02 Feb Why Do You Need to Moisturize Your Skin After Airbrush Tanning?

If you’re like most people, you probably think that airbrush tanning is a great way to get a natural-looking tan without having to spend hours in the sun. And you’re right—it is! One of the main benefits of airbrush tanning is that it gives your skin a natural-looking glow. But there’s one thing that many people don’t realize: if you don’t moisturize your skin after airbrush tanning, you could end up with patchy, uneven skin.

Why is this an important aftercare step and what can you do to make sure your skin stays moisturized? The experts at Vanity Vault have the answers.

The Importance of Moisturizing After Airbrush Tanning

Your skin is a complex organ that performs many vital functions, including protecting your body from the sun’s harmful rays, regulating your temperature, sensing touch, and keeping moisture in your body.

When you get an airbrush tan, the DHA (the active ingredient in most tanning solutions) reacts with the proteins in your skin to create a darker and more glowing color. DHA is a sugar molecule that’s derived from plants, and it is approved by Health Canada for use on the skin.

As the DHA reacts with the proteins in your skin, it forms a temporary brown color that will gradually fade over time. The length of time it takes for the DHA to fade depends on several factors:

• How much you sweat
• How often you take a shower
• How vigorously you exfoliate
• And, of course, how much you moisturize

If you don’t take care of your skin after getting an airbrush tan, the DHA will fade much more quickly, leaving you with an uneven and patchy tan. That’s because the proteins in your skin will start to break down, which can cause the color to fade in some areas while it remains darker in others.

The Science of After-Tan Moisturizing

While moisturizing is important for everyone, it’s especially vital for people who have just gotten an airbrush tan. Let’s find out why in the section below.

A more in-depth look at the science behind this:

The skin is made up of three layers: the epidermis, the dermis, and the hypodermis. The epidermis is the outermost layer of your skin, and it’s responsible for protecting your body from the sun’s harmful rays and preventing moisture from escaping. 

When sunless tanners are applied to the skin, they form a film on the skin’s epidermis to lend it a darker color. This film is made up of colorants and DHA (the active ingredient in sunless tanners).

And as we naturally shed skin cells every day, the film is gradually replaced by new skin cells. This is why you may start to see your tan fade after a few days or weeks—when dead skin cells are sloughed off. When these skin cells detach from the epidermis, they take the color with them. 

So, if the turnover of skin cells is a natural process, how can you make sure your tan lasts as long as possible? This is where regular moisturization can help. 

When you moisturize your skin, you’re essentially adding an extra layer of protection to the epidermis. Moisturizers help to slow down the process of skin cell turnover, which means that the color will last longer. They also help to trap water in the skin, which helps to keep your skin hydrated and looking healthy. 

Bottom line: if you want to keep your airbrush tan looking its best, make sure to moisturize your skin every day.

How to choose the right moisturizer

When it comes to choosing a moisturizer, there are many different options available. But not all moisturizers are created equal, and some are better for people with oily skin while others are better for people with dry skin.

Here’s a quick guide to choosing the right moisturizer after airbrush tanning:

If you have oily skin: choose a light moisturizer that will help to control the oiliness. Our Hydrate Me Gradual Tanning Lotion is a great option for people who have just gotten an airbrush tan. It’s light and non-comedogenic—plus, it gives you a subtle, gradual glow to prolong the life of your tan.

If you have dry skin: choose a richer moisturizer that will help to keep your skin hydrated. Look for keywords like “hydrating,” “moisturizing,” and “nourishing.” Our limited edition Cactus and Agave Lotion is formulated specifically for people with dry skin. Its rich and hydrating formula will help to keep your skin hydrated and soft.

If you have sensitive skin: choose a moisturizer that is free of fragrance and other harsh chemicals. Look for keywords like “sensitive,” “hypoallergenic,” and “fragrance-free.”

If you have combination skin: choose a moisturizer that is tailored to your specific needs. Look for keywords like “combination,” “balanced,” and “universal.”

Look Bronzed and Beautiful With Vanity Vault

When moisturizing is this important and it’s this easy, there’s no reason not to do it! So don’t wait any longer—head over to our website and choose the right formula for your skin type. With everything from light and refreshing options to rich and hydrating formulas, you’re sure to find the perfect moisturizer for you. And if moisturizing can no longer save your tan from the natural process of skin cell turnover, not to worry! Our organic airbrush tanning solutions here at Vanity Vault can help to revive and refresh your tan. Book your appointment today!