No, you’re not imagining it; your skin is probably drier than normal when you have a sunless tan. That’s because DHA (the ingredient used to create a sunless tan) has drying effects on the skin, thus you must moisturize daily to prolong the life of your tan. (Dry skin = a flaky tan that doesn’t last long.) But I’m sure what you didn’t know is there are ingredients in many lotions that can strip your tan AND there is a difference between hydrating and moisturizing. First thing’s first: Ingredients like alcohols, parabens, fragrances, and sulfates will strip your tan. Especially if those ingredients show up first in the ingredients list. So avoid using those lotions when you’re maintaining a sunless tan.

Next up: the difference in hydrating and moisturizing. Hydrating is the skin cells’ absorption of moisture from the air which then plump the cells with water and improve their ability to absorb moisture and nutrients. Hydrated skin = a plump, dewy complexion; dehydrated skin = a lackluster, dull complexion. Moisturizing is the act of trapping moisture into the skin to create a barrier against outside stressors; i.e., dry air and DHA. Moisturized skin = the perfect, smooth canvas for a fresh tan; dry skin = a cracked complexion that will cause a tan to develop patchy and uneven. Basically, first, drink enough water (which will also help to hydrate your skin). Then, use hydrating ingredients on your skin (more on that later). Finally, moisturize your skin to create a flawless canvas for your tan. It’s quite literally a science; we know, but trust us, it’s totally worth it.

So without further ado, read on for the best moisturizers to maintain your tan. From those that hydrate and moisturize, to the most recommended, to the best moisturizing facial moisturizer — we’ve got you covered.

Hydrating & Moisturizing

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Body Gel Cream

Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost is a gel-like formula that is formulated to hydrate and moisturize the skin. Its key ingredient is hyaluronic acid, which is key to implementing hydration. The texture is smooth and non-sticky, dries quickly, and provides long-lasting moisture.

For Super Dry Skin

Jergens Ultra Healing Lotion

As someone who suffers from super dry skin (even in the most humid climates) and sunless tans weekly (if not more), this lotion is my absolute go-to. It’s thick but not greasy; absorbs into the skin fast; heals extra dry patches thanks to vitamins E, C, and B, and maintains its moisture levels for at least 24 hours.

Most Recommended

CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion

Spray tan artists from all over recommend and rave about CeraVe’s Daily Moisturizing Lotion. And that’s because it’s super affordable, can be found at any drugstore, and its ingredients (like ceramides and hyaluronic acid) are essential to hydrating and moisturizing the skin. And yup — you guessed it: it’ll prolong your tan.

Cult-Favorite

Hempz Original Herbal Body Moisturizer

Enriched with pure hemp seed oil, shea butter, and aloe, Hempz OG moisturizer has been a cult-favorite in the tanning industry (sunless and UV) for years. And it’s for a good reason. The no-nonsense formula, smooth texture, and sweet scents make for the perfect lotions to nourish and soothe the skin while prolonging a tan.

ADD TO LOTION FOR BOOST OF HYDRATION

Necessaire The Body Serum

Necessaire’s serum is a hyaluronic serum for you body. Hyaluronic acid is a key ingredient to improving the skin’s hydration levels. So when you add the serum to your go-to moisturizing lotion, the results are supple, supremely hydrated skin. Adding this extra level of care to your body’s skincare regimen is important for those who love sunless tanning yet suffer from super dry skin.

CBD-Infused

Happy Dance CBD Whipped Body Butter

Kristen Bell recently launched Happy Dance; a line of CBD-infused body products that (gasp), actually work like CBD products should. Have you been wanting to try out a CBD product for its soothing claims? Then Happy Dance is the line for you. The body butter is packed with 200 MG of full spectrum hemp extract CBD as well as moisturizing ingredients like shea butter and cocoa butter. Meaning? It makes you feel lighter all while moisturizing your skin and saving your tan. It’s luxurious yet lightweight and non-greasy, and delivers a scent you’ll want to be immersed in all day long.

For Your Face

Sunday Riley Ice Ceramide Moisturizing Cream

Not only does dry skin on your face mean a lackluster complexion, but it also speeds up the aging process. Sunday Riley’s Ice Ceramide Moisturizing Cream will both hydrate and moisturize the skin to prevent that from happening. The moisturizer is infused with ceramides to form the skin’s natural moisture barrier, vitamin F to replenish it, and coconut to increase moisturization. Ice is made without parabens, sulfates, and mineral oil, so it will moisturize and prolong your tan. The texture is rich yet lightweight and feels great under makeup or on the skin by itself.

For Your Hands

L’Occitane Dry Skin Hand Cream

Cold air, sunless tan, and the use of hand sanitizer is a recipe for dry, cracked hands. Luckily, L’Occitane’s luxurious blend of shea butter, coconut oil, honey, and marshmallow root extract make for a hand cream that will nourish, moisturize, and soften even the driest hands. Best part? The combination of ingredients will help to prolong the tan on your hands — one of the places where tans typically fade fastest.

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