Which products should I avoid after having a spray tan?

As a spray tanning specialist, I know how important it is for your tan to last as long as possible and look flawless from day one to day ten. Proper aftercare is essential to achieving this, and that starts with avoiding certain products that can interfere with or fade your spray tan prematurely.

In this blog, I’ll guide you through the ingredients you should steer clear of, why they’re problematic, and what alternatives you can use to maintain your glow...

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The key to a long-lasting spray tan is protecting the DHA (dihydroxyacetone) that interacts with your skin to create that sun-kissed colour. Certain ingredients can strip or neutralise the DHA, leading to uneven fading or a dull tan. Here are the top culprits to look out for in your products:

• Sulfates (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate):

  • Found in: Most body washes, shampoos, and hand soaps.

  • Why they’re harmful: Sulfates are harsh detergents that strip oils and color from your skin, causing your tan to fade more quickly.

    
    

• Alcohol (Isopropyl Alcohol, Ethanol):

  • Found in: Toners, astringents, and some body sprays.

  • Why they’re harmful: Alcohol is extremely drying and can lead to uneven tan fading by dehydrating the skin.

    
    

• Mineral Oil:

  • Found in: Many moisturisers and baby oils.

  • Why it’s harmful: Mineral oil creates a barrier that can break down the tan and prevent your skin from staying hydrated.

    
    

• Retinol and AHA/BHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acids, Beta Hydroxy Acids):

  • Found in: Anti-aging creams, exfoliants, and serums.

  • Why they’re harmful: These acids promote cell turnover and exfoliation, which removes the top layer of your skin – and your tan along with it.

    
    

• Fragrances and Essential Oils:

  • Found in: Scented lotions, perfumes, and some shower gels.

  • Why they’re harmful: Many fragrances and essential oils are alcohol-based or acidic, which can break down the tan’s colour.

    
    

• Hot Water and Steam:

  • Why it’s harmful: Extended exposure to hot water or steam can dehydrate your skin, causing your tan to fade unevenly.

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So what are the approved products for using post spray tan?

Switching to tan-friendly products is will not just benefit the longevity of your tan but these are also excellent options for day to day use due to the ingredients used and general skin health care. Here are some approved products for showering, bathing, and moisturising post-tan:

For Showering and Bathing:

• pH-Balanced Body Washes:

  • Look for sulfate-free and pH-balanced cleansers like Sanex Zero% Sensitive Skin Shower Gel. Aldi have a great budget shower gel that wont break the bank Aldi Lacura Zero Percent Shower Gel for Sensitive Skin or Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser. These are gentle on your skin and won’t strip your tan.

  
  

For Moisturising after your spray tan:

• Oil-Free Moisturisers:

  • Hydration is key to a long-lasting tan. Use tan-safe moisturisers like Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion or Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Original Solid Formula (ensure it’s mineral oil-free) and Australian Gold Hemp Nation Original Moisturising Tan Extender and CeraVe Moisturising Lotion are the leading products recognised to be safe for use after a spray tan.

    
    

• Oil- Based Moisturisers:

  • There is one stand out product that is the holy grail for post spray tan moisturising- Pure World Natural Jojoba Oil 100% Pure and Undiluted. This oil IS APPROVED and differs to other oils such a

    
    
    
    

    s baby oil and mineral oil. Jojoba oil stands out as an ideal choice for use after a spray tan as it closely resembles the skin's natural sebum making it a gentle, non-invasive moisturiser. This similarity allows it to hydrate and be easily absorbed without disrupting the tan, as it doesn’t sit heavily on the surface or interfere with the DHA (the tanning agent that reacts with the skin to create the tan. Other oils, like coconut oil or olive oil, are thicker and can create an occlusive barrier that traps moisture excessively, leading to uneven fading.

    

    Natural based oil suitable for post tanning use

    
    

Final Tips:

• Less is best! : The more natural and fewer ingredients and perfume in products the better it is going to be for you post tan.

• Regular moisturising: Aim to moisturise twice a day after having a spray tan as this will help with hydration and ensuring your tan fades more evenly.

• Hot water and steam: Extended exposure to hot water and steam will dry your skin and tan out, so try to minimise long hot soaks in the bath and instead opt for showers at a medium temperature to help your skin.