Why Your Skincare Routine Matters Before and After Tanning

When people think about their tanning routine, most of the attention goes to the tanning session itself.

But what you do before and after your session matters too.

Your skin is part of the entire experience. Keeping it well cared for can help your colour look more even, keep your skin feeling comfortable, and make your overall tanning routine feel better.

At Sun Seekers Tanning & Wellness in Maple Ridge, skincare is something we talk about with clients every day because tanning and skincare shouldn’t be treated as two completely separate routines.

Here are a few simple habits that can make a difference.

Start With Hydrated Skin

Dry skin can look dull, flaky or uneven.

That becomes especially noticeable as the weather changes in the fall and we start spending more time indoors with heating systems running.

Consistent moisturizing helps support your skin barrier and keeps your skin feeling soft and comfortable.

Rather than only reaching for moisturizer when your skin already feels dry, try making hydration part of your everyday routine.

A simple approach is:

• Moisturize regularly
• Drink enough water throughout the day
• Pay attention to areas that tend to become especially dry
• Adjust your skincare as the weather changes

September and October are actually great times to reassess your skincare routine before the colder, drier months arrive.

What Should You Do Before a Tanning Session?

You don’t need an elaborate pre-tanning ritual.

In fact, simpler is usually better.

Before your session, your skin should generally be clean and comfortable. Avoid loading your skin with products that aren't designed for indoor tanning immediately before getting into the equipment.

If you regularly exfoliate, gentle exfoliation can help remove surface buildup and dry, flaky skin. It doesn’t need to happen immediately before every tanning session.

The goal is healthy-looking skin—not aggressively scrubbing it.

And remember: if a skincare product makes your skin irritated, sensitive or uncomfortable, that is not the time to add UV exposure.

Indoor Tanning Lotion Is Different From Regular Body Lotion

One of the most common questions we hear is:

“Can I just use my regular moisturizer in the tanning bed?”

Professional indoor tanning lotions are specifically formulated for use during indoor tanning sessions.

Regular body lotions, oils or products not designed for tanning equipment may contain ingredients that aren't suitable for use with tanning-bed acrylics.

That is one of the reasons Sun Seekers has professional product standards in place.

We want to know that the products being used in our equipment are appropriate for indoor tanning, properly stored, authentic, and within their intended shelf life.

Our Glow Consultants can help you choose a professional tanning lotion based on your skin and your tanning goals rather than simply picking a bottle at random.

What Does a Tanning Lotion Actually Do?

Different indoor tanning products are designed for different purposes.

Depending on the formula, you may find ingredients focused on:

Hydration
Ingredients designed to help skin feel soft and moisturized.

Skincare
Many professional tanning products now include ingredients commonly found in broader skincare routines.

Bronzers
Some products contain cosmetic or developing bronzers that can add additional colour.

Intensifiers or accelerators
These products are generally designed for clients who want a tanning lotion without added cosmetic bronzers.

There isn’t one lotion that is automatically right for everyone.

That’s why we recommend telling your Glow Consultant what you like—and what you don't.

If you dislike bronzers, tell us.

If hydration is your priority, tell us.

If you're preparing for a vacation or an event, tell us that too.

We can narrow down the options quickly.

After Your Tanning Session: Keep the Hydration Going

Your skincare routine doesn’t end when your tanning session does.

Continue moisturizing regularly after your session and throughout the week.

You don't need a complicated 12-step routine.

A good moisturizer used consistently is often more useful than a cabinet full of products you rarely use.

Pay particular attention during the fall and winter months when dry air can leave skin feeling tighter than usual.

What About Showering After Tanning?

There is a lot of confusing advice online about showering after indoor tanning.

For a standard UV tanning session, showering does not wash away the tan your skin has developed.

However, if you are using a tanning lotion containing cosmetic or developing bronzers, the product instructions may recommend waiting before showering so the bronzing ingredients can develop properly.

That recommendation relates to the product, not the UV tan itself.

When in doubt, ask us which type of lotion you're using and whether there are any specific aftercare instructions.

Don't Forget Your Face

Facial skin often has different needs from the skin on the rest of the body.

If you use retinoids, exfoliating acids, acne products, prescription skincare or other active ingredients, your skin may be more sensitive.

Always follow the instructions provided with your skincare products and any advice from your healthcare provider.

If your face is particularly sensitive or you simply prefer to limit facial UV exposure, talk with your Glow Consultant about your options.

We also offer non-tanning wellness services, including dedicated light-based options, for clients whose goals aren't centred around UV tanning.

Protect Your Skin Outside the Salon Too

Indoor tanning and outdoor sun exposure both contribute to your total UV exposure.

Your everyday outdoor skincare routine still matters.

That includes using appropriate sun protection when you're outside rather than assuming an existing tan replaces sunscreen.

A tan does not eliminate the need for sun protection.

More Product Isn't Always Better

This is another common misconception.

Using extra tanning lotion doesn't necessarily produce a better session.

Use the amount recommended for the product and apply it evenly.

Your Glow Consultant can also show you how much product is appropriate and explain how different formulas are intended to be used.

The objective is to choose the right product and use it correctly—not simply use more.

Your Skin Changes—Your Routine Can Too

The lotion you loved in July might not be exactly what your skin needs in November.

Skin can feel different with changes in:

• Weather
• Humidity
• Travel
• Skincare products
• Lifestyle
• Tanning frequency

That’s why we encourage clients to check in with us rather than automatically buying the same thing every time.

Your routine can evolve.

Let Us Help Take the Guesswork Out of It

Walk into a tanning salon and look at a wall full of lotions and the choices can feel overwhelming.

Bronzer.

Intensifier.

Hydration.

Skincare.

Facial products.

Different ingredients and different price points.

You don't need to become an expert in all of them.

That's what our Glow Consultants are for.

Tell us about your skin, what you currently use, the type of tanning you do, and the result you're trying to achieve.

We’ll help narrow down the options and explain why we're recommending something.

Because good product recommendations shouldn't start with:

“This is the most expensive bottle.”

They should start with:

“What are you looking for?”

Build a Better Tanning Routine

Your tanning session is only one part of your routine.

Taking care of your skin before, during and after your visits can help keep your skin feeling comfortable and your routine consistent throughout the year.

As we head into the cooler months, now is a great time to take another look at what you're using.

Stop by either Sun Seekers Tanning & Wellness location in Maple Ridge and talk with one of our Glow Consultants about your tanning and skincare routine.

We’ll help you find professional products that make sense for your skin and your goals.