The Best Body Wash Products To Use For Spray Tans
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If you've invested time and money into achieving that perfect sunless tan, the last thing you want is to watch it fade into a patchy, uneven mess after just a few showers. The secret to maintaining a flawless tan isn't just about the spray tan application itself—it's about what happens during your daily aftercare routine, especially when it comes to choosing the right products for cleansing your skin.
Let me share everything you've learned (probably from scrolling through TikTok) and what the pros know about keeping that gorgeous glow intact while still feeling fresh and clean every day.
Why Your Body Wash Matters More Than You Think
Here's the thing about spray tans: they're essentially a chemical reaction happening on the uppermost layer of your skin. The active ingredient in most sunless products reacts with the dead skin cells to create that bronzed appearance. This means that everything you put on your skin afterward can either support the life of your tan or work against it.
Traditional body washes—even the ones you've been using forever—often contain harsh detergents, sulfates like sodium laureth sulfate and 14-16 olefin sulfonate, and other harsh chemicals that strip away your color faster than you can say "scaly fade." That gorgeous sunless tan you just got? It could start looking patchy and developing tan lines within 2-3 days if you're not careful with your shower routine.
What to Avoid in Your Body Wash
Before we dive into the top picks, let's talk about the ingredients that are basically your spray tan's worst enemies. You'll want to steer clear of products containing mineral oil, harsh ingredients that disrupt your skin's natural pH, and anything with aggressive exfoliating properties.
Hot water is another culprit—it opens your pores and can cause an uneven fade. Instead, opt for lukewarm water or even cool water during your first shower after your sunless session. And speaking of that first post-tan shower, timing matters! Wait at least 8-12 hours (or follow your technician's advice) before that first rinse to ensure you get the best results.
Other ingredients to watch out for include certain types of citric acid in high concentrations, which can be overly acidic, and some formulations containing cocamidopropyl betaine in harsh concentrations. While these aren't always terrible, in certain combinations they can contribute to faster fading.
The Farmasi Difference: Gentle Cleansing That Protects Your Glow
Now, let's talk about products that actually work with your tan instead of against it. Farmasi has created some incredible options that provide gentle cleansing while keeping your color intact.
Farmasi Calendula Soap: The Sensitive Skin Savior
If you're dealing with dry skin or sensitive skin, the Farmasi Calendula Soap is about to become your new best friend. This multi-purpose wonder gently removes dirt and excess oil without drying out the skin—something that's crucial when you're trying to maintain a spray tan. Unlike bar soap options that can leave your skin feeling tight and stripped, this calendula-infused formula can be used on both your face and body.
What makes it perfect for your tan-safe body wash collection? It's formulated to cleanse without the harsh detergents that cause fading, making it ideal for daily use. The gentle formula means you can maintain your hygiene routine without worrying about watching your beautiful bronze wash down the drain.
Farmasi Royal Cherry Body Wash: A Sensory Experience
For those who want their shower to feel like a spa experience, the Farmasi Royal Cherry Body Wash is an absolute game-changer. This luxurious wash awakens your senses with its blend of vibrant fruits and delicate floral notes, leaving your skin beautifully scented and enveloped in a soft foam that cleanses without drying.
The Royal Cherry formula is designed to keep skin hydrated and comfortable—two essential factors in maintaining long-lasting results from your spray tan. When your skin is properly moisturized and supports pH balance, your color appears more even and lasts significantly longer. Plus, the gentle lather means you won't need a wash cloth or aggressive scrubbing to feel clean, which helps prevent that dreaded scaly fade.
Other Farmasi Products That Support Your Tan
Farmasi's commitment to natural ingredients and skin-friendly formulations extends beyond just their body washes. Here are some other products from their line that work beautifully with your sunless tan routine:
Farmasi Body Butters: After cleansing with a spray-tan-safe body wash, following up with a nourishing body butter helps lock in moisture and creates that softer feel we all want. Look for options containing natural products like shea moisture, vitamin E, or fractionated coconut oil for moisture support that won't interfere with your tan.
Building Your Post-Tan Balanced Routine
Maintaining your flawless tan requires more than just switching your body wash—it's about creating an easy daily habit that becomes second nature. Here's what a balanced routine might look like:
First 24 Hours: During your first shower after spray tan application, use lukewarm water and a gentle, tan-safe product like Farmasi's Calendula Soap. Pat dry gently—no aggressive scrubbing!
Daily Aftercare: Switch to products like the Royal Cherry Body Wash for daily use. These formulations with skin-conditioning oils and natural ingredients like aloe barbadensis, gardenia tahitensis flower extract, and rosa canina fruit help maintain hydration without causing an uneven fade.
What About Other Products?
When it comes to hair washing, shaving cream, and other shower essentials, the same rules apply. Look for products free from harsh chemicals and those that support pH balance. Some people swear by Dr. Bronner's gentle castile soaps, while others prefer products containing ingredients like lavandula angustifolia (lavender) for that calming vanilla lavender scent that makes showers feel luxurious.
Avoid using products in hot tubs or with excess heat, as these can accelerate fading. And when you're wearing your bathing suit for the first time post-tan, do a quick patch test in an inconspicuous area to make sure everything looks even.
Pro Tips for Long-Lasting Results
Want to get the most life out of your sunless tan? Here are some insider secrets:
Keep skin moisturized: Dry patches will fade faster and more noticeably. Products with pro-vitamin B, vitamin A (like retinyl palmitate), oleic acid, and ingredients like aleurites moluccana seed (kukui nut) oil provide deep moisture support.
Skip the Irish Spring: While it might be your go-to, traditional bar soaps can be too harsh for maintaining your color. The right products make all the difference.
Express tan solutions: If you're using express-rinse solution products, follow the timing exactly for better-looking color that lasts.
Pat, don't rub: Use your hands or a very soft wash cloth, and avoid aggressive scrubbing that removes those tanned dead skin cells.
Comfort matters: Choose products with glycol distearate and disodium cocoamphodiacetate for that moisture strip that keeps skin feeling pampered.
The Bottom Line
Maintaining your gorgeous sunless tan doesn't have to be complicated. By choosing the right products—like Farmasi's Calendula Soap for sensitive skin or the Royal Cherry Body Wash for that luxurious daily shower experience—you're setting yourself up for success. These gentle formulations cleanse effectively while preserving your color, giving you that flawless tan you worked hard to achieve.
Remember, your spray tan is an investment. Whether you got it for a special event or just to maintain that sun-kissed glow year-round, protecting it with quality, tan-safe products ensures you'll enjoy your beautiful bronze for days longer. Say goodbye to watching your color disappear down the drain and hello to long-lasting results that keep you glowing!