Best After-Sun Care For Maintaining A Tan

What to Look for in After-Sun Care for Maintaining a Tan

Proper after-sun care can help you soothe your skin and prolong your sun-kissed glow. Here are key aspects to consider when choosing the best products.

1. Hydration

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Sun exposure can dehydrate your skin, which may cause your tan to fade faster. Look for after-sun products rich in moisturizing ingredients like aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, or glycerin to replenish lost moisture and keep your skin supple.

2. Soothing Ingredients

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After-sun care should help calm any redness or irritation. Choose formulas with soothing botanicals such as chamomile, calendula, or cucumber extract to reduce discomfort and support skin recovery.

3. Antioxidant Protection

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Antioxidants like vitamin E or green tea extract can help neutralize free radicals caused by sun exposure. This not only supports overall skin health but also helps preserve your tan by preventing premature peeling.

4. Gentle Formulas

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Avoid harsh exfoliants or products with alcohol, as these can dry out the skin and cause your tan to fade more quickly. Opt for gentle, nourishing formulas that lock in color and maintain your glow.

  1. 1
    Undaria Algae Body Butter

    OSEA

    Undaria Algae Body Butter

    $54
    1,013 REVIEWS
    BestSeller
    Ultra-rich yet fast-absorbing body butter that transforms dry skin, leaving it soft, smooth and supple.
    View full details
  2. 2
    Gradual Tan Classic Daily Firming Lotion

    St. Tropez

    Gradual Tan Classic Daily Firming Lotion

    $29
    718 REVIEWS
    A sustainably-made daily firming lotion with gradual tanning technology that adds a light-to-medium sun-kissed glow. 
    View full details
  3. 3
    After Sun Gel

    Vacation

    After Sun Gel

    $14
    183 REVIEWS
    Upgrades the sticky after sun gels of the past with a quenching, watery feel.
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  4. 4
    Hydraboost Gradual Tan Body Butter

    M-61

    Hydraboost Gradual Tan Body Butter

    $34
    129 REVIEWS
    BestSeller Exclusive
    This tinted gradual tan body butter hydrates, firms and nourishes skin while building a streak-free, natural-looking tan for an overall radiant glow that doesnt leave behind the typical sunless tanner smell.
    View full details
  5. 5
    The Gradual Illuminating Tanning Lotion

    Tan-Luxe

    The Gradual Illuminating Tanning Lotion

    $34
    101 REVIEWS
    Body moisturizer with a glow! Get a natural-looking tan with this nourishing tanning lotion designed to melt into your skin.
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  6. 6
    Hydraboost Gradual Tan Serum

    M-61

    Hydraboost Gradual Tan Serum

    $48
    29 REVIEWS
    BestSeller Exclusive
    Hydrating gradual tan serum with peptides, vitamin B5, hyaluronic acid and aloe.
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  7. 7
    Hydraboost Gradual Tan Body Serum

    M-61

    Hydraboost Gradual Tan Body Serum

    $56
    BestSeller Exclusive
    Hydrating and firming gradual tan body serum with peptides, vitamin B5, red seaweed, hyaluronic acid and aloe
    View full details
  8. 8
    The LifeGuard

    Dune

    The LifeGuard

    $22.95
    Miracle cooling aloe rescue gel, packed with clinically proven skincare benefits. For all over, post-sun. Doubles as your best daily moisturizer.
    View full details
  9. 9
    Tinted Moisturizer Light Revealer Natural Skin Illuminator Broad Spectrum SPF 25

    Laura Mercier

    Tinted Moisturizer Light Revealer Natural Skin Illuminator Broad Spectrum SPF 25

    $54
    1,160 REVIEWS
    Reveal your luminosity with Laura Mercier’s secret no makeup, makeup tinted moisturizer with radiant pearls hand selected for each shade.
    View full details
  10. 10
    Self Tan Purity Bronzing Water Face Mist

    St. Tropez

    Self Tan Purity Bronzing Water Face Mist

    $33
    712 REVIEWS
    Refresh and revive your skin with our purest formula yet.
    View full details

What to Look for in After-Sun Care for Maintaining a Tan

Proper after-sun care can help you soothe your skin and prolong your sun-kissed glow. Here are key aspects to consider when choosing the best products.

1. Hydration

Citrus catapult arrow

Sun exposure can dehydrate your skin, which may cause your tan to fade faster. Look for after-sun products rich in moisturizing ingredients like aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, or glycerin to replenish lost moisture and keep your skin supple.

2. Soothing Ingredients

Citrus catapult arrow

After-sun care should help calm any redness or irritation. Choose formulas with soothing botanicals such as chamomile, calendula, or cucumber extract to reduce discomfort and support skin recovery.

3. Antioxidant Protection

Citrus catapult arrow

Antioxidants like vitamin E or green tea extract can help neutralize free radicals caused by sun exposure. This not only supports overall skin health but also helps preserve your tan by preventing premature peeling.

4. Gentle Formulas

Citrus catapult arrow

Avoid harsh exfoliants or products with alcohol, as these can dry out the skin and cause your tan to fade more quickly. Opt for gentle, nourishing formulas that lock in color and maintain your glow.

After a day of fun in the sun, maintaining a healthy and glowing tan requires proper after-sun care. Our curated selection of top-rated after-sun products is designed to help you keep your skin nourished, hydrated, and glowing, while extending the life of your tan. Whether you're looking for soothing lotions, refreshing mists, or hydrating oils, our collection offers a variety of options to cater to your specific after-sun needs. With user review ratings guiding our selection process, you can trust that these products have been tried and loved by fellow sun-lovers. Say goodbye to post-sun dryness and hello to radiant, sun-kissed skin with our best after-sun care essentials.

FAQ

What types of products are recommended for after-sun care to help maintain a tan? + -

After-sun care products such as hydrating lotions, aloe vera gels, and tan-extending moisturizers are commonly recommended. These products help replenish moisture lost from sun exposure and can support the longevity of your tan.

How does moisturizing help preserve a sun-kissed glow? + -

Moisturizing helps prevent skin dryness and peeling, which can cause your tan to fade more quickly. Using rich, nourishing creams or oils keeps skin supple and helps maintain an even, radiant tan.

Are there specific ingredients to look for in after-sun care products for maintaining a tan? + -

Look for ingredients like aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, shea butter, and vitamin E. These ingredients soothe sun-exposed skin and provide deep hydration, which is essential for keeping your tan looking fresh.

Should exfoliation be part of an after-sun routine if you want to keep your tan? + -

Gentle exfoliation can help remove dead skin cells and promote an even skin tone. However, over-exfoliating may cause your tan to fade faster, so it's best to use mild exfoliants sparingly.

Can after-sun care products enhance the appearance of a natural or self-tan? + -

Yes, many after-sun care products are formulated to enhance both natural and self-tans by providing hydration and sometimes including subtle bronzing agents that boost radiance and prolong the look of your tan.