Understanding Tanning Products
Tanning Accelerators vs. Tanning Oils: What’s the Difference?
Incorporating tanning oils or lotions into your tanning routine will speed up the natural tanning process, resulting in darker, quicker results. Tanning oils and lotions are designed to build up a healthy-looking tan with a natural glow to the skin.
Choosing the right product all depends on the tanner's needs and preferences:
Tanning oils - Tanning oils provide a quicker and darker tan to the skin as they promote the body's melanin production. They are formulated to keep the skin hydrated and are ideal for people with dry skin. They are easy to apply but can leave a greasy residue.
Using tanning oil allows the skin to absorb UV radiation deeper and quickly, resulting in a deeper tan. They are more suitable for outdoor tanning than sunbed use, as they can damage the acrylic on sunbeds.
Tanning Lotion - A Tanning lotion has a thicker and creamier texture, similar to a moisturising body lotion. It accelerates the tanning process and also promotes melanin production in the body. Tanning lotions give the skin deeper hydration and soften it while tanning.
They are suitable for indoor and outdoor tanning, as some lotions contain a sun protection factor to protect the skin from harmful UV rays while also providing a natural-looking tan. Tanning lotions offer more skin benefits, as they contain natural moisturising and protecting ingredients.
Tanning lotions are available in many formations, such as accelerators, bronzers, and tingle creams.
Bronzers - Available in natural bronzers or DHA bronzers. Natural bronzers provide instant colour to the skin, which has a more sun-kissed, natural glow. DHA bronzers develop during and after your tanning session for a more intense bronzed tan. Both last for a few days before eventually washing off, revealing your natural tan underneath.
Tingle creams - Tingle creams are a suitable choice for experienced tanners who have already built up a base tan but want to push their tan further to their desired results. They stimulate and increase the blood flow to the surface, which helps more UV rays penetrate the skin. They are only suitable for use on the body as they have a tingling, warming sensation that can cause irritation to the skin.
How Tanning Accelerators Work
A tanning accelerator is a product that helps to prepare the skin before exposure to sun or UV rays from a sunbed by boosting melanin production to kickstart and prolong a deeper, darker tan.
Tanning accelerators help achieve tanning goals quickly. They contain vital ingredients such as Tyrosine to stimulate and increase melanin production. They go hand in hand with your tanning sessions to provide a golden glow while containing additional skincare benefits, such as antioxidants and vitamins that can reduce premature aging and skin damage, such as burning.
These products are used as an alternative to self-tanners, such as fake tans, as they provide more natural, long-lasting results.
Benefits of Tanning Products
There is no 100% way to tan safely and avoid the risks associated with tanning, such as skin cancer; however, using a tanning product does contain additional skincare benefits.
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Tanning oils offer some moisturisation, but their primary focus is on enhancing the tanning process and providing a longer-lasting color to the skin.
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Tanning lotions provide more intensive moisturisation and nourishment to the skin and contain moisturising ingredients like coconut or olive oil.
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Tanning lotions are formulated with natural ingredients like aloe vera and shea butter, which soften and soothe the skin.
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Tanning oils can provide a quicker and long-lasting tan and are ideal for tanners who already have tanning experience and are prone not to burn.
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Tanning lotions may also contain tanning accelerators, but their primary focus is on providing hydration and nourishment.
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A tanning lotion can be used in the sun or for indoor tanning on tanning beds.
Choosing the Right Product for Your Skin
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Choose a tanning oil for normal skin or a moisturising tanning lotion for dry skin.
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If your skin type is more sensitive, opt for a lightweight, hypoallergenic tanning lotion with higher SPF and minimal fragrance. Our best selling hypoallergenic cream is the ProTan Hypoallergenic Tanning Accelerator.
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Consider your skin type, desired tanning outcomes, and environmental conditions when choosing a tanning product.
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Choose a tanning lotion with a high SPF level for intense sun exposure or a tanning oil for cooler days at the beach.
Tanning Products Quick Comparison: Which One’s Right for You?
Safety and Precautions
A tanning oil generally does not have built-in sun protection, as it is designed to attract the sun's UV rays and speed up the tanning process. Therefore, be sure to use a separate sunscreen. Choose a tanning oil with sun protection and enough SPF, typically around 30 SPF.
A tanning lotion often has higher SPF levels than oils to protect against sun damage.
Be aware of the risks associated with UV rays and take necessary precautions to protect your skin.
Conclusion
Gorgeous Summer skin can be achieved with the use of tanning oil or lotion. They both help the skin absorb more UV radiation, resulting in a quicker, dark tan.
Each product offers unique benefits that cater to different needs and lifestyles. Use tanning oil outdoors to keep the skin hydrated and moisturised during your tanning session, remembering to use additional sun protection.
Use the products responsibly and choose a tanning lotion that contains SPF sun protection to shield the skin from harmful rays on tanning days.
