I washed off my spray tan, now what?
Spray Tan Aftercare
I get asked the same questions after almost every spray tan: When can I shower? Can I use lotion? What products should I buy? This guide has all of my recommendations in one place.
The 60-Second Tanning Cheat Sheet
⏰ STEP 01 / RINSE
• Shower at your designated time for a lukewarm water rinse ONLY.
• Keep it strictly soap-free—no body washes, no shampooing, and no scrubbing!
• CRUCIAL: Do NOT apply any body lotions or creams after this rinse! Leave your skin bare. (Face lotion is ok if it's a must for you!)
• Keep it strictly soap-free—no body washes, no shampooing, and no scrubbing!
• CRUCIAL: Do NOT apply any body lotions or creams after this rinse! Leave your skin bare. (Face lotion is ok if it's a must for you!)
⏰ STEP 02 / THE 24-HOUR "EVERYTHING SHOWER"
• Wait a full 24 hours after that initial rinse before taking your official Everything Shower.
• Now you are completely clear to wash your hair, use your safe soaps, and shave lightly with a sharp new razor.
• Now you are completely clear to wash your hair, use your safe soaps, and shave lightly with a sharp new razor.
🟢 STEP 03 / HYDRATE
• Apply your moisturizer daily after your Everything Shower to help your tan last longer and fade evenly. Drink plenty of water too!
• Important: Limit hot tubs, swimming pools, and NO baths. The sooner you get out of wet or damp clothing from the pool or gym the better! Don't forget your SPF!
• Important: Limit hot tubs, swimming pools, and NO baths. The sooner you get out of wet or damp clothing from the pool or gym the better! Don't forget your SPF!
🛒 WHAT TO BUY (See Full Shopping List below, but my favs are:)
• The Wash: La Roche-Posay Lipikar Wash AP+
• The Lotion: CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion
• SPF: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-in Milk SPF 60
• Rule: Apply everything with your hands only, no loofahs!
• The Lotion: CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion
• SPF: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-in Milk SPF 60
• Rule: Apply everything with your hands only, no loofahs!
🔴 THE DEALBREAKERS
• Put away the Dove, Vaseline and Bath & Body Works products.
• Completely avoid products containing heavy mineral oils, petroleum jelly, or exfoliating facial acids.
• Completely avoid products containing heavy mineral oils, petroleum jelly, or exfoliating facial acids.
The Deep Dive
For the girls who like all the details.
✨ The Timeline Checklist
Phase 01 / Rinse
Shower at your exact designated time for a lukewarm water rinse ONLY. After your first rinse, your tan is still developing.
For the next 24 hours:
❌ No lotion
❌ No body wash
❌ No shaving
You will NOT be at your desired color yet, trust the process!
For the next 24 hours:
❌ No lotion
❌ No body wash
❌ No shaving
You will NOT be at your desired color yet, trust the process!
Phase 02 / The 24-Hour "Everything Shower"
You waited 24 hours and reached your desired color! You are officially cleared to wash your hair, shave lightly with a brand-new razor, and cleanse with a safe soap.
Phase 03 / Hydrate & Protect Your Glow
Once your Everything Shower is out of the way, it's time to play defense! Moisturize daily to keep your skin glowing and make your color fade out evenly. To help your tan last as long as possible, have fun but limit hot tubs, pools, and no baths! To avoid rubbing, the quicker you are out of wet swimwear or damp workout clothes, the better!
PHASE 04 / EXFOLIATE & RESET
Around day 7–10, your tan will naturally start to fade. Once you notice the color looking uneven or patchy, it's time to exfoliate and start fresh.
Use an exfoliating mitt, washcloth, or gentle body scrub to remove any remaining color. This will leave your skin smooth and ready for your next spray tan.
Don't try to scrub your tan off too early. Let it fade naturally, keep your skin moisturized, and then exfoliate when you're ready for your next glow.
Use an exfoliating mitt, washcloth, or gentle body scrub to remove any remaining color. This will leave your skin smooth and ready for your next spray tan.
Don't try to scrub your tan off too early. Let it fade naturally, keep your skin moisturized, and then exfoliate when you're ready for your next glow.
Simple Post-Tan Rules.
We do not need to overcomplicate things with a million products. You can trim your entire routine down to just a few rules to protect both your face and your body:
🧼
Wash: Lather up your cleansers using your hands only! Avoid loofahs.
🧴
Lotion: Use your spray tan safe lotion on your face and body daily after your Everything Shower to keep your glow and help your tan fade more evenly.
☀️
SPF: A spray tan doesn't protect your skin from the sun, so don't skip your SPF.
🛒 Shopping List
Just pick one wash, one lotion, and one SPF from the lists below! Snap a quick screenshot on your phone before you head to the store.
| Spray Tan Safe Products | Where to Track It Down | Est. Price |
|---|---|---|
| La Roche-Posay Lipikar Wash AP+ My Favorite 2-in-1 Face & Body Cleanser | Target, CVS, Ulta Beauty | $16.99 |
| Vanicream Liquid Cleanser The Purest Alternative Shower Wash | Target, Walmart, Amazon | $11.99 |
| Native Body Wash (Select Scents Only) Glow-Safe Pick: *Coconut & Vanilla* or *Cucumber & Mint* ONLY! | Target, Major Grocery Chains | $9.99 |
| CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion The Ultimate Head-to-Toe Hydrator | Walgreens, CVS, Walmart | $14.99 |
| Lubriderm Daily Moisture (Fragrance-Free) Lightweight, Oil-Free Vitamin B5 Lotion | Target, CVS, Walmart | $12.99 |
| Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion Deeply Hydrating Water-Based Cream Alternative | Target, CVS, Walgreens | $13.99 |
| ☀️ Best Overall Face SPF: EltaMD UV Daily Broad-Spectrum SPF 40 | Dermatologist Offices, Dermstore, Amazon | $39.00 |
| ☀️ Drugstore Face Pick: CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 . | Target, CVS, Walgreens | $15.99 |
| ☀️ For Face & Body: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-in Milk SPF 60 | Ulta Beauty, CVS, Target | $25.99 |
What I Avoid After a Spray Tan
Most spray tans fade faster because of friction, dry skin, or products that leave a heavy film on the skin.
For the week after your tan, I recommend avoiding:
❌
Heavy body oils and petroleum-based products
❌
Thick moisturizing body washes like Dove Deep Moisture
❌
Retinol, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and other exfoliating skincare products
❌
Heavy fragrance mists and lotions like Bath & Body Works
These products can cause your tan to fade faster or wear unevenly.
When in doubt, stick with a gentle cleanser, a simple moisturizer, and daily SPF. Your tan will thank you! 🙌✨