You climb out of the tanning bed, your skin radiating heat, and reach for that bottle tucked in your bag. Choosing the right post-session care is the difference between a golden glow and dry, itchy skin.
Finding the Best Lotions for after Tanning Bed keeps your color fresh and your skin hydrated. Think of your skin as a parched sponge that needs the right nutrients immediately. Let's compare the formulas that keep your tan looking sharp.
Key Takeaways
- Prioritize formulas featuring aloe vera or shea butter to calm skin irritation after heat exposure.
- Select tan extenders with bronzing ingredients if you want to deepen your color between sessions.
- Avoid heavy fragrances if your skin is prone to sensitivity or irritation after light therapy.
- Check the ingredient list for natural oils like macadamia or hemp seed to lock in long-term moisture.
- Match the bottle size to your tanning frequency to ensure you never run out mid-week.
| Best Overall Hydration |  |
Elegant Sun Coral Beach Moisturizer | Gentle hypoallergenic formula | Soothing aloe base | Suitable for sensitive skin | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Prime Color Accelerator |  |
Australian Gold Rapid Tanning Intensifier | Accelerates natural color | Rich in vitamin E | Soothing tea tree oil | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Ideal Recovery Lotion |  |
Elegant Sun Saltwater Beaches Extender | Soothes post-sun heat | Hypoallergenic base | Neutral fresh scent | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Heavy Duty Hydrator |  |
Australian Gold Forever After Moisturizer | Long-lasting moisture | Large volume bottle | Supports tan longevity | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Natural Tan Enhancer |  |
Maui Babe After Browning Lotion | Macadamia nut nourishment | Enhances natural tan | Aloe vera infusion | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Best Cooling Sensation |  |
Hawaiian Tropic Lime Coolada Lotion | Immediate cooling effect | Classic tropical fragrance | Two-pack value | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Vibrant Scent Specialist |  |
Brown Sugar Daiquiri Dream Extender | Unique fruity scent | Protects tattoo color | Mango butter hydration | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Premium Botanical Blend |  |
Australian Gold Hemp Nation | Hemp seed oil base | Silky, smooth finish | High-quality botanicals | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Gradual Bronzing Power |  |
Hemp Nation Cocoa Dreams Extender | Gradual tanning effect | Iconic tropical fragrance | Deep skin hydration | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Everyday Luxury Cream |  |
Hempz Ocean Breeze Body Lotion | Shea butter base | Refreshing oceanic scent | Deep daily nourishment | View on Amazon | Read Review |
More Details on Our Top Picks
-
Elegant Sun Coral Beach Moisturizer
If you struggle with post-tanning dryness, this lotion acts like a thirst-quenching drink for parched skin. The aloe vera base focuses on immediate relief, making it a reliable choice for those with sensitive skin who need to avoid harsh additives.
It earns the top spot because it balances deep moisturization with a light, unisex scent. While it works effectively for both men and women, keep in mind that the formula prioritizes gentle care over intense fragrance or color-enhancing additives.
- Brand:Elegant Sun
- Product Type:Daily Moisturizer
- Key Ingredients:Aloe Vera
- Skin Compatibility:Sensitive Skin
- Scent Profile:Unisex Fresh
- Additional Feature:Non-irritating daily use
- Additional Feature:Fast absorption rate
- Additional Feature:Tan extending properties
-
Australian Gold Rapid Tanning Intensifier
This option is designed for those who want to maximize their tanning results while keeping skin conditioned. By combining tea tree oil and vitamin E, it provides a protective barrier that helps your skin recover quickly after UV exposure.
It serves as a strong bridge between the tanning bed and your daily skincare routine. Note that its primary goal is enhancing the tanning process, so it may feel slightly less rich than a dedicated heavy-duty body butter.
- Brand:Australian Gold
- Product Type:Tanning Intensifier
- Key Ingredients:Tea Tree Oil, Aloe, Vitamin E
- Container Size:8.5 Fl Oz
- Additional Feature:Antioxidant support
- Additional Feature:Improves skin tone
- Additional Feature:Lightweight texture
-
Elegant Sun Saltwater Beaches Extender
This lotion functions like a cool breeze on skin that feels tight or itchy after a session. Because it lacks aggressive perfumes, it stays true to its hypoallergenic roots and won't clash with your cologne or perfume.
It is a solid pick if you prefer a product that focuses entirely on calming inflammation. You might find the scent profile a bit too subtle if you enjoy bold, tropical aromas, but it excels at pure maintenance.
- Brand:Elegant Sun
- Product Type:Tan Extender
- Key Ingredients:Aloe Vera
- Skin Compatibility:Sensitive Skin
- Scent Profile:Unisex Fresh
- Additional Feature:Non-greasy application
- Additional Feature:Daily moisture lock
- Additional Feature:Minimalist ingredient list
-
Australian Gold Forever After Moisturizer
If your skin is an arid desert, this 22-ounce bottle provides the saturation you need. It is formulated for all-day moisture, ensuring your tan doesn't flake away prematurely due to lack of hydration.
The size makes it an economical choice for frequent tanners who apply lotion daily. Just be aware that because it is so rich, it takes a moment to fully soak in compared to thinner, water-based lotions.
- Brand:Australian Gold
- Product Type:Daily Moisturizer
- Container Size:22.0 Oz
- Additional Feature:Prevents skin peeling
- Additional Feature:Extends tan life
- Additional Feature:Deep conditioning
-
Maui Babe After Browning Lotion
This lotion mimics a tropical vacation in a bottle, using macadamia nut oil to soften the skin. It works to lock in your color by keeping the skin surface supple and well-nourished after UV exposure.
The inclusion of aloe vera ensures that the formula remains soothing rather than strictly cosmetic. Since the bottle is smaller, it is best kept as a specialized tool for your post-tanning routine rather than an all-over daily body cream.
- Brand:Maui Babe
- Product Type:After Browning Lotion
- Key Ingredients:Aloe, Macadamia Nut Oil
- Container Size:4 Fl Oz
- Additional Feature:Improves skin texture
- Additional Feature:Natural moisture boost
- Additional Feature:Compact travel size
-
Hawaiian Tropic Lime Coolada Lotion
When your skin feels hot to the touch, this lotion provides a refreshing icy relief. The cooling properties are perfect for those who experience mild discomfort after a tanning bed session.
It provides a classic tropical scent that transports you to a beachside resort. However, if you have highly sensitive skin, you should check the label, as the fragrance is more pronounced here than in hypoallergenic alternatives.
- Brand:Hawaiian Tropic
- Product Type:After Sun Lotion
- Container Size:16 Fl Oz (2 Pack)
- Scent Profile:Lime Coolada
- Additional Feature:Relieves sun heat
- Additional Feature:Fast skin recovery
- Additional Feature:Refreshing application
-
Brown Sugar Daiquiri Dream Extender
This lotion is a treat for the senses, featuring a Dragonfruit Passion Punch scent that stays with you. It goes beyond basic hydration by adding tattoo enhancing tigergrass, which keeps your ink looking crisp.
The blend of mango butter and carrot oil provides a luxurious feel that elevates your skincare routine. Because it is so fragrant, it is the best fit for those who want their skin to smell as good as it looks.
- Brand:Brown Sugar
- Product Type:Tan Extender
- Key Ingredients:Mango Butter, Carrot Oil, Tigergrass
- Container Size:18 Fl Oz
- Scent Profile:Dragonfruit Passion Punch
- Additional Feature:Tattoo-safe formula
- Additional Feature:Rich skin conditioning
- Additional Feature:Vitamin-rich oils
-
Australian Gold Hemp Nation
Hemp seed oil acts as the cornerstone of this formula, offering essential fatty acids that promote healthy-looking skin. It absorbs easily, leaving your skin feeling silky rather than sticky.
This is a versatile choice for those who value botanical ingredients over synthetic additives. While it is excellent for tan maintenance, it lacks the heavy bronzing additives found in some of the other options on this list.
- Brand:Australian Gold
- Product Type:Tan Extender
- Key Ingredients:Hemp Seed Oil
- Additional Feature:Lightweight hydration
- Additional Feature:Improves skin elasticity
- Additional Feature:Daily use friendly
-
Hemp Nation Cocoa Dreams Extender
This lotion is for those who want to build their tan even when they aren't in the tanning bed. It contains a Derma Dark bronzer that subtly deepens your color as you moisturize.
The Cocoa Dreams scent is a fan favorite for its warm, inviting profile. Be sure to wash your hands after application to avoid any temporary pigment buildup on your palms.
- Brand:Hemp Nation
- Product Type:Tan Extender
- Key Ingredients:Derma Dark Bronzer
- Container Size:18 Oz
- Scent Profile:Cocoa Dreams
- Additional Feature:Builds color slowly
- Additional Feature:Smooths skin texture
- Additional Feature:Tan-extending technology
-
Hempz Ocean Breeze Body Lotion
Hempz brings a clean, ocean-inspired scent to your post-tanning routine. It utilizes shea butter to provide a thick, protective layer that prevents your tan from drying out prematurely.
This is an excellent multi-purpose lotion that works just as well for dry elbows as it does for your entire body. While it isn't specifically marketed as a tan extender, the hemp seed oil provides enough nourishment to keep any tan looking fresh.
- Brand:Hempz
- Product Type:Daily Moisturizer
- Key Ingredients:Shea Butter, Hemp Seed Oil
- Container Size:17 Fl Oz
- Scent Profile:Ocean Breeze
- Additional Feature:Plant-based ingredients
- Additional Feature:Large pump bottle
- Additional Feature:High-quality hydration
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular body lotion instead of a specialized after-tan product?
You could, but standard lotions often lack the specific tan-extending ingredients found in indoor tanning products. Regular moisturizers might even contain ingredients that strip away your color. A dedicated post-tan lotion is designed to prolong your results while replenishing what the heat took out.
How soon after my tanning session should I apply the lotion?
Apply your lotion within 10 to 15 minutes of leaving the tanning bed. Your pores are still open from the heat, making them much more receptive to hydration. This timing is the difference between supple, glowing skin and a dry, tight feeling later in the day.
Will these lotions make me lose my tan faster?
Quite the opposite, as they are formulated to sustain your pigment. By keeping the skin hydrated, you prevent the flaking that causes a tan to fade unevenly. Well-hydrated skin reflects light better, which makes your color look deeper and healthier.
Should I use a bronzing lotion after I tan?
Only if you want to add a temporary boost to your existing color. These lotions contain DHA or cosmetic bronzers that deepen the appearance of your tan instantly. Be careful with application, as they can sometimes streak or stain your clothing if they do not absorb properly.
Is it okay to use these lotions on my face?
Most body lotions are too heavy for the delicate skin on your face and might cause breakouts. Look for a non-comedogenic formula specifically labeled for facial use. Using the right product prevents the clogged pores that often come from using body-grade heavy butters on your complexion.
