When skin is newly tanned, it looks FABULOUS!
But did you know tanned skin is likely suffering from dehydration?
That’s why you need to hydrate.
Hydration helps to maintain a golden glow, so skin doesn’t become dry and start to peel. And the best way to hydrate skin is to drink water and apply moisturizer!
So which moisturizers are up to the challenge?
Well, at SimplySunSafe we explored a range of market leading, premium moisturizers to find the best one for the job. And after careful consideration we recommend Lancaster Tan Maximizer Soothing Moisturizer as the best moisturizer to keep a tan in this year!
But moisturizing isn’t only important for the short-term benefits of keeping your tan fresh. It also reduces the long-term effects of sun damage, such as premature aging and wrinkles!
Don’t put in all the hard work to build up a tan, only to let it peel away in days.
Keep reading for a comparison table, detailed buyer’s guide, and in-depth reviews of the top five lotions to help you keep a tan!
Best Moisturizer To Keep A Tan Comparison
 Lancaster Tan Maximizer |
 Golden Star Beauty Tan Extender |
 Sun Bum Cool Down |
 Maui Babe After Browning |
 Hawaiian Tropic After Sun |
|
| Ingredient Features | Tan Activator Complex, paraben-free, sulfate-free, anti-aging, anti-acne, skin brightening | DHA, Organic, natural, vegan, paraben-free, sulfate-free, gluten-free, alcohol-free, anti-aging, promotes healing | Gluten-free, hypoallergenic, non-greasy, cruelty-free, oxybenzone-free, reef-friendly, vegan | SIlicone-free, alcohol-free, sulfate-free, | Reef-safe,oxybenzone-free, octinoxate-free, hydrating,paraben-free, sulfate-free |
| Scent | Light, floral | Natural and pleasant scent | Coconut | Light, refreshing, slightly ‘flowery’ | Light, tropical scent, subtle lime |
| Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
Buyer’s Guide
To ensure that you are can get the most out of your after-sun moisturizer, here are some factors that you should consider when purchasing a product:
Ingredients
Having a look at the ingredients list on cosmetic products is not what I’d necessarily call a fun activity, but it’s an important one! It’s a good idea to be aware of what exactly you’re putting on your skin. Products with a long list of hard-to-pronounce ingredients? Yeah, you’ll definitely want to check those!
Of course not knowing what an ingredient is doesn’t automatically make it bad though! Thankfully the internet has tools that can help you decipher the cryptic lists – you can copy and paste any product’s ingredients list into product analyzers such as this one by Skin Carisma. It will provide results on each individual ingredient and tell you what’s good, what’s bad, and everything in between.
Nonetheless, here are some common ingredients that you may find in your moisturizer, and some information about them:
Glycerin: Glycerin is the second most often used ingredient in cosmetic products after water! It is a naturally occurring humectant that cools skin. Even synthetically derived glycerin is safe, because our bodies react the same way as they do to natural glycerin.
Xanthan Gum: This is a commonly used natural thickener in cosmetics. One downside of its use is its potential to leave a sticky residue.
Bisabolol, aloe vera: These are natural soothing agents that reduce irritation and promote healing.
Linalool, Citral, Citronellol, Limonene: These are all elements that are found in a variety of essential oils such as lavender, orange, and rose. They’re often used for their pleasant aromas to make products smell good. While natural and beneficial in a variety of ways, they can also be allergens and cause irritation to sensitive skin so buyers beware if you have sensitivity to these ingredients.
Parabens: Parabens are used to prevent the growth of unwanted bacteria in a wide variety of cosmetics. While they are not directly harmful and are almost always present in very low quantities, parabens have been linked to various health risks after prolonged use. You can find out more about parabens from Safe Cosmetics.
Scent
Moisturizing your whole body after being in the sun can sometimes feel like a chore – but using one that makes your skin smell delicious makes it worth all the effort! For this reason, you will want to buy a moisturizing product that encourages you to use it by having a smell you love.
Besides that, if you have a product with a smell you don’t enjoy, even if it works wonders for your skin, you probably won’t use it! If you are someone who is sensitive when it comes to smells, you should check customer reviews and product labels to see if any scents are listed to make sure it isn’t too strong, and to make sure it sounds like a smell that you would like.
5 Best Moisturizers To Keep A Tan
After thorough research into the different after-tanning products on the market, which included analyzing product reviews, examining manufacturing details, and partaking in skin care forums, SimplySunSafe has chosen Lancaster Tan Maximizer Soothing Moisturizer as the top option.
Each recommended product moisturizes very well, works to enhance your tan, and each one also has very high customer approval ratings.
1. Lancaster Tan Maximizer Soothing Moisturizer
- Tan Activator Complex stimulates melanin production and enhances the tanning process. It helps you keep an even, golden and long-lasting tan.
- It helps keep the skin hydrated and restore the skin barrier shielding the skin from external aggressors
- It will, in essence, hydrate, repair and soothe the skin helping you keep a beautiful tan for up to one month.
- All skin types, including sensitive skin.
Last update on 2023-10-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This luxurious Lancaster’s product is SimplySunSafe’s pick for the best moisturizer to keep a tan.
It relieves skin that’s been out in the sun while prolonging tans for up to one month! It has no added color, but it has a specially formulated Tan Activator Complex (T.A.C.) which increases melanin production for a longer-lasting, quicker, deeper, more beautiful tan.
Not only does it deepen and darken your natural tan, but it keeps skin feeling soft and moisturized, all while having a delicious light scent. There’s no surprise here why it’s been described as “miracle juice” for your skin!
Additionally, it is free of parabens and sulfates and it has anti-aging and acne-fighting properties. The only downside to the Lancaster Tan Maximizer is that it is quite expensive. However, if price is not an issue, I definitely recommend this product for its high quality and effectiveness.
- Tan Activator Complex increases melanin production for a naturally deeper, darker tan
- Free of parabens and sulfates
- Anti-aging and acne-fighting
- Brightens skin
- Expensive
2. Golden Star Beauty Tan Extender Body Lotion
- 🌴PERFECT SUNKISSED TAN WITHOUT HURTING YOUR SKIN: MADE WITH PURE, NATURAL and ORGANIC ingredients perfectly blended to prolong the life of your sunless, spray or suntan. ORGANIC ALOE VERA, ORGANIC OILS (ARGAN OIL, OLIVE OIL, JOJOBA OIL, AVOCADO OIL), HYALURONIC ACID and VITAMINS B2, B5 and B12. Made in the USA with no nasty chemicals, no parabens, no formaldehyde, vegan, and sealed for your protection
- ⭐ MAKE YOUR BODY LOOK STUNNING: EXCLUSIVE FADE-FIGHTING formula specially designed to extend the life and look of your beautiful tan – whether it is from self-tanner, spray tan, indoor tanning bed or sun. Note also that our tan extending lotion also works as an UNBEATABLE DAILY MOISTURIZER. It helps prolong your tan for up to 3 days longer and leaves your skin velvety soft. NO FAKE TAN SMELL, NON-COMEDOGENIC and NON-STICKY.
- ❤️PERFECT GIFT FOR HER: Find the way to her heart & delight her with something truly special when you present her with this organic tan extender lotion! Designed for impressive results – the proof is the glowing skin of our customers (check out the customer reviews). Personalize it with a thoughtful, written message to win the heart of your Girlfriend, Wife, Mom, Sister, or Friend.
- ⭐ A MUST-HAVE FOR EVERY REGULAR TANNER: For perfect results and a tan that lasts longer and fades evener. Our tan extender moisturizer guarantees optimum self-tanning results, reduces tan break-up, improves fade and is specially formulated to work with our self-tanning oil. It is not meant to be used as a sunless tanner because the percentage of DHA is too low to produce a sunless tan on its own.
- ✅PERFECT FOR ALL SKIN TYPES and ALL TYPES OF TAN: even the most sensitive ones. Enjoy a beautiful, sun-kissed glow even through the winter months using our ORGANIC SELF TANNING OIL and ORGANIC TAN EXTENDER LOTION
Last update on 2023-10-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Golden Star Beauty’s Tan Extender Body Lotion comes a close second for SimplySunSafe’s most recommended after-sun moisturizers. We love this product because it’s made with pure, organic, natural ingredients and is curated specifically to extend the life of your tan.
It has all that you may want in an after-tanning lotion while being ethically responsible! This lotion extends tans at least three days longer, and skin is left silky smooth.
It is also a non-comedogenic and non-sticky product, which works for all skin types and all kinds of tans, even very sensitive ones. It’s made with no chemicals, parabens, or formaldehyde, and is gluten-free, cruelty-free, and vegan. Its natural ingredients will not only extend your tan, but they will work to make sure it fades evenly.
Among the ingredients you can find in a bottle are the following:
- Organic Aloe Vera
- Organic Oils (Avocado, Coconut, Jojoba, Olive, Argan oils)
- Hyaluronic Acid
- Vitamins B2, B5, and B12
- Coffee Seed Extract
One thing to consider in this lotion is that it contains DHA (Dihydroxyacetone), which can be both good or bad depending on your preferences. DHA is naturally derived from sugar beets or cane sugar and it interacts non-toxically with amino acids on the skin’s surface, which darkens the skin. However, caution must be taken to wash lotion with DHA off hands after application, since they can darken palms if not removed promptly.
- Cruelty-free
- Gluten-free
- Free of parabens and dyes
- Vegan
- Non-comedogenic
- Made with Organic ingredients
- Contains DHA so caution must be taken to wash hands after application.
3. Sun Bum Cool Down Hydrating After Sun Lotion
- Sun Bum Cool Down Hydrating After Sun Lotion, 6 FL OZ/ 177 ML
- Restores and protects sun-damaged skin and prevents peeling for a longer lasting tan
- Broad Spectrum UVA / UVB Protection / Water & Sweat Resistant 80 Minutes
Last update on 2023-10-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Sun Bum Cool Down Hydrating After Sun Lotion is another amazing option to maintain your tan after sun exposure. It’s specifically designed to nourish skin that’s been in the sun, and to reduce peeling to keep your tan looking fresh for longer.
The formula is light and non-greasy and can be used on adults and children alike, plus it’s dermatologist tested to be hypoallergenic. It absorbs quickly and is 100% vegan.
SimplySunSafe especially loves that the Sun Bum Cool Down line comes in three different application types: lotion, spray, and gel. This gives users options to buy the same great product in whichever application they like best. And no matter which application type, all products maintain the same fresh cooling ingredients to moisturize your skin and preserve your tan.
The moisturizing ingredients at work in Sun Bum bottles are:
- Aloe lotion
- Tea tree oil
- Jojoba Oil
- Cocoa Butter
- Cucumber Extract
- Vitamin E
- Choice of lotion, spray, or gel
- Environmentally friendly: cruelty-free, oxybenzone-free, reef-friendly, vegan
- Gluten Free
- Hypoallergenic non-greasy formula
- The smell may be a bit too strong for those with sensitivities
4. Maui Babe After Browning Lotion
- THE HAWAIIAN SECRET TO SEAL IN YOUR BEAUTIFUL TAN: Prevent your gorgeous tan from fading with the Maui Babe After Browning Lotion that works wonders on enhancing your tan and sealing it in place. Our after sun tan enhancer lotion is everything you need to prolong the life of your hard-earned natural tan and enjoy a radiant, smooth and attractive dark tanned body that will look spotless for days!
- GREAT MOISTURIZING & HEALING ACTION FOR BABY SOFT SKIN: Sun, sea salt and summer breeze tend to dehydrate your skin, leaving it prone to peeling and dullness. Packed with amazing nourishing ingredients, vitamins and antioxidants, this excellent after sun skincare lotion helps revitalize your skin and offers deep hydration for unmatched softness. Perfect for treating light sunburn and preventing peeling skin.
- NATURAL HAWAIIAN INGREDIENTS FOR PROVEN RESULTS: Our tanning lotion enhancer features an array of skin-loving ingredients including: soothing Aloe Vera Gel, refreshing Purified Hawaiian Water and nourishing Macadamia Nut Oil that help revitalize even red, irritated and dry, flaky skin. Cruelty-free and as natural as it can be, it makes a perfectly safe choice for all skin types, even for people with the most sensitive skin.
- LOVELY COCONUT SCENT & RICH, LIGHTWEIGHT FORMULA: For best results, shake the bottle vigorously and apply a generous amount to the desired areas after showering. Lightweight, fast-absorbent, ultra-moisturizing and with a wonderful, light coconut scent, you may use this Hawaiian body moisturizer all year round for silky smooth skin. Plus, with every order you will receive 1 8oz bottles, perfect for daily use!
- MADE IN THE USA – FROM HAWAII, TO ALL OVER THE WORLD: This authentic body after browning lotion is created by our long-standing family owned business in Maui, Hawaii, to bring some well-needed holiday magic to any destination. Tried, tested and trusted by thousands of women all over the world for its superior tan-sealing action, you have every good reason to make it yours today!
Last update on 2023-10-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Maui Babe After Browning Lotion is a classic after tanning product from Maui, Hawaii. It has a special formula that works to heal dry skin that has been damaged by the sun, salt, and wind.
It does not have any added color, but it prevents peeling and flaking after tanning or burning, and also locks in tans and prevents them from fading.
Not just that, but this Maui Babe product is appropriate for all-year usage as a general skin moisturizer for softer, smoother skin, especially for people living in very dry conditions.
Its most active natural ingredients are Macadamia Nut Oil and Aloe Vera, which both work to soothe and moisturize skin after tanning.
Unfortunately this product does contain parabens however, and it is also quite expensive.
- Extends tan and prevents fade
- Appropriate as a general moisturizer
- Heals damaged skin
- Contains parabens
- Pricy
5. Hawaiian Tropic Lime Coolada After Sun Moisturizer
- REEF SAFE Sunscreen, made without oxybenzone and octinoxate
- Rich, creamy formula
- Hydrates to hydrate your skin
- Helps replenish mositure with exotic island botanicals
- Wonderful tropical scent
Last update on 2023-10-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This after-sun formula is rich and creamy, and is loved for its delicious tropical scent and its soothing effects on skin.
Containing island botanicals, aloe vera, shea and cocoa butters, and fortified with vitamins A and E, Hawaiian Tropic After Sun Moisturizer rejuvenates skin that has been damaged by the sun, wind, and water.
SimplySunSafe does not recommend it as the best option since it contains a long list of ingredients which include parabens and alcohols, and I especially suggest avoiding it if your skin is burned or irritated.
However, in other cases, it is a very light, non-greasy lotion that can be used on sensitive skin and which will help you keep your tan looking just-out-of-the-sun fresh.
- Highly Moisturizing
- Reef-Safe
- Non-greasy
- Economical
- Pleasant yet light fragrance
- Contains alcohol so not good for sunburns
- Long ingredients list including parabens
Conclusion
I wrote this guide for people looking for the best moisturizer to keep a tan. Hopefully you have gained more knowledge about different products on the market by reading this article. I am confident that you are now equipped with the tools to make a decision on which is the best moisturizer that you can use to keep your tan looking beautiful and fresh.
While all listed products are great for different purposes, SimplySunSafe recommends Lancaster Tan Maximizer Soothing Moisturizer as the overall best moisturizer to prolong a tan for its high-quality Tan Activator Complex, which produces long-lasting results.
Other options listed are also great for other needs. If you are looking for a product that will add some extra color with DHA, Golden Star Beauty Tan Extender Body Lotion is a great option.
This product and Sun Bum Cool Down Hydrating After Sun Lotion are also both natural, vegan options for the environmentally-conscious. Maui Babe After Browning Lotion is a classic product which has many natural ingredients and proven results, and Hawaiian Tropic Lime Coolada After Sun Moisturizer is a more economic option that is also reef-safe!
I always love to learn about other new products and to hear about your experiences with the ones listed so if you have any feedback or a suggestion of another great moisturizer that helps prolong tans, please leave me a comment below and I will see about featuring it in another article!
FAQs
Q: Does moisturizing also work on fake tan?
A: Moisturizers generally prolong the appearance of a spray-tan or scrub-on fake tan. However, keep in mind two things. First, some moisturizers may contain sugar as an ingredient which could leave you feeling sticky and gross after applying.
Second, even if they don’t contain sugar, wearing them will still accelerate the breakdown of your sunless glow due to natural oils in your skin breaking down the coating. Moisturiser will also prevent any streaks or pathy fading of your fake tan.
Q: What part of the body is the hardest to tan?
A: There is no specific body part that’s the hardest to tan artificially. However, when it comes to natural tanning, the feet are the last part of the body to get a tan. That’s because they have pigmentation that never comes in contact with ultraviolet rays from the sun. This means that for tanned people, their feet will be one of the first places where all your hard work goes away.
Q: What type of SPF do you use when applying lotion to supplement tanning?
A: You must be applying the lotion of at least 30 SPF before sun exposure to supplement tanning. A general rule of thumb for most people who wear sunscreen regularly is to use SPF 30 as a minimum; and if you’re going out in the sun for more than 5-10 minutes, then add another 15 minutes to that, which would make it 45.
Q: Why do I lose my tan so fast?
A: The top reasons why a tan appears to be fading fast include spending too much time in the sun and not applying enough sunscreen and moisturizer.
Moisturizers must be applied every two hours. When applying sunscreen, make sure you use broad-spectrum 30 SPF or higher protection.
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