moisture for smooth skin after-tanning.
There’s one extra special thing that makes gives this lotion a special place in my heart – a gradual bronzing system that will extend your tan, as well as even out your skin tone.
One thing to remember is that because it is a slightly tinted lotion that will help develop color, it’s important to wash your hands after applying to avoid discolored palms.
Tan Extender Daily Moisturizer by Golden Star Beauty
Who’s it for? Someone who wants to extend their tan.
What’s it smell like? Light, natural.
Well if there’s one thing that ever tanner wants, it’s to extend the life of their tan. After-all, if we’re going to spend hours in the sun, or sessions in the tanning booth, we want that color to last as long as possible!
That’s why the Tan Extender Daily Moisturizer from Golden Star Beauty is our top pick for those of us whose primary concern is making that new tan stick around! That’s because it is actually designed with a gradual to light DHA based tanner built right in. You read that right, this daily moisturizer is also a self-tanner!
And if helping you extend your tan, and even deepen it, wasn’t good enough, it also contains several organic oils and vitamins which nourish your skin and give it a glamorous glow.
One important thing to note about this moisturizer is that since it does include self-tanner, it’s critical that you follow the basic self-tanning rules: wash your hands after application, wait 5-10 minutes before getting dressed, and don’t shower or go swimming for up to 4 hours after, for best results.
If you can handle those three easy rules, then you will love using this lotion!
Ink Tattoo & Color Fade Moisturizer Tan Extender by Ed Hardy
Who’s it for? Someone who is concerned about tattoo care.
What’s it smell like? Bourbon & Honey.
If you’re tattooed and tanned, then this moisturizer is designed with you in mind! Ink is from one of our favorite tanning lotion makers, Ed Hardy, and is a popular choice for both men and women who want to extend their tan and protect their ink.
One problem a lot of people have with daily moisturizers is that they don’t like the oily feeling that many moisturizers can leave on their skin. While many of the lotions on this list boast about how they feel on your skin, this lotion is actually made with zero oils, so you’ll never have that greasy feeling!
Instead, this after-tanning lotion is made with shea butter, for a rich and creamy lotion you’re going to love using. It has a few added benefits that also make it a great lotion to apply after you’ve left the tanning salon. In addition to its tattoo and color protection, this lotion designed with BodyFit, a specially formulated blend that reduces the appearance of cellulite and promotes firmness. Whether you have tattoos or not, this is definitely a lotion many would recommend!
So Naughty Nude Tan Extending Moisturizer by Devoted Creations
Who’s it for? Someone who wants to add a little color and shimmer!
What’s it smell like? Pink Sugar.
Instant bronzers, shimmering diamond dust, and sugary sweet fragrance make this moisturizer the perfect choice for you girly girls! Devoted Creations designed the So Naughty Nude tanning lotion collection to speak to all of us who want to feel totally glamorous!
This moisturizer contains DHA-free instant bronzers, so there’s nothing to worry about if you’re not a fan of that funky fake-tan smell that taints DHA-based lotions. And as I mentioned before, this lotion is made with diamond dust, leaving you with an all-over sexy shimmer that’ll make your skin look amazing!
But don’t think for a second that these sparkling specs mean you’re not getting great skin conditioning! So Naughty Nude contains a blend of Dead Sea Minerals, which repairs skin damage, improves skin tone, increase elasticity, and reverse the signs of aging. There’s clearly plenty to love about being So Naughty!
Get Ready to Moisturize
Whether you’re a year-round tanner or just like a little bit of color during the summer, the most important thing to remember is to moisturize your skin, both before and after you tan!
Any of the after-tanning lotions on this list will make a great addition to your bathroom cabinet and your regular beauty routine. If you apply moisturizer daily, you and your tan will look better than ever.
