Do you ever step out of a tanning bed feeling like your glow just isn’t as deep or long-lasting as you hoped? You put time and money into your tanning session, but sometimes the results fall flat. It’s frustrating when you want that perfect bronze look, but your lotion isn’t delivering!
Choosing the right indoor tanning lotion is more complicated than just grabbing the prettiest bottle. There are lotions for accelerators, bronzers, maximizers—it’s easy to get lost in the jargon! Many people buy the wrong type, leading to uneven color, dry skin, or a tan that fades too fast. You deserve a lotion that truly works with your skin and your tanning goals.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down exactly what each type of lotion does and how to pick the perfect match for your skin. By the end of this post, you will know the secrets to maximizing your color and keeping your skin healthy and hydrated. Ready to unlock your best tan yet? Let’s dive into the world of indoor tanning bed lotions!
Top Indoor Tanning Bed Lotion Recommendations
- · Tattoo Fade Protecting Formula: Helps prolong the life and radiance of your tattoos and tanning results.
- · Quad Tyrosine Blend & Melano Bronze: Stimulates and increases melanin formation to accelerate the tanning process.
- · Ultra-Darkening Skin Hydrating Intensifier: Contains coconut milk, coconut oil, and cocoa butter to improve skin hydration. Delivers a dark golden tan without the use of bronzing agents.
- · Coconut Paradise Fragrance: An intoxicating light coconut fragrance with a faint scent of vanilla will make you dream of a day in paradise.
- · Ed Hardy Coconut Kisses is part of the Tanovations company. The Ed Hardy logo was replaced by the Tanovations logo, which has a palm tree.
- ✅ Dark tanning activators deliver golden results without the use of DHA or bronzing agents.
- ✅ Multiple Tan Intensifier + Melanin Stimulators - Stimulate and increase melanin formation to accelerate the tanning process.
- ✅ Ultra-tan Activator - Stimulates tyrosine activity and promotes even and long lasting color production. Skin Tightening - Reduces the appearance of cellulite and promotes firmness.
- ✅ Coconut Milk, Coconut Butter & Cocoa Oil - Provide intense, deep skin hydration.
- ✅ Tattoo & Color Fade Protector - Prolongs the life and radiance of your tattoos and tanning results.
- Ultra Advanced 500X Bronzer: Advanced 500X black bronzing blend elicits royally dark color that takes your tan to a whole new, worship-worthy level
- Queen Honeybee Conditioning: Queen Honeybee Bow-To-Me complex provides elevated skin conditioning so your bronze feels exceptionally soft, smooth and radiant
- Hawaiian Extract Island Glow: Lush Hawaiian extracts infuse skin with tropical-inspired care, helping your bronze reach that coveted island glow everyone desires
- Clean Beauty & Scent: Luxurious Polynesian potion is finished with a Tropical Rainforest fragrance that surrounds your tan in a fresh, sun-drenched island aroma
- How to Use: Apply evenly to clean, dry skin before indoor tanning, avoiding face and sensitive areas; wash hands after use and pair with appropriate sun protection as this lotion does not contain SPF
- 100X BRONZING POWER - Get a deep, dark and long-lasting tan with this dark tanning accelerator. This powerful formula is designed to enhance your natural tan and give you 100 times more bronzing power. Say goodbye to pale skin and hello to a gorgeous, sun-kissed glow!
- ULTRA-DARK INDOOR/OUTDOOR TANNING LOTION - Achieve a deep, natural tan with this powerful tan oil. Formulated for use both indoors and outdoors, this lotion contains a silicone bronzer to enhance your tan and leave your skin glowing. Experience 100X dark results with this easy-to-use tanning lotion.
- INTENSE, DEEP, AND LONG-LASTING TAN RESULTS - Achieve the ultimate bronzed glow with our Indoor-Outdoor Tanning Accelerator. This powerful lotion will enhance and extend your tan for a darker, richer, and longer-lasting result. Perfect for those seeking intense and deep tanning results.
- SUITABLE FOR USE IN TANNING BEDS AND OUTDOORS - Achieve a deep, dark tan both indoors and outdoors with this specially formulated lotion. Its silicone bronzer and Tan Enhancing properties make it the perfect choice for those seeking a dark tanning bed lotion.
- ENHANCED WITH SKIN-NOURISHING VITAMINS - This Tan lotion is infused with vitamins to nourish your skin, leaving it feeling soft and smooth while achieving a deep, dark tan.
- GIVE YOUR SKIN A NATURAL, BEAUTIFUL GOLDEN GLOW without applying any bronzers or skin darkening products. Australian Gold's Rapid Tanning Intensifying lotion speeds up the tanning process while you bask in the sun or use a tanning bed
- BE SUMMER READY - Formulated with Biosine Complex, a proprietary blend of premium ingredients, it prepares your skin for dark color development. It does not contain sunscreen but increases the pigmentation so your skin gets a quicker tan
- BLESSED WITH AUSTRALIAN NATURALS - Enriched with Tea Tree Oil and the goodness of Vitamin E, both of which are powerful antioxidants, this tanning intensifier fights off free radicals, gently nourishes and cleanses your skin leaving it smooth and fresh
- ULTIMATE HYDRATION - The exotic combination of native oils, vital nutrients and Aloe Vera provide naturally soothing and deeply nourished skin that remains hydrated for long. Available in a delectable Coconut, Orange, and Vanilla fragrance
- SPECIALLY FORMULATED - Australian Gold's time-tested formula is designed to be Vegan, Gluten Free, while being loaded with the goodness of Kakadu Plums and Safflower Seed Oil for an instant radiant tan
- ✅Dark Star 5000X Bronzing is the darkest of dark!
- ✅Time-release complex continues to develop even darker
- ✅Mega-sculpting skin firming tones the appearance of skin
- ✅Tattoo Enhancing blend puts your ink in the spotlight
- ✅Vegan, No parabens-sulfates- gluten-phthalates- or animal testing
- Specially formulated for indoor tanning use, this powerful lotion helps maximize your tanning bed sessions by enhancing your skin's ability to darken quickly and evenly.
- Infused with nourishing ingredients, this lotion conditions and softens your skin, allowing it to radiate a rich, golden-bronze glow with a healthy-looking finish.
- Features time-release DHA bronzers and an ultra-dark Glow Matrix that continues to develop and intensify your color for hours, giving you a deeper, darker tan.
- This tanning lotion does not contain sunscreen and will not protect against sunburn; always use appropriate sun protection when exposed to natural sunlight.
- Includes a Tiger Grass tattoo-enhancing complex that helps maintain the brightness and clarity of your body art, ensuring tattoos stay vibrant and well-defined.
- Indoor/Outdoor Bronzing Blend with low levels of DHA combined with high levels of Natural bronzers allow the skin to develop natural, long lasting bronzed results.
- Guava Extracts are rich in antioxidants that help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while providing a glowing complexion.
- Watermelon Extracts provide 24-hour hydration while improving the skins tone and deeply improving the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and dry spots of the skin.
- MelanoBronze stimulates melanin activity to allow for longer lasting, darker tanning results.
- Tattoo & Color Fade Protection protects the color and luster of your tan and tattoos.
Your Guide to Choosing the Best Indoor Tanning Bed Lotion
Using a tanning bed lotion is a big part of getting a great tan. These special lotions help your skin tan evenly and look amazing. Picking the right bottle can make a big difference in your results. This guide will help you understand what to look for when you shop.
Key Features to Look For
When you look at tanning lotions, several features stand out. These features help determine how well the lotion works for you.
Tanning Accelerators
- These lotions help your skin produce melanin faster. Melanin is the substance that makes your skin tan. Look for ingredients like Tyrosine.
Bronzers
- Bronzers give you instant color. They act like a temporary stain on your skin. DHA is a common bronzer ingredient. It develops a deeper tan over a few hours.
Skin Moisturizers
- Good lotions keep your skin soft. Dry skin flakes off faster, taking your tan with it. Look for ingredients like Aloe Vera or natural oils.
Cooling or Warming Sensations
- Some lotions make your skin tingle or feel cool. This is a fun part of the tanning experience for many users. Decide if you like these sensations or prefer a neutral feel.
Important Ingredients Matter
The ingredients inside the bottle are very important. They control how your tan develops and how your skin feels.
Active Tanning Ingredients
- **Tyrosine:** This is the building block for your tan. More of it usually means a faster tan.
- **DHA (Dihydroxyacetone):** This ingredient reacts with the top layer of your skin to create a brown color. It’s safe for the skin.
Nourishing Ingredients
- **Vitamins A, C, and E:** These vitamins protect your skin from dryness. They keep your skin healthy.
- **Natural Oils (like Coconut or Hemp Seed Oil):** These oils deeply hydrate your skin. Hydrated skin holds a tan longer.
Ingredients to Be Wary Of (For Some Users)
- **High amounts of fragrance:** Strong perfumes can sometimes irritate very sensitive skin.
- **Mineral Oil:** While it moisturizes, it can sometimes block pores, which reduces tanning ability.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all lotions work the same way. Quality is often tied to how much the lotion actually penetrates your skin.
Quality Boosters
- **Advanced Delivery Systems:** Lotions with special capsules that release ingredients slowly work better. This makes the tan last longer.
- **High Concentration of Actives:** A lotion with more tanning boosters will usually give you a deeper color faster.
Quality Reducers
- **Too much water content:** If a lotion is mostly water, it might not deliver enough active tanning agents.
- **Using old lotion:** Tanning ingredients break down over time. Always check the date on the bottle. Expired lotion works poorly.
User Experience and Use Cases
You use tanning lotion right before you get into the bed. The experience should be smooth and pleasant.
Application Tips
- Apply the lotion evenly over your entire body. Missed spots result in uneven tan lines.
- Rub it in well. The lotion needs to touch your skin to work.
When to Use What
- **Beginners:** Start with a “maximizer” lotion that has no bronzer. This lets you build a base tan slowly.
- **Experienced Tanners:** Use a lotion with a high percentage of DHA bronzer for a quick, deep color boost.
- **After Tanning:** Some lotions are designed for post-tanning care. These focus only on moisturizing to extend your tan life.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Indoor Tanning Bed Lotions
Q: Do I have to use lotion in a tanning bed?
A: Yes, you should. Lotion helps your skin tan evenly and keeps it from getting too dry under the UV light.
Q: Can I use regular body lotion instead of tanning lotion?
A: No. Regular lotion blocks the UV rays from reaching your skin. Tanning lotion helps the UV rays work better.
Q: What is the difference between a maximizer and a bronzer?
A: A maximizer helps your skin make its own tan faster. A bronzer adds instant color that washes off later, but also helps the real tan develop.
Q: How long does it take for DHA to show up?
A: DHA usually takes between four to eight hours to fully develop its color on your skin.
Q: Will tanning lotion protect me from burning?
A: No. Tanning lotions help you tan better, but they do not contain SPF. You will still burn without proper protection for your session time.
Q: Should I shower right after using bronzing lotion?
A: It is best to wait at least four hours after tanning before showering. This lets the DHA bronzer fully develop its color.
Q: Are lotions expensive?
A: Prices vary a lot. Basic lotions cost less, while high-end designer lotions with many ingredients cost more.
Q: How often should I apply the lotion?
A: You only apply it right before you get into the tanning bed for that session.
Q: What if my skin is very sensitive?
A: Look for lotions labeled “hypoallergenic” or “fragrance-free.” These usually have fewer ingredients that might cause irritation.
Q: Can I use tanning lotion if I am using self-tanner on my legs?
A: Yes, but be careful. If you use a bronzer lotion in the bed, it might mix strangely with your existing self-tanner color.