The Ultimate Skincare Routine for Fake Tan Lovers: Glow Longer, Stay Hydrated, and Prevent Patchiness

Whether you're a spray tan devotee, a self tan queen, or just experimenting with a gradual tan, one thing’s for sure: your skincare routine can make or break the bronze. ✨

Even the most flawless fake tan will fade fast or look patchy if your skin isn’t hydrated, prepped, and maintained properly. That’s where we come in. This blog is your ultimate guide to glowing longer, staying smooth, and keeping your tan on point—all while protecting your skin with nourishing ingredients and must-have products.

Why Skincare Matters When You Tan 🧡

Think of your skin as the canvas and your fake tan as the paint. You wouldn’t paint over a rough wall, right? When your skin is dry, flaky, or clogged, fake tan clings in all the wrong places—hello, streaks and dark knees.

Tanning can also dry out the skin, especially if you're in and out of the shower or pool. That’s why a consistent skincare routine is essential—not just before tanning, but after as well.

The right combo of moisturiser, gentle cleanser, and sunscreen will extend your glow and protect your complexion, so you can look Sunkissed, not sun-stressed. 🌞

Pre-Tan Skincare Prep: The Glow Starts Here ✨

Prepping your skin before a fake tan or spray tan is key to an even application and long-lasting colour. Here's how to get it right:

• Exfoliate thoroughly 24 hours before you tan. Use exfoliating gloves and a gentle scrub to remove dead skin. Focus on elbows, knees, ankles, and any dry areas.

• Avoid heavy creams, serums, or oils right before tanning. They can block the tan from developing evenly.

• Use a light, oil-free cleanser (like Naked Tan’s Body Cleanser) to create a clean, balanced base.

• Shave or wax at least 24 hours in advance to avoid open pores and irritation.

• Don’t forget your face! A gentle face wash or cleanser, followed by a light face moisturiser, keeps your complexion tan-ready.

Building Your Daily Skincare Routine 💧

Once your tan is on, your focus shifts from prep to preserve. A good skin care routine will keep your glow intact for days longer than you'd expect.

🌞 Morning

• Start with a mild cleanser—avoid scrubs or acids that can strip your tan.

• Apply a hydrating face moisturiser and body moisturiser.

• Never skip sunscreen—your skin is still vulnerable to UV damage. Go for a tinted sunscreen, zinc sunscreen, or mineral sunscreen that won’t mess with your glow.

Hot tip: Using a moisturiser cream with sunscreen is perfect for those on the go—it hydrates and protects in one step.

🌙 Evening

• Cleanse again (especially if you’ve worn SPF or makeup).

• Hydrate with a natural serum like hyaluronic acid or vitamin E.

• Lock in moisture with a richer cream or nourishing face oil—this helps keep the tan from fading too fast.

Ingredients to Love (& What to Avoid) 🔍

Want your tan to go the distance? Watch your ingredients. What you put on your skin can either boost or bust your bronzed look.

✔️ Look for:

• Vitamin E – Nourishes and repairs dry skin.

• Hyaluronic acid – Pulls moisture into the skin for plumpness and hydration.

• Natural oils in small amounts (jojoba, coconut, rosehip).

• Aloe vera – Soothes and hydrates after sun exposure.

❌ Avoid:

• Retinol serum – Amazing for anti-ageing, but fades fake tan fast.

• Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) – Great for exfoliation, but not right after tanning.

• Tanning oil – It won’t build your glow and can clog pores if used too soon.

Post-Tan Hydration & Maintenance 🧴🛁

This is your tan’s make-or-break moment. Hydration helps fake tan fade evenly and naturally instead of becoming patchy.

Do:

• Moisturise morning and night with a tan-safe moisturiser like Crème de la Crème.

• Use bodywash that’s gentle and free of exfoliating acids.

• Pat dry after showers, don’t rub with a towel.

• Use a gradual tan product to top up your glow mid-week.

Don’t:

• Take long, hot showers (they dehydrate skin and fade tan faster).

• Use face cleanser with harsh actives while your tan develops.

• Over-exfoliate unless you’re ready to reapply tan.

Common Skincare Mistakes with Fake Tan 😬

Avoid these tanning faux pas if you want your glow to go the distance:

• Using a heavy tanning oil after application—it can block absorption.

• Forgetting to moisturise tricky areas like elbows and hands.

• Applying self tan on dry or flaky skin without prepping first.

• Wearing tight clothing or bras to bed after tanning = bad tan lines.

• Ignoring face sunscreen during the day—sun damage is real even with a tan!

✨ Product Spotlight: Crème de la Crème Moisturiser

[Insert product image: Crème de la Crème beside skincare tools]

If you’re serious about your tan, meet your new go-to: Naked Tan’s Crème de la Crème.

This luxurious moisturiser was made to hydrate tanned skin—without fading it. Here’s why it’s a game-changer:

• Lightweight but deeply nourishing

• Rich in natural butters and oils

• Doesn’t contain alcohols or acids that can strip tan

• Works as both a face moisturiser and body moisturiser

It’s not just the best moisturiser for tan maintenance—it’s your everyday skincare essential.

FAQs 🙋♀️

How long does a spray tan last?
Most spray tans last around 5–10 days. To extend it, use a good moisturiser daily and avoid over-exfoliating.

What’s the best sunscreen to use with fake tan?
Look for a mineral sunscreen, zinc sunscreen, or tinted sunscreen. These formulas sit on top of the skin and won’t disrupt your tan.

Can I still use retinol while tanned?
It’s best to skip retinol serum for a few days after applying tan. When you do use it again, apply at night and moisturise well after.

Is fake tan safe for fair skin?
Yes! Gradual tan formulas are ideal for fair skin or pale skin, letting you build your bronze naturally.

Do I still need sunscreen if I’m already tanned?
Absolutely. A fake tan does not protect your skin from UV rays. Always wear sunscreen daily.

Final Thoughts ✨

Getting a golden glow doesn’t mean compromising on skin care. With the right prep, routine, and products like Crème de la Crème, you can glow on for days—with no patchiness in sight.

Remember: hydrate, protect, and treat your skin like the glowing goddess it is.

Your perfect tan is just one skincare routine away. 💕
Ready, set, glow!