Should You Moisturize Before Self Tanning?

March 26, 2026

By: Truly Beauty

While you should moisturize before tanning, the type of moisturizer you use matters.

Self tanning is one of the easiest ways to achieve a sun-kissed glow without UV exposure but your prep routine can make or break the final result. From streaking and patchiness to uneven fading, many common self tanning issues actually start before the tanner is even applied.

One of the most important steps? Properly moisturizing your skin.

The right moisturizer can help create a smooth, hydrated base for a more even-looking tan. But not all moisturizers work well with self tanner, which is why choosing the right formula matters.

Should You Moisturize Before Self Tanning?

Yes, but you should use a lightweight, fragrance-free moisturizer like Truly's The Hydrating Body Serum instead of a heavy cream or oil-based lotion.

Well-hydrated skin helps self tanner apply more evenly and fade more naturally. However, heavy creams and oil-rich lotions can create a barrier that interferes with color development and leads to darker patches around the elbows, knees, ankles, and wrists.

After exfoliating your body, apply a very thin layer of moisturizer to help your self tanning product glide more evenly. Make sure you don't miss those extra dry areas like your elbows, knees, and ankles.

How to Moisturize Before Tanning

1. Exfoliate First

Before moisturizing, exfoliate your skin 24 hours before tanning to remove dead skin cells and create a smoother surface for application.

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2. Use a Lightweight Serum Moisturizer

Choose a lightweight, non-greasy serum moisturizer that absorbs quickly into the skin. This helps hydrate dry areas without blocking the self tanning formula.

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3. Focus on Dry Areas

Apply a small amount of moisturizer to areas that tend to cling to self tanner, including elbows, knees, ankles, wrists, hands, and feet. This helps prevent uneven or overly dark patches.

4. Let Moisturizer Fully Absorb

Wait until your moisturizer is completely absorbed before applying self tanner. Skin should feel hydrated, smooth, and dry to the touch.

5. Apply Self Tanner to Clean, Dry Skin

Once your skin is prepped, apply your self tanner evenly for a smoother, more natural-looking glow.

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Need some help achieving a flawless faux tan? Read our full guide on how to self tan at home.

What Happens if You Don’t Moisturize Before Tanning?

Skipping moisturizer before tanning might seem like a minor step, but it can lead to some major tanning disasters. 

Moisturizing creates a smooth, hydrated base that helps your self-tanner glide on evenly. Without it, dry areas of your body—like elbows, knees, and ankles—soak up more product, leaving you with darker, blotchy areas. These dry spots act like a sponge, absorbing more of the tanning formula than the rest of your skin, which can create an uneven and unnatural finish.

What’s more, dry skin tends to shed faster, causing patchy spots to develop as your tan starts to wear off. By taking a few extra minutes to moisturize before applying self-tanner, you’re not just ensuring a more seamless application—you’re also extending the life of your sunkissed glow. 

Is it Better to Moisturize Before or After Fake Tanning?

Both! You should be moisturizing before and after self tanning. Moisturizing 2-3 hours before applying self tanner preps your skin for a smooth, even application. Focus on hydrating those areas that are especially prone to dryness, like your knees, elbows, and ankles. 

After fake tanning, moisturizing becomes all about preserving your glow. Keeping your skin hydrated helps your tan fade evenly and last longer. Moisturizing prevents your tan from cracking and flaking, extending the lifespan of your bronzed glow. It also keeps your tan looking fresher and more radiant.

Choose a rich and hydrating moisturizer to lock in moisture for a long-lasting tan. Look for products that contain nourishing emollients and humectants like shea butter, cocoa butter, hyaluronic acid, and coconut oil. 

FAQ: Moisturizing and Self Tanning

Moisturizing plays a key role in preparing your skin for a flawless, long-lasting tan. Below are answers to some of the most common questions about moisturizing and self tanning.

Can You Put Self Tan on Top of Moisturizer?

Yes, you can and you should apply moisturizer after self tanning to ensure an even, smooth application. Just make sure you let your moisturizer fully absorb into your skin before applying self-tanner to avoid any streaking.

Does Moisturizing Help Fake Tan Last?

Yes, moisturizing helps maintain hydration in the skin, which can prevent your tan from fading unevenly. It also helps keep your skin soft and smooth, which can contribute to a longer-lasting, radiant tan.

How Long Should Lotion Dry Before Self Tanning?

It’s best to allow your body lotion to dry for at least one hour (or ideally 2-3 hours) before applying self-tanner. This ensures that the moisturizer has fully absorbed, which helps the self-tanner go on evenly without ending up with patches or streaks.

Should you moisturize before self tanning? In order to achieve the best tan, it’s a good idea to moisturize both before and after applying self tanner. Opt for Truly’s high quality body care products featured here to achieve a luminous sunkissed glow that lasts days. 

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