What Are Tanning Lotions?
Tanning lotions are products designed to enhance and boost your natural tan when exposed to UV radiation, whether you're sunbathing in natural sunlight or using indoor tanning beds/sunbeds.
They are available in different variations, such as creams, lotions, mists, and oils. These products work with UV light to accelerate the natural tanning process, providing a darker, even tan faster.
Although these lotions provide moisture to the skin, they are different from your regular moisturisers as they are specifically designed to stimulate melanin production in response to indoor tanning beds or sun exposure.
They are popular products that enhance the skin's colour, helping to tan and provide a glow.
How Tanning Lotions Work
When exposed to UV rays, using a tan accelerator enhances and stimulates the natural tanning process, helping you achieve a darker tan quickly.
UV rays stimulate melanin production in the skin, giving colour to the skin, hair, and eyes. Using a product that contains a key ingredient such as Tyrosine alongside exposure to UV rays stimulates and accelerates melanin production in the skin, providing a fast, dark tan evenly on the body and even the face.
UV can dry out your skin's natural oils, so it is essential to use a product that provides hydration and moisture when tanning. Tan Accelerators/lotions are packed with essential natural ingredients such as Aloe vera and coconut oil, which will keep the skin hydrated.
Choosing the Right Tanning Lotion
There are so many different types of tanning lotions that it can be difficult to decide which one is most suitable and best for your skin.
When choosing the right tanning lotion, it is important to consider your skin tone, skin type, and level of tanning experience.
If you are a beginner to tanning and have a pale complexion, we recommend starting your tanning journey with a clear or white accelerating lotion, as it will complement the skin better than a bronzing cream.
Consider your skin type. If you have dry skin, select a lotion that contains moisturising ingredients such as Shea butter or Hemp seed oil. If you have sensitive areas, select a product that is hypoallergenic and designed for sensitive skin.
Experienced tanners have a wider variety of products to choose from as they have already built their base tan and are less likely to burn.
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Tanning Accelerators
Tanning Accelerators are designed to stimulate melanin production when exposed to UV, making the natural tanning process faster.
A tan accelerator is a great product to start your tanning journey with. It is suitable for beginners who want to build a natural tan gradually.
Tan Accelerators contain moisturising ingredients, which not only keep the skin hydrated and nourished but also allow UV rays to penetrate deeper into the skin, resulting in a darker, deeper tan.
A tan accelerator can be used during indoor sunbed sessions or for outdoor tanning after sun exposure.
They are mostly suitable for all skin types; however, some Accelerators are solely designed for tanners with sensitive skin. Hypoallergenic products contain no fragrance, nuts, or gluten, which will not cause any irritation to the skin but will still provide the best tan possible. If you have sensitive skin, we recommend the ProTan Hypoallergenic Tanning Accelerator. 
Bronzers and Tingle Creams
Bronzing lotions, also known as bronzers, are tanning creams designed like tan Accelerators, but they add an instant boost of colour to your skin, making you appear darker quicker.
They are suitable to use once you have achieved your natural base tan and are looking to get a darker immediate tan. They contain artificial colourants and levels of DHA that will temporarily stain your skin. Once the bronzers fade, after a few days, you will still have your natural tan underneath.
Bronzers have different levels, ranging from natural bronzers, which will give your skin an immediate golden glow, to DHA bronzers, which are richer in colour. These bronzers develop over a period of time, similar to fake tan, and will give the tan a more intense bronzed look. Natural Bronzers and DHA bronzers can be identified through the differentiation of colour, ranging from light brown or even white (white bronzers) to a deeper dark brown.
Tingle creams are tanning creams that, when applied to the skin's surface, create an intense, warm, tingling sensation. This sensation stimulates the blood flow and oxygen supply to the skin's cells, allowing the UV rays to penetrate deeper into the skin and increasing melanin production.
Tingle creams are advised to be used only by advanced tanners as they can be very intense. They are not for everyone, as some people find them too uncomfortable or irritating for their skin. Due to the warming sensation from tingle creams, they can also cause redness and swelling. However, this feeling will eventually stop a few hours after application.
Here at MEGATAN we recommend not to use tingle creams unless you are an advanced tanner and to never apply to sensitive areas or the face.
Tanning Session Tips
Our top tips to achieve the best tan are:
- Prepare the skin beforehand by showering, exfoliating, and shaving. This will create a smooth surface on which to apply lotions.
- Apply your tanning lotion evenly to achieve an even result and follow the manufacturer's usage guidelines.
- Use the lotion consistently to achieve the best results.
- Choose a tanning lotion that suits your skin type and tanning goals.
- Consider your skin tone and tanning experience when selecting the best tanning lotion.
Tanning Lotion Ingredients
Tan Accelerators contain activated ingredients that work with UV rays to accelerate the natural tanning process and stimulate melanin production. One ingredient to look for when choosing an Accelerator cream/lotion is Tyrosine.
Tyrosine is a key component in tanning creams that promotes and stimulates melanin production in the skin. To activate it, creams containing Tyrosine should be used immediately before UV exposure.
If you have a dry skin type or want extra moisture, select a lotion that contains natural ingredients such as coconut oil, Hemp seed oil, or aloe vera. These ingredients will nourish and replenish the moisture in the skin that was lost during UV exposure. Aloe vera is a great ingredient found in tanning lotions as it keeps the skin hydrated and soothes the skin of any redness.
Avoid tanning creams that contain harsh chemicals or artificial fragrances, and only buy from professional salons/distributors.
Tanning Lotion for Fair Skin
If you have more of a fair skin type, we recommend to:
- Look for tan Accelerators that are designed explicitly for pale skin.
- Consider using a tanning accelerator or a natural bronzer to enhance your natural tan.
- Always use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 when using tanning lotions.
- Be careful not to overexpose your skin to UV rays, which can cause damage and increase the risk of skin cancer.
- Only use a tingle lotion once you have safely built your base tan.
Using Tanning Lotions Safely
When you are new to tanning or using a new product, it is vital to ensure you are using it safely.
- Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for use.
- Use tanning lotions in moderation and avoid overexposure to UV rays.
- Be careful not to apply tanning lotions to sensitive skin or broken skin.
- Consider doing a patch test before using a new tanning lotion.
Tanning Process and Skin Health
Below is some helpful information regarding skin health, ensuring you are keeping your skin safe and healthy while tanning:
- The tanning process involves exposing skin to UV rays, which can damage it and increase the risk of skin cancer.
- Using tanning lotions can help protect your skin from damage and promote healthy skin.
- Consider using a tanning lotion with SPF to protect your skin from UV rays.
- Always prioritise skin health and safety when using tanning lotions.
Conclusion
Here is a short summary of all the above information to help you understand tanning accelerators and Sunbed Creams and achieve the best results.
- As a beginner to tanning, use a tan Accelerator to build your base tan naturally and safely.
- Once you have built a base tan, incorporate different lotions, such as a bronzer tanning lotion, into your tanning sessions.
- Tanning Accelerators and Sunbed Lotions can enhance your tanning experience and provide a faster, darker, and even tan.
- Only use tingle creams when you gradually build up your tan and want to push your tan further.
- Select a tan accelerator or any other tanning creams that contain natural ingredients.
- Choosing the right tanning lotion depends on your tanning experience and skin tone.
- Always use tanning lotions safely and follow the manufacturer's instructions.
- Prioritise skin health and safety when using tanning lotions.
