Summer skin with a bronzy glow is coveted by many of us sun worshippers, but often comes at the cost of damaging our skin.
Introducing the spray tan. Spray tans are becoming super popular with increased awareness around premature aging, skin cancer, and other skin-related problems due to the sun.
To keep spray tans glowing and increase their longevity, proper lotion care after a spray tan is essential. But, what are the best lotions to use after a spray tan?
Best Lotions for Spray Tan Comparison
Image | Product | Features | Price |
---|---|---|---|
Editor's Choice ![]() | Sheamoisture Raw Shea Butter |
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#2 ![]() | Sky Organics Coconut Oil + Vitamin E |
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#3 ![]() | Burt’s Bees Hemp Body Lotion |
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#4 ![]() | Total Activation Aloe Butter |
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Facts and Tips Around Lotions with Spray Tans
Importance of Lotion After a Spray Tan
Regularly using a moisturizer is crucial for keeping skin happy and nourished, and for spray tanned skin it can help enhance and extend the bronzy glow. Hydrated skin will better absorb the spray tan as well, so having moist skin before the spray tan is equally important.
Even so, be sure to have bare skin on the actual day of your spray tan appointment, or if doing it at home, wait until lotions have fully absorbed. Furthermore, to really preserve your spray tan, moisturizers containing self-tanner can help make your tan last longer.
When You Should Use Lotion

It’s important to note that you should not use lotion directly after getting or applying a spray tan. Keep your skin dry for at least 8 to 10 hours and up to 24 hours to let the tan set into the skin. Once the tan has fully developed, you can shower off the solution.
After showering is the ideal time to apply lotion and lock in the moisture from your shower. Be sure to pat your skin dry instead of rubbing with the towel to avoid any potential smears. Moving forward, applying lotion after you shower will be a good habit to continue to maintain nourished skin.
Best Ingredients to Look For in Lotions
Finding lotions with good quality ingredients is important for skin at all times, particularly so after a spray tan as certain ingredients can actually strip your tan and cause it to fade faster.
High-quality, organic lotions that contain super-nourishing, natural ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, hemp, or aloe vera are your skin’s best friend.
Also look for lotions that are fragrance-free and oil-free (meaning the bad oils for spray tan like mineral oil and essential oils, not coconut) as these can be stripping agents.
Ingredients to Avoid in Lotions
Because we all want our skin to be healthy and our tans to be glowing, keep in mind the ingredients that can have adverse effects on spray tans. The most important thing is to stay away from products that contain ingredients that will dry your skin out. So, aim to steer clear of:
- Mineral oil
- Fragrances; they might smell nice but they tend to irritate and dry out skin
- Anti-Acne lotions (some ingredients that promote this can strip the skin of moisture)
- Anti-aging lotions (some ingredients that promote this can strip the skin of moisture)
- AHA products (Alpha Hydroxy Acids: Glycolic, Lactic, Malic, Citric, and Tartaric acids)
- Propylene Glycol
- Petroleum and Parabens
- Toner/Astringents
- Lemon scents and ingredients
The Lotions We Like To Use After Spray Tan
#1. Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Hydrating Lotion
- SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Hydrating body lotion is a dry skin moisturizer that deeply hydrates and rejuvenates dull skin
- Blended with fair trade shea butter and coconut oil, this body lotion leaves skin feeling smooth and revived
- This body lotion, formulated without parabens by SheaMoisture, combines fair trade shea butter and nourishing oils; Can be used as a hand or body lotion
- SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Lotion, blended with Frankincense and Myrrh, helps restore dry skin; Formulated without parabens
- Use this moisturizing raw shea butter lotion all over; Concentrate on rough and dry areas or use as a hand cream and foot cream; For best results, apply this lotion to damp skin.Raw Shea Butter moisturizing lotion is formulated without no parabens, no phthalates and no mineral oil
Last update on 2023-05-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Shea butter comes from the nut of the African shea tree and is extracted in the form of a fat. This fatty acid is super moisturizing for all skin types, absorbs easily, and has no documented connection to allergic reactions making it super safe.
Not only that, shea butter is also an inflammatory that can help calm irritated skin reacting from sun, dry weather, or skin conditions. It is also a natural antioxidant that acts as an anti-aging agent protecting the skin cells from free radicals.
The Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter lotion is packed with nourishing fair trade shea butter and coconut oil and is formulated without parabens, fragrances, or mineral oil. Your skin will love this stuff!
#2. Sky Organics Organic Coconut Oil + Vitamin E
- WHY WE LOVE IT: Sky Organics Organic Coconut Oil + Vitamin E is a two-in-one body and hair oil that deeply moisturizes very dry, dehydrated skin and hair in need of some love and hydration.
- FOR SOFTER SKIN: Sky Organics Organic Coconut Oil + Vitamin E is full of nourishing fatty acids and glow-boosting antioxidants that support smooth and silky soft skin and hair.
- WITH VITAMIN E: Sky Organics Organic Coconut Oil + Vitamin E is made with antioxidant-rich Vitamin E that delivers intense moisture for smooth and even looking skin - naturally!
- FOR BEST RESULTS: Warm a generous amount of Sky Organics Organic Coconut Oil + Vitamin E into the palms of your hands and spread evenly over skin. For hair, use as a deep conditioning hair mask by mixing it with Organic Castor Oil and your favorite conditioner for deep, long-lasting hydration.
- GOOD FOR YOU, GOOD FOR THE PLANET: Sky Organics Organic Coconut Oil + Vitamin E is USDA certified Organic, 100% vegan and cruelty-free and is responsibly made in small batches with the highest quality ingredients.
Last update on 2023-05-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
For the all-natural babes out there, coconut oil is the all-purpose-go-to for skin. It is crazy moisturizing and can lock in moisture on the skin’s surface without clogging pores. It is anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial and antibacterial.
Basically, it is soooo good for the skin! Sky Organics Organic Coconut Oil is made with responsibly sourced ingredients, and is never tested on animals.
The addition of Vitamin E takes its antioxidant properties even further providing extra nourishment and hydration. It is made with only those 2 ingredients, so no extra fragrance, parabens, mineral oils, or other yucky stuff.
We really like this easy to scoop container with the wide-lid opening. So perfect for getting a good goop to slather all over!
#3. Burt’s Bees Hemp Body Lotion
- BODY LOTION FOR DRY SKIN: Restore moisture to your skin with Burts Bees hemp body lotion for dry skin that leaves skin feeling soft, healthy and hydrated; Package may vary
- HEMP LOTION: This rich, naturally moisturizing hemp lotion with hemp seed oil contains vitamin E to nourish and hydrate skin
- NATURAL ORIGIN LOTION: Made from 99% natural origin ingredients in a lightweight formula with a fresh verbena and basil scent
- MOISTURIZING INGREDIENTS: This rich, non-greasy body lotion absorbs quickly and gently soothes dry skin while making it feel soft, smooth and fully hydrated up to 24 hours
- SAFE INGREDIENTS: This dry skin lotion is formulated with natural, non-irritating ingredients, and is also dermatologist tested and hypoallergenic
Last update on 2023-05-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Hemp seed oil is naturally loaded with Vitamin E and is great for rejuvenating dry, flaky skin. It also helps to seal in moisture and protect the outer barrier of the skin.
Hemp seed oil won’t clog pores and is effective in balancing dry or oily skin types. Because it is also loaded with essential omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, it can plump up tired skin as well.
The Burt’s Bees Hemp Body Lotion is non-greasy and absorbed so quickly by the skin! It keeps skin hydrated for a full 24 hours as well so it’s really ideal for a one-a-day application.
We love it for people living in hot, dry climates. This lotion will keep your skin from drying out, and keep your spray tan boosted!
#4. Total Activation Aloe Butter
- THE BEST ALOE VERA MOISTURIZER FOR FACE AND BODY IN A GENEROUS 8 OZ CONTAINER! This rejuvenating face cream and body cream is derived from 100% pure and natural Hawaiian Aloe Vera. Our facial moisturizer is an exquisite body butter that will quickly rehydrate and heal dry skin. Organic and natural ingredients including rich herbs, organic shea butter and cocoa butter.
- ONE GAME-CHANGING PRODUCT THAT LASTS SEVERAL WEEKS: Use as a daily facial moisturizer, night cream & dark spot cream for face. Outstanding eczema treatment that works better than pure aloe vera gel! Superior to any aloe vera lotion, organic aloe vera gel for face, lotion for dry skin, wrinkle creams, manuka honey cream and generic body cream.
- ALL-IN-ONE SUNBURN RELIEF, ROSACEA TREATMENT FOR FACE & BODY & ECZEMA CREAM! Aloe Vera sunburn relief is a known benefit, but Aloe Butter takes heat rash treatment for adults and acne relief to a whole new level. Unlike other excema creams and mens face lotion, our product will heal and soothe your skin and relieve redness.
- GENTLE AND SAFE FOR ALL AGES & SKIN TYPES! Anti wrinkle and beauty solution for children, teens and those with mature skin. Works for men and women. Great for all types of skin, including sensitive skin. Free from fragrance, color, preservatives, parabens, sulphates, and phthalates. 100% cruelty free. Never tested on animals. Safe to use anywhere on the face or body.
- QUICK ABSORBING WITHOUT THE GREASY FEELING! A rich, exquisite, blend of organic Hawaiian aloe, herbal extracts, and a vitamin complex designed to nourish skin of all ages. Using a proprietary combination of natural ingredients like organic sunflower seed oil, smooth cocoa butter, organic shea butter, rich avocado oil, creamy macadamia nut oil and luscious coconut, we created Aloe Butter to be the perfect skin cream.
Last update on 2023-05-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Aloe vera is nature’s solution to many skin problems. From skin burns, to rashes, to eczema, to dryness, aloe vera can work miracles. It is extremely hydrating and will lock-in moisture for hours on the skin. It can help balance redness, irritation and promote the skin to glow!
The Total Activation Aloe Butter is derived from 100% pure and natural Hawaiian Aloe Vera. The formula also incorporates body butter from shea to rehydrate and heal dry skin.
For spray tanned skin, this product will deeply moisturize, lock in that bronzy glow, and create a smooth, youthful look. We love this for all skin types!
Best Lotions To Use After Spray Tan Wrap Up
We bronze goddesses all want our beautiful skin to glow and shine! And with so many ingredients offered to us by Mother Nature, there are great options to hydrate, protect and promote our natural beauty in an organic way.
Choose a lotion that has all the goodness from nature like shea butter, coconut oil, hemp seed oil and aloe vera, and without the added icky things like fragrances, parabens, and AHAs that can strip our skin of moisture and further deteriorate our spray tans.
For healthy skin and glow, moisturize daily, ideally after a shower to lock all the moisture in. Stay hydrated and happy (spray) tanning everyone!
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