Your skin often feels tight and thirsty after a session in a tanning bed. That dry, parched sensation is a clear signal that you need to replenish lost moisture immediately.
Picking the Best Lotions for after Tanning Bed ensures your glow lasts longer while keeping your skin supple. These formulas work to lock in hydration before your tan starts to fade away. Read on to see which ingredients matter most for your routine.
Key Takeaways
- Prioritize lotions containing aloe vera or shea butter to effectively soothe skin that has been exposed to intense UV light.
- Choose hypoallergenic formulas if you have sensitive skin to avoid irritation from synthetic fragrances or harsh additives.
- Look for tan extenders that include natural oils like macadamia or coconut to maintain your color for extra days.
- Check labels for tattoo protection properties if you have ink you want to keep vibrant and sharp.
- Select larger bottle sizes to ensure you have enough product for daily use throughout the entire tanning season.
| Best Overall Extender |  |
Elegant Sun Coral Beach Moisturizer | Hypoallergenic formula | Soothing aloe base | Suitable for sensitive skin | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Quick Color Booster |  |
Australian Gold Rapid Intensifier | Enhances tanning results | Fights tanning odors | Antioxidant vitamin E | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Minimalist Sensitive Formula |  |
Saltwater Beaches Tan Extender | Gentle hypoallergenic ingredients | Lightweight hydration | Clean unisex scent | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Tropical Hydration Hero |  |
Maui Babe After Browning Lotion | Deeply moisturizing oils | Prevents skin peeling | Tropical scent profile | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Long Lasting Hydration |  |
Australian Gold Forever After | 24 hour moisture lock | Large bottle size | Softens skin texture | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Refreshing Cooling Care |  |
Hawaiian Tropic Lime Coolada | Soothing cooling effect | Deeply hydrating butters | Refreshing lime scent | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Tattoo Protecting Care |  |
Tanning Paradise Black Coconut Love | Protects tattoo vibrancy | Age defying formula | Deeply hydrating | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Gradual Tanning Maintenance |  |
Tanologist Hydrating Daily Glow | Gradual glow build | Skin brightening ingredients | Lightweight hydration | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Lightweight Daily Lotion |  |
Hawaiian Tropic Weightless Hydration | Lightweight feel | Fast absorption | Pleasant tropical scent | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Exotic Ingredient Blend |  |
Brown Sugar Daiquiri Dream | Exotic hydrating ingredients | Tattoo enhancing properties | Rich nourishing texture | View on Amazon | Read Review |
More Details on Our Top Picks
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Elegant Sun Coral Beach Moisturizer
This is the gold standard for anyone who struggles with skin sensitivity. Because it uses an aloe vera base, it cools the skin immediately and avoids the heavy, greasy feeling that often comes with cheaper after-care products.
It works well for both men and women who want a fresh, neutral scent that does not clash with cologne or perfume. The one drawback is that the formula is quite light, so if you have extremely dry skin, you might need to apply it more frequently than you would a thicker cream.
- Brand Name:Elegant Sun
- Product Type:Daily Moisturizer
- Primary Ingredient:Aloe Vera
- Key Benefit:Tan Extension
- Scent Profile:Fresh
- Additional Feature:Unisex scent profile
- Additional Feature:Gentle on delicate skin
- Additional Feature:Fast absorbing daily lotion
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Australian Gold Rapid Intensifier
If you feel like your tan has plateaued, this lotion helps you maximize your UV exposure. It includes tea tree oil, which is excellent for fighting off the dreaded after-tanning odors that sometimes linger on the skin.
The addition of vitamin E provides the antioxidant support your skin needs to recover from heat exposure. Be aware that this is designed to intensify color, so it is best used as part of your tanning process rather than just a basic daily moisturizer.
- Brand Name:Australian Gold
- Product Type:Tanning Intensifier
- Primary Ingredient:Tea Tree Oil
- Bottle Size:8.5 Fl Oz
- Key Benefit:Rapid Color Development
- Scent Profile:Classic Cocoa
- Additional Feature:Contains skin soothing aloe
- Additional Feature:Nutrient-rich formula
- Additional Feature:Non-greasy texture
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Saltwater Beaches Tan Extender
Think of this as the calm companion to your tanning routine. It is designed specifically to be simple, stripping away unnecessary additives that often cause breakouts or irritation in people with delicate skin types.
The aloe vera base creates a moisture barrier that helps lock in hydration without clogging your pores. It is a fantastic choice if you prefer a streamlined skincare routine that focuses purely on maintenance rather than active tanning ingredients.
- Brand Name:Elegant Sun
- Product Type:Tan Extender
- Primary Ingredient:Aloe Vera
- Key Benefit:Skin Soothing
- Scent Profile:Fresh
- Additional Feature:Developed for sensitive skin
- Additional Feature:Simple ingredient list
- Additional Feature:Soothes heat-stressed skin
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Maui Babe After Browning Lotion
This is a cult favorite for a reason, as it excels at locking in moisture using macadamia nut oil. It feels like a vacation in a bottle and is particularly good at preventing the skin peeling that often happens after a session in the bed.
The formula is quite small in volume, so it is better suited for face and neck use or as a targeted treatment for dry spots. It does not provide much in the way of fake tan, so do not expect it to cover up uneven spots.
- Brand Name:Maui Babe
- Product Type:After Sun Lotion
- Primary Ingredient:Macadamia Nut Oil
- Bottle Size:4 Fl Oz
- Key Benefit:Deep Hydration
- Scent Profile:Tropical
- Additional Feature:Contains soothing aloe
- Additional Feature:Enhances natural glow
- Additional Feature:Non-sticky finish
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Australian Gold Forever After
If your skin tends to feel like sandpaper by the end of the day, this all-day moisturizer is your best bet. It is engineered to stay on the skin for 24 hours, making it perfect for those who want sustained hydration without having to reapply constantly.
Because the bottle is quite large, it is a cost-effective option for daily use over your entire body. However, the thickness of the lotion means it takes a few extra minutes to fully soak in after you step out of the shower.
- Brand Name:Australian Gold
- Product Type:Daily Moisturizer
- Bottle Size:22.0 Oz
- Key Benefit:Extended Hydration
- Additional Feature:Rich creamy consistency
- Additional Feature:Ideal for daily use
- Additional Feature:Promotes smooth skin
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Hawaiian Tropic Lime Coolada
When your skin feels hot and tight after a tanning session, the cooling sensation of this lime-scented lotion is incredibly welcome. It relies on a blend of cocoa and shea butters to provide deep conditioning that lasts throughout the day.
The scent is quite distinct, so if you are sensitive to fruity fragrances, you might want to look elsewhere. It is a reliable, heavy-duty moisturizer that handles the effects of heat exposure very effectively.
- Brand Name:Hawaiian Tropic
- Product Type:After Sun Lotion
- Primary Ingredient:Aloe
- Bottle Size:16 Fl Oz
- Key Benefit:12 Hour Hydration
- Scent Profile:Lime
- Additional Feature:Contains shea butter
- Additional Feature:Cocoa butter formula
- Additional Feature:Multi-pack value
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Tanning Paradise Black Coconut Love
Many lotions dull your ink, but this one is specifically formulated to be tattoo-friendly. It uses coconut oil to provide a deep glow while keeping your skin supple and preventing the fading that heat can cause.
The formula also includes age-defying ingredients, making it a good choice for someone looking for a bit more than just simple hydration. Just keep in mind that it is a rich lotion, so a little goes a long way.
- Brand Name:Tanning Paradise
- Product Type:Tanning Lotion
- Primary Ingredient:Coconut Oil
- Bottle Size:13.5 Oz
- Key Benefit:Tattoo Protection
- Scent Profile:Coconut
- Additional Feature:Ultra hydrating
- Additional Feature:Anti-aging properties
- Additional Feature:Enhances dark tans
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Tanologist Hydrating Daily Glow
This is perfect for the person who wants to stretch their tan by adding a tiny bit of color each time they moisturize. It is packed with niacinamide and vitamin C, which help brighten your skin tone while keeping it hydrated.
Because it contains a hint of sunless tanner, you need to be careful to wash your hands after applying to avoid any streaks or orange palms. It is a hybrid product that bridges the gap between skincare and tanning.
- Brand Name:Tanologist
- Product Type:Daily Glow Lotion
- Primary Ingredient:Niacinamide
- Bottle Size:8.45 Fl Oz
- Key Benefit:Gradual Color
- Scent Profile:Clean
- Additional Feature:Vitamin C infused
- Additional Feature:Streak free formula
- Additional Feature:Easy to layer
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Hawaiian Tropic Weightless Hydration
If you hate the feeling of heavy, sticky cream on your skin, this weightless formula is a massive relief. It disappears into the skin almost instantly, yet it still provides 24 hour moisture thanks to a mix of shea butter and aloe.
The coconut papaya scent is classic and pleasant without being overwhelming. It is best for those who live in humid climates or who simply prefer a breezy application that does not leave a residue on their clothes.
- Brand Name:Hawaiian Tropic
- Product Type:After Sun Lotion
- Primary Ingredient:Aloe
- Bottle Size:6 Fl Oz
- Key Benefit:24 Hour Hydration
- Scent Profile:Coconut Papaya
- Additional Feature:Non-greasy texture
- Additional Feature:Shea butter base
- Additional Feature:Convenient multi-pack
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Brown Sugar Daiquiri Dream
This lotion feels like a luxury treat for your skin, utilizing mango butter and carrot oil to give you a deep, lasting bronze. Like some of the others, it features tattoo-enhancing tigergrass, which keeps your ink looking sharp and clear.
The scent is a bold, fruity punch that lingers for a while after application. It is definitely on the richer side, so it is an excellent choice for nighttime recovery when you have plenty of time for the product to absorb.
- Brand Name:Brown Sugar
- Product Type:Tan Extender
- Primary Ingredient:Mango Butter
- Bottle Size:18 Fl Oz
- Key Benefit:Deep Hydration
- Scent Profile:Dragonfruit Passion Punch
- Additional Feature:Contains carrot oil
- Additional Feature:Tattoo friendly formula
- Additional Feature:Hibiscus extract included
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon after my session should I apply lotion?
Apply your lotion within ten to fifteen minutes of leaving the tanning bed. Your pores are wide open during this window, making them much more receptive to the hydrating ingredients in your product.
Can I just use my regular daily body moisturizer?
You can, but standard lotions usually lack the tan-extending properties found in specialized post-tanning formulas. While a basic moisturizer will stop the flaking, it won't do much to help your color develop or last over the long term.
Will these lotions make me tan faster next time?
These products are designed for recovery, not for intensifying your next burn. By keeping your skin supple and healthy, you ensure that your next tan applies evenly. Healthy skin simply holds color better than parched skin.
Do I need a specific lotion if I have a tattoo?
You should definitely look for a formula that is labeled tattoo-safe or contains ingredients meant to protect ink. Exposure to UV light can cause tattoos to fade or blur, so using a lotion with added antioxidants helps protect that artwork.
How much lotion should I use?
Apply a generous, even layer over your entire body, focusing on areas that feel particularly dry like your elbows and knees. Don't worry about being too precise, but make sure you don't leave any dry patches behind. Your skin will let you know how much it needs by how quickly it absorbs the product.
