Should You Moisturize Before Self Tanning?
Should you moisturize before self tanning? Get a golden glow and avoid a patchy tan with our top tips.
It’s no secret that self-tanning products are our go-to shortcut for a sun-kissed goddess glow—no vacation required. But let’s be real. Too often, self-tanning adventures leave us with orange hands, streaky patches, and a blotchy face.
To avoid tanning disasters, knowledge is key. One commonly asked question is, “Should I moisturize before self tanning?” Here’s everything you need to know for an even sunkissed glow.
Should You Moisturize Before Self Tanning?
It’s always a good idea to moisturize before applying self tanner. Dry skin tends to absorb excess tan, which can leave you with a patchy color. It’s important to make sure your skin is well-hydrated before self tanning so that you can enjoy an even radiant glow.
For best results, use a moisturizer every day in the week leading up to self tanning. Then moisturize your entire body, especially dry areas like the elbows, knees, and ankles, at least one hour before applying your self tan.
Avoid applying moisturizer directly before self tanner which can lead to uneven results. Allow your creams and lotions to absorb fully before self tanning. The experts recommend waiting 2-3 hours before applying your self tanner.
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What Happens if You Don’t Moisturize Before Tanning?
Should you moisturize before self tanning? 1000%. Skipping moisturizer before tanning might seem like a minor step, but it can lead to some major tanning disasters.
Moisturizing creates a smooth, hydrated base that helps your self-tanner glide on evenly. Without it, dry areas of your body—like elbows, knees, and ankles—soak up more product, leaving you with darker, blotchy areas. These dry spots act like a sponge, absorbing more of the tanning formula than the rest of your skin, which can create an uneven and unnatural finish.
What’s more, dry skin tends to shed faster, causing patchy spots to develop as your tan starts to wear off. By taking a few extra minutes to moisturize before applying self-tanner, you’re not just ensuring a more seamless application—you’re also extending the life of your sunkissed glow.
3 Steps to a Golden Goddess Glow
Ready to get sunkissed and sparkly? We’ve got the perfect routine for you right here featuring our brand new formulas.
Step 1: Hydrate
For an instant glow, apply a few drops of Truly’s Golden Glaze Luxury Body Oil. It’s made with vitamin C, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture and brighten skin for a dewy, bouncy body that glistens.
Lightweight and non-greasy, it melts into skin for an instant golden shimmer. Plus, it smells irresistible with a warming blend of clove, orange flower, and vanilla.
Step 2: Shimmer
For an extra layer of dewiness and shimmer, smooth on Truly’s Golden Glaze Shimmer Body Butter. Formulated with argan oil and ceramides, it’s intensely hydrating and softening. Besides adding instant radiance, this moisturizer plumps out fine lines and brightens dark spots for an all over youthful glow.
Rich yet lightweight, it gives skin an instant golden shimmer without leaving a greasy residue. Like the body oil, it smells warm and sultry with notes of clove, orange flower, and vanilla.
Step 3: Bronze
Now it’s time to tan. Apply a few drops of Truly’s Sun Drops Bronze Golden Glow Oil for a luminous sunkissed look all over. Infused with cocoa extract and turmeric, it feeds the skin with antioxidants to protect against aging while brightening sun spots. It’s also enriched with squalane and jojoba oil for a double dose of hydration.
Lightweight and fragrance-free, this bronzing oil instantly transforms your skin with a sunkissed glow that flatters all skin tones.
Is it Better to Moisturize Before or After Fake Tanning?
Both! You should be moisturizing before and after self tanning. Moisturizing 2-3 hours before applying self tanner preps your skin for a smooth, even application. Focus on hydrating those areas that are especially prone to dryness, like your knees, elbows, and ankles.
After fake tanning, moisturizing becomes all about preserving your glow. Keeping your skin hydrated helps your tan fade evenly and last longer. Moisturizing prevents your tan from cracking and flaking, extending the lifespan of your bronzed glow. It also keeps your tan looking fresher and more radiant.
Choose a rich and hydrating moisturizer to lock in moisture for a long-lasting tan. Look for products that contain nourishing emollients and humectants like shea butter, cocoa butter, hyaluronic acid, and coconut oil.
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FAQ: Moisturizing and Self Tanning
Moisturizing plays a key role in preparing your skin for a flawless, long-lasting tan. Below are answers to some of the most common questions about moisturizing and self tanning.
Can You Put Self Tan on Top of Moisturizer?
Yes, you can and you should apply moisturizer after self tanning to ensure an even, smooth application. Just make sure you let your moisturizer fully absorb into your skin before applying self-tanner to avoid any streaking.
Does Moisturizing Help Fake Tan Last?
Yes, moisturizing helps maintain hydration in the skin, which can prevent your tan from fading unevenly. It also helps keep your skin soft and smooth, which can contribute to a longer-lasting, radiant tan.
How Long Should Lotion Dry Before Self Tanning?
It’s best to allow your body lotion to dry for at least one hour (or ideally 2-3 hours) before applying self-tanner. This ensures that the moisturizer has fully absorbed, which helps the self-tanner go on evenly without ending up with patches or streaks.
Should you moisturize before self tanning? In order to achieve the best tan, it’s a good idea to moisturize both before and after applying self tanner. Opt for Truly’s high quality body care products featured here to achieve a luminous sunkissed glow that lasts days.
