Tanning Accelerators vs Self Tanners: Which One Is Right for You?

What are Tanning Accelerators?

Tanning Accelerators are products designed to speed up the natural tanning process by stimulating melanin production. They help a person achieve a base tan and their desired tanning goals.

Tan Accelerators can be applied to the skin before exposure to encourage a darker, deeper tan. They work with the skin's natural tanning process, not replacing it, and can be used in conjunction with sun exposure to achieve a more natural-looking tan.

Tan Accelerators come in various forms, including lotions, oils, and sprays. They can help achieve a natural tan without excessive sun exposure.

When you select an indoor Tanning Lotion, your choices vary. They can contain Bronzers for a more immediate instant tan, Accelerators for a golden glow, or Tingles for an even deeper, darker tan.

The different types of Tanning Lotions are:

Accelerators - A Tan Accelerator works by stimulating melanin production, the pigment that gives skin its colour, to help you achieve a dark, sun-kissed tan. They contain active ingredients such as Tyrosine, which speeds up the natural melanin production, and moisturising ingredients to nourish and hydrate the skin.

Bronzers - Although similar to a Tan Accelerator, Bronzers provide immediate colour to the skin, giving it a healthy glow and a bronzed result.

Tingles are recommended for experienced tanners only as they contain active ingredients that, when exposed to UV, increase blood flow to the skin, achieving a darker, deeper tan. They are used when a person has achieved a base tan and does not tend to burn.What Are Tanning Accelerators?

Feature	Description	Key Benefit
Purpose	Products designed to stimulate melanin production to speed up the natural tanning process.	Achieve a deeper, more natural-looking tan with reduced UV exposure time.
How They Work	Contain active ingredients like Tyrosine, which boosts melanin production, and moisturisers to hydrate the skin.	Support healthy skin while enhancing tanning results.
Application	Applied before sun exposure or indoor tanning to enhance the skin's ability to tan naturally.	Promotes even tanning without patchiness.

Tanning Lotions and Accelerators: How They Compare to Self-Tanners

Feature	Tanning Accelerators	Self-Tanners
How They Work	Stimulate the skin’s melanin production during UV exposure.	Use DHA to darken the outer layer of the skin without UV exposure.
Application	Used before sun exposure or tanning beds.	Applied at home for instant or gradual tanning results.
Longevity	Enhances and extends your natural tan.	Lasts for a few days before fading naturally.
Best For	Those seeking a natural tan with sun or UV exposure.	Quick, temporary tans without UV exposure.

Tanning Lotions and Accelerators are designed to enhance the natural tanning process and allow UV Rays to penetrate the skin, while Self-Tanners provide a temporary, artificial colour on the skin's surface.

Tanning Lotions and Accelerators can be used before sunbathing or sunbeds to help your skin absorb more UV Rays and achieve a deeper, darker tan.

Self-tanners, on the other hand, do not require sun exposure and can be used to achieve a tan without UV radiation. They develop over time and last for a few days before eventually fading.

Tanning Lotions and Accelerators can be more effective for those who want a natural-looking tan, while Self-Tanners are better suited for those who want a quick, temporary tan.

Indoor tanning lotions are designed to harness UV rays and enhance the tan, but most do not contain SPF.

Product	How It Works	Best For
Accelerators	Stimulate melanin production naturally with active ingredients like Tyrosine and moisturisers.	Building a base tan and achieving a natural, sun-kissed glow.
Bronzers	Provide an instant glow with added colour that develops over time.	Achieving a quick bronzed look with no waiting period.
Tingles	Increase blood flow and oxygen to the skin, enhancing the tanning process for deeper results.	Experienced tanners looking for darker, deeper tans.
Self-Tanners	Provide an artificial tan by depositing DHA onto the skin without UV exposure.	Those who want a quick, temporary tan without UV rays.

Safety and Precautions

Accelerators do not protect from UV radiation, so using them alongside a broad-spectrum sun cream is essential.

The effectiveness of Tan Accelerators is still being researched and is currently limited.

Some Tan Accelerators may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions, especially for sensitive skin.

Following the manufacturer's instructions and using Tan Accelerators responsibly to prevent sunburn is essential.

The NHS states that "there's no safe or healthy way to get a natural tan," highlighting the dangers of sun exposure.

Maximising Results with Tanning Accelerators

Step	Action	Why It Helps
Exfoliate	Exfoliate the skin at least 24 hours before tanning to remove dead skin cells.	Creates an even base for smooth application.
Apply Sun Cream	Use a broad-spectrum SPF before applying the accelerator.	Prevents burns and minimizes UV damage.
Apply Evenly	Apply a thin, even layer of tanning accelerator to clean, dry skin.	Ensures uniform results and avoids streaks.
Moisturise	Hydrate your skin daily with a moisturiser containing aloe vera or shea butter.	Keeps skin healthy and prolongs your tan.

 

To achieve the best results from your Tan Accelerators, make sure to follow our tips and tricks:

• Exfoliate the skin at least 24 hours before tanning to remove dead skin cells and encourage an even-looking tan.
• Apply a broad-spectrum sun cream according to the product's instructions.
• Apply an even layer of Tan Accelerator once the sun cream has been absorbed into the skin.
• Be mindful of your sun exposure and use Tan Accelerators responsibly to prevent sunburn.
• Moisturise the skin with a Tanning Lotion containing key ingredients such as Shea butter, Jojoba oil, and Allantoin to soften and hydrate it.

Choosing the Right Tanning Product for You

How They Work Stimulate the skin’s melanin production during UV exposure. Use DHA to darken the outer layer of the skin without UV exposure. Application Used before sun exposure or tanning beds. Applied at home for instant or gradual tanning results. Longevity Enhances and extends your natural tan. Lasts for a few days before fading naturally. Best For Those seeking a natural tan with sun or UV exposure. Quick, temporary tans without UV exposure.

 

Maximising Results with Tanning Accelerators

 

Although these products may be suitable for all, you should still consider what product works the best for you and consider the following:

• Consider your skin type and level of tanning when choosing a Tanning Lotion.
• Research what each of the tanning products contains and the results they give.
• If you want to achieve a natural-looking tan, consider using a Tanning Accelerator.
• If you want a quick, temporary darker tan, consider using a Self-Tanner.
• Look for a Tanning Lotion that contains ingredients that nourish and moisturise the skin, such as Hemp seed oil and Vitamin E.
• Always read product labels and follow the manufacturer's instructions to ensure safe and effective use.