Should I Moisturise Before or After Fake Tan?

Both. But timing, amount, and product type make all the difference between a flawless, long-lasting glow and a patchy, uneven mess. Here's exactly how to moisturise before fake tan (and after) to get the most out of every application.

 

Top Tips

• Moisturise dry areas 24 hours before tanning, not immediately before
• Use a tan-friendly moisturiser free from AHAs, oils, and heavy fragrances
• Focus on high-friction zones: elbows, knees, ankles, and heels
• Wait until after your tan has fully developed before moisturising post-tan
• Daily moisturising after tanning is the single biggest factor in how long your tan lasts

 

Why Moisturising Before Fake Tan Matters

Fake tan works by reacting with the amino acids in your skin's outermost layer through an ingredient called DHA (dihydroxyacetone). The result is that signature bronzed colour. But DHA doesn't discriminate. It reacts with whatever it lands on, which means dry, flaky skin cells absorb more product and turn darker than the surrounding skin.

That's how you end up with darker elbows, patchy knees, and ankles that look like they belong to a different person.

Moisturising before fake tan solves this. Hydrated, even skin creates a smooth canvas so colour develops uniformly, the way it's supposed to look.

 

When to Moisturise Before Fake Tan

Timing is everything. Moisturising right before you tan is actually counterproductive. Too much product sitting on the skin's surface can act as a barrier, interfering with DHA development and leaving you with a streaky, uneven result.

Moisturise at least 24 hours before your tan. This gives your skin time to absorb the hydration properly without leaving a residue that competes with the tanning formula. If you're short on time, two to three hours before tanning is the absolute minimum.

Exfoliating, shaving, and moisturising your skin 24 hours before self-tanning as part of your prep routine. Exfoliate first, moisturise second, tan last.

 

Where to Apply Moisturiser Before Tanning

You don't need to slather your whole body. In fact, applying an all-over moisturiser immediately before tanning can dilute the formula and affect how evenly the colour develops.

Instead, focus on the areas that tend to run dry:

• Elbows 
• Knees 
• Ankles and heels 
• Wrists and hands 

These zones have thicker, drier skin that holds tanning product better than anywhere else. A little targeted hydration is all it takes to stop them from going overboard.

 

What Kind of Moisturiser to Use Before Fake Tan

Not all moisturisers are tan-friendly. Some will actively work against you.

Avoid:

• Oil-based formulas. Oils can interfere with DHA's ability to bond with the skin, leading to faster, patchier fading
• Products containing AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) or glycolic acid. These exfoliate the skin and will break down your tan before it's even had a chance to develop
• Anything heavy with synthetic fragrances. These can affect skin pH and alter how the tan develops

Go for:

• Lightweight, water-based formulas that absorb quickly
• Skin-loving ingredients like aloe vera, vitamin E, and organic oils used in a balanced formula

Moroccan Tan's Air-Whipped Hydrating Body Butter is a good option. Formulated with organic argan oil to condition and repair, organic aloe vera to calm and balance, organic rosehip oil to soothe and brighten, and organic coconut oil to hydrate and relieve, it's designed to nourish skin without creating that heavy, film-like barrier that cheaper body creams leave behind. Applied the day before tanning, it preps your skin without compromising the formula.

Should I Moisturise After Fake Tan?

Yes! Without moisture, dry skin flakes off more quickly, leading to uneven fading and patchy spots. Hydrated skin holds colour more evenly, and moisturised skin helps slow down cell turnover, allowing your tan to last longer and fade more gradually.

But timing still matters post-tan. Moisturising the skin daily will help the tan last longer and fade evenly, but avoid lotions or creams containing AHAs or glycolic acid, as they tend to exfoliate the skin.

Wait until your tan has fully developed before applying any moisturiser. After that initial rinse, hold off on moisturising to let the tan continue developing on the skin. From the next shower onwards, moisturise every single day.

 

Keep Your Glow Going: Post-Tan Moisturising

Daily moisturising after your tan is what separates a glow that lasts five days from one that fades and becomes patchy by day three.

For an extra-smart approach, swap your regular body moisturiser for a 3-in-1 Moisturising Extender + Gradual Tanner. This will keep skin hydrated and subtly build colour between full tan applications, so your glow stays consistent rather than fading dramatically before your next session.

It's the difference between always looking like you just got back from somewhere warm and playing catch-up every week.

Ready to build the perfect base? Explore Moroccan Tan's full Prep Collection for everything you need from exfoliation through to post-tan care, in one place.