Should You Moisturize Before Self Tanning?

March 26, 2026

By: Truly Beauty

Should you moisturize before self tanning? Get a golden glow and avoid a patchy tan with our top tips.

According to the experts and after years of trial and error, we can confirm that yes, you should moisturize before self-tanning. BUT. There are a few can't miss rules to follow so you don't end up patchy. 

Below, we share our top tips for moisturizing before tanning so you can achieve that flawless bronzed look this season.

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Should You Moisturize Before Self Tanning?

Yes, it’s always a good idea to moisturize before applying self tanner. Dry skin absorbs excess tan, which can leave you with a patchy color.

For best results, use a moisturizer every day in the week leading up to self tanning. On tanning day, ONLY moisturize dry areas like the elbows, knees, ankles, wrists, and knuckles at least two hours before applying your self tan. 

Avoid applying moisturizer directly before self tanner which can lead to uneven results. Do not apply lotion over your entire body, as this can interfere with DHA development, leading to a patchy tan.

Read our full guide on how to self tan at home.

How to Moisturize Pre-Tan

Here are some quick tips on how to moisturize before tanning for the best results.

• Exfoliate: Buff away dead skin cells with a gentle body scrub 24 hours before tanning so your moisturizer and self tanner absorb better.
• Moisturize dry areas: Apply to dry areas of your body, like the ankles, knees, and elbows to prevent self tanner from clinging and looking too dark.
• Give it Time: Moisturize dry areas 2-3 hours before self tanning to ensure you get an even tan.
• Avoid All-Over Lotion: Focus on dry areas instead of your full body so you don't create a barrier that interferes with tan development.
• Use a lightweight moisturizer: Instead of thick creams and butters, use something more lightweight like Truly Beauty's The Hydrating Body Serum which melts straight into skin.

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. 

Shop the Routine for a Flawless Tan

When you want to look beautifully bronzed and silky smooth this season, try this 3-step routine. 

Step 1: Exfoliate 

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Prep your skin for a perfect tan by removing dead skin cells with this pink sugary scrub. Your skin will feel instantly smoother and look noticeably brighter from the first use. Plus, it smells like a vanilla passion fruit dream. 

Step 2: Hydrate

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Since you should moisturize before self tanner, make sure you're using a lightweight formula like this weightless serum. Formulated with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, it quickly absorbs into the skin for deep, long lasting hydration without a greasy residue.

Step 3: Bronze 

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Now it’s time to tan. Apply a few drops of Truly’s Sun Drops Bronze Golden Glow Oil for a luminous sunkissed look all over. Infused with cocoa extract and turmeric, it feeds the skin with antioxidants to protect against aging while brightening sun spots. It’s also enriched with squalane and jojoba oil for a double dose of hydration.

Lightweight and fragrance-free, this bronzing oil instantly transforms your skin with a sunkissed glow that flatters all skin tones. 

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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