Pre-Holiday Prep: Why Use a Tanning Accelerator?
Before people jet off for their holidays, they like to prepare by using sunbeds to help them achieve a base tan while feeling confident and beach-ready.
Tan Accelerators, also known as Tan Activators, are designed to speed up the natural tanning process while stimulating melanin production in the skin. Incorporating a Tan Accelerator into your tanning sessions, whether you prefer tanning indoors or using sunbeds, will help you achieve a sun-kissed tan before your holiday.
A few weeks before your trip, it is beneficial to start a tanning routine to build up a base tan. Building a base tan before your holiday will help you achieve a deeper tan when you are on your trip, as you have already prepared your skin to be exposed to UV rays. Introduce a Tan Accelerator into your routine to stimulate melanin production and help you tan faster.
There are alternative products to Tan Accelerators, such as self-tanners or fake tan. Although these are safer alternatives as they are not designed to be used alongside UV rays, a Tan Accelerator can provide a more natural, even longer-lasting result compared to self-tanners.
Tan Accelerator
- Stimulates natural melanin production and boots a natural tan
- Allows UV rays to penetrate deeper into the skin, not only just the skin's surface
- Commonly do not contain artificial colours such as bronzers, streak-free results
- More natural, long-lasting results that can be maintained with tan-extending products
Self-tanners/Fake tan
- Only tans the skin's surface.
- It can last for a few days, but only products for one use can be washed off.
- It contains ingredients such as DHA, creating a dark, tanned appearance on the skin; however, it can cause patchiness and streaks if not correctly applied.
Key Benefits of Pre-Holiday Tanning Accelerators
Pre-holiday Tan Accelerators have vital benefits that can help speed the skin's natural tanning process and also look after the skin. Below are these key benefits:
Faster results
Using a Tanning Accelerator will help you tan naturally by speeding up the tanning process. By producing more melanin in the skin, the Accelerator will help you achieve a deeper tan in less time. Tan Accelerators can contain ingredients such as Tyrosine, which can boost your tanning result by up to 60%!
Reduced sun exposure
Tan Accelerators speed up the skin's natural tanning ability by boosting melanin production. This reduces the time needed for prolonged sun exposure during holidays abroad. By minimising the time spent out in the UV rays, this helps prevent skin damage, such as sunburn.
Skins appearance
Tan Accelerators provide a smooth, even base tan that can be enhanced further by sun exposure while on holiday. Tan Accelerators work not only to help you tan but also to keep the skin moisturised, healthy, and hydrated.
They can contain ingredients such as aloe vera, which works as a soothing agent while keeping the skin as hydrated as possible. Using a Tan Accelerator prepares the skin for changing climates, preventing dry areas or peeling. They can be used during the summer months as a substitute for your everyday moisturiser.
Choosing the Right Tanning Accelerator for Your Pre-Holiday Glow
It is essential to choose the best products designed for quick results and give the best tan, ideal for pre-holiday use.
Look for Tan Accelerators that contain ingredients with added skincare benefits, such as Aloe vera or Buriti oil. Both ingredients support hydration in the skin, whereas Buriti Oil intensifies melanin production. All the ingredients can be found on the back of the bottle.
By researching products and reading their reviews, you can choose a product that matches your skin type and desired tan depth. If you are more prone to oily skin, choose a lightweight Tan Accelerator, while if you have dry skin, select one that is very moisturizing.
Here at MEGATAN, we recommend choosing a pre-holiday Tan Accelerator with a lightweight formula that will absorb into the skin while also providing hydration. When you select a product, see if it is available in a travel-friendly size that you can also take with you on your travels.
Top Tan Accelerators to Use Before Your Holiday
Now, so many Tan Accelerators are available, and new ones are released monthly. Tan Accelerators boost the skin's natural tanning process, but you are probably wondering which one to select and which one is the best.
As a tanning consultant for the past 5 years, these are my ultimate go-to products and best Tan Accelerators that will give you not only the darkest tan but also give your skin a soft, healthy glow all year round. (No particular order)
White 2 Bronze Pomegranate
White 2 Bronze Pomegranate by Devoted Creations is a Bronzer and Tingle-free Tan Accelerator. It contains ingredients such as pomegranate extract and Aloe Barbadensis leaf juice, which ensures the skin is left silky soft.
White 2 Bronze Pomegranate also contains one of the best ingredients available: Tyrosine, a melanin stimulator that can make you several shades darker after one use while keeping the skin hydrated. 
Go To Black
I believe that Go to Black by Supre Tan is undoubtedly one of the best Tan Accelerators out there!
It is an incredible dark maximizer that will push your natural tan to the next level. Containing premium ingredients such as Argan Oil, this tan accelerator nourishes the skin and keeps it smooth and hydrated.
I recommend only using Go to Black on the body and avoiding using it on the face. In just under two weeks, you will achieve the darkest tan possible. 
Ultima Quad Hybrid
The Ultima Quad Hybrid Accelerator by Power Tan is an incredible formula that mimics the effect of the sun and tans you for a continuous 24 hours after being exposed to UV.
This lotion is suitable for all skin types and does not contain Tingles or any added Bronzers/colour. A key ingredient found in this Accelerator is carrot seed oil, which enhances the skin's natural tanning ability even further.
Australian Gold Accelerator Spray
This is a great product from the well-known brand Australian Gold. It can be used alone or layered on top of SPF to tan in the sun. This Accelerator is a lightweight lotion with easy application.
It is formulated with key ingredients such as Vitamin A and Vitamin E, which soften the skin while also reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
How to Use Tanning Accelerators for Pre-Holiday Success
To get the best results, start using a Tan Accelerator at least two weeks before your holiday. Tan accelerators boost the skin's natural tanning process, helping you tan quicker so you can reach that base tan before going on holiday.
Here are some steps to gain the best tan from Accelerators:
- Apply Tan Accelerators evenly on the body to get an all-over-even result.
- Incorporate Tan Accelerators into your existing skincare routine.
- Depending on your skin type, it is important to select the most suitable Accelerator. Hypoallergenic accelerators are recommended for sensitive skin types.
- Combine Tan Accelerators with sun exposure to get the best results. Ensure that you apply SPF protection at least 20-30 minutes before applying Accelerators and stepping outside.
- Essential sun protection tips should be followed alongside your Accelerator routine to maintain the best skin protection and health.
Pre-Holiday Glow Maintenance: Keeping Your Tan Fresh During Travel
Once we achieve our desired tan, we want to maintain those golden glow results. Here are our essential tips to keep your results:
- Using a Tan Accelerator while abroad will boost melanin production even further. To get the best results from your tan session, we recommend incorporating an accelerating lotion into your routine to get an even deeper tan.
- Packing essentials: Choose a travel-sized Accelerator to reduce weight in luggage. Travel-size products are also great to throw in your beach bag for those tanning days.
- Incorporate after-sun products into daily routines to lock in moisture and prolong the longevity of your tan.
Tips for a Long-Lasting Pre-Holiday
Pre-holiday preparation is vital to attaining the best tanning result. Following these steps will ensure you tan better and and prolong the result.
- Exfoliate before starting your pre-holiday Accelerator routine to ensure an even tan. Use a gentle exfoliant to remove dead skin cells.
- Moisturise daily to prevent dry patches, hydrate the skin, and keep your tan fresh.
- Continue using Tan Accelerators during your holiday for an enhanced glow.
- Avoid harsh soaps and scrubs that can strip your tan.
