A-Z Dictionary
Tanning Glossary
Your complete guide to tanning terminology. From accelerators to UV index, understand every term in the tanning world.
60 terms
0
A
Accelerator
Bronzer-free sunbed lotions made to help you build deep, natural-looking colour. Most contain tyrosine, an amino acid, alongside moisturisers such as aloe, coconut oil and shea butter that keep skin soft and hydrated through the session. A popular first choice for newer tanners who want colour that is all their own.
Acetyl Tyrosine
Acetyl Tyrosine is a form of tyrosine, an amino acid, that dissolves more easily in water, so it blends readily into lotions. It is one of the most common ingredients in sunbed accelerators and intensifiers, where it sits alongside moisturisers, conditioning oils and fragrance. Related forms you may see on a label include Tyrosine and Oleoyl Tyrosine.
Aftercare
Products designed for use after tanning sessions to cool, hydrate and extend the look of your tan. Aftercare products typically contain aloe vera, vitamins and moisturisers that leave skin soft and help your colour fade evenly. A regular part of any serious tanning routine.
Aqua Mist (Sunbed Feature)
Aqua Mist is a comfort feature fitted to some sunbeds. During your session the bed releases a fine, cooling mist of water at intervals, which makes the session feel fresher, especially on warm days, and leaves skin feeling less dry. It is usually set by the user or runs on an automatic timer, and it does not change the tanning part of the session. Clients who like a more luxurious, spa-style session often choose beds with it.
B
Base Tan
A term tanners use for the first light layer of colour they build over their first few sessions, before going deeper. A base tan is a colour, not a sunscreen. Many regular tanners use an accelerator for these first sessions and move on to bronzers or tingles later.
Bronzer
Tanning lotions containing cosmetic bronzers or DHA that provide instant colour while your natural tan develops. Cosmetic bronzers wash off in the shower while DHA bronzers develop over 2-4 hours and last several days. Many formulas combine both types.
Bronzer (DHA)
A DHA bronzer is a sunbed lotion that contains dihydroxyacetone (DHA), the same ingredient used in self-tan. After your session the DHA reacts with the top layer of the skin (the Maillard reaction) and develops extra colour over the next few hours, usually reaching its full depth within 24 hours. Many DHA bronzers also carry a cosmetic guide colour so you can see where you have applied. For an even result, exfoliate beforehand and apply with long, even strokes. Products that use DHA on their own, without a sunbed, are self-tans rather than bronzers: see Self-Tan.
Build-Up Tanning
Build-up tanning is a method designed to create a natural-looking tan by applying tanning products in multiple light applications over a period of time, typically 2-3 days. Instead of a single, intense application, this technique involves applying a thin layer of a gradual tanning lotion or mousse one day, allowing it to develop, and then reapplying another light layer the following day. This process is repeated until the desired depth of colour is achieved. The advantage of build-up tanning is its control and subtlety; it significantly reduces the risk of streaks, patches, or an overly dark, unnatural-looking tan, making it perfect for individuals new to self-tanning or those who prefer a 'barely-there' glow. It allows the skin to acclimatise to the tanning agents, resulting in a more even and believable colour that fades gracefully.
C
Caramel (Cosmetic Bronzer)
Caramel, in the context of tanning products, functions as a cosmetic bronzer. Unlike DHA (Dihydroxyacetone), which causes a chemical reaction with the skin to produce a gradual tan, caramel offers an instant cosmetic effect. It's essentially a temporary skin stain, giving the appearance of a sun-kissed glow the moment it's applied. This makes it ideal for achieving an immediate colour boost for an event or to enhance the initial appearance of a self-tan. Because it sits on the surface of the skin and is not a developing agent, it will easily wash off with soap and water, leaving no residual tan. This wash-off characteristic is a key differentiator and makes it a popular choice for those seeking a non-committal, instant tan.
Carrot Root Oil
Carrot Root Oil, from the root of Daucus carota sativa, is a popular ingredient in tanning and skincare products. Its vibrant orange colour comes from beta-carotene, which gives formulas a warm, golden tint. It is a rich, conditioning oil that leaves skin feeling soft and supple, and you will find it in lotions, oils and tanning sprays chosen for a natural-looking golden glow.
Collagen Sunbed
Collagen sunbeds, also called red-light or beauty beds, use red and near-infrared light instead of UV, or alongside it. They are chosen for a relaxing, warm session and for how skin looks and feels afterwards, rather than for tanning, and many studios offer them as a UV-free beauty option. What a particular bed can do should come from its manufacturer's documentation, so ask the studio which model it uses before you book.
Colour Correction (Tanning)
Colour correction is a crucial aspect of achieving a flawless and natural-looking tan, especially when using self-tanning products. Many self-tanners contain DHA (dihydroxyacetone), the active ingredient that reacts with the skin's amino acids to produce a tanned appearance. However, depending on the DHA percentage, formulation, and individual skin chemistry, this reaction can sometimes result in unwanted undertones, most commonly orange or, less frequently, green. Colour correction tackles this by employing specific ingredients or formulation strategies. For instance, violet-based self-tanners are designed to counteract yellow and orange tones, as violet is opposite orange on the colour wheel. Similarly, formulations might include subtle green pigments to neutralize pink or red undertones that can sometimes appear. Understanding your skin's natural undertone (cool, warm, or neutral) is key to selecting the right colour-correcting product or technique. For professionals, this knowledge allows for customisation and troubleshooting, ensuring clients achieve a beautiful, believable bronze rather than an artificial hue.
Contour Tanning
Contour tanning is an advanced application method within the tanning industry that goes beyond uniform colour application. It leverages the principles of light and shadow, much like makeup contouring, to visually sculpt the body. This technique is particularly popular for fitness competitions, photoshoots, or for individuals seeking a more defined aesthetic. Professionals use varying shades of tanning solutions, or carefully controlled application techniques, to darken areas that would naturally recede (like the hollows of the abs or under the collarbone) and leave lighter tones on areas that protrude (like the peak of a bicep or the crest of a hip bone). This creates a dramatic, three-dimensional effect, making muscles appear more prominent and the body more toned. It requires a deep understanding of anatomy and precise application skills to achieve a natural yet impactful result.
Cosmetic Bronzer
A wash-off bronzing agent that provides immediate colour gratification. Unlike DHA bronzers, cosmetic bronzers rinse away in the shower. Perfect for events where you want instant results with no commitment.
D
Delayed Bronzer
A DHA-based bronzing formula that develops colour gradually over several hours after application. Unlike instant cosmetic bronzers, delayed bronzers provide longer-lasting results that deepen over time.
DHA
Dihydroxyacetone - a colourless sugar that reacts with amino acids in the skin's surface layer to produce a brown colour. DHA is the active ingredient in all self-tanners and many sunbed bronzing lotions. The tan develops over 2-8 hours and lasts 5-7 days.
E
Erythema
Erythema means reddening of the skin. After UV, from the sun or a sunbed, it is the visible sign of sunburn. At MEGATAN Studio, tell the team about any redness before your next session so they can review your session plan with you.
Erythrulose
Erythrulose is a naturally occurring ketose sugar found in certain plants, such as red algae. In the context of self-tanning, it functions as a tanning agent by undergoing the Maillard reaction with amino acids present in the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the skin. This reaction produces melanoidins, which are brown pigments that mimic a natural tan. Erythrulose is often used in conjunction with Dihydroxyacetone (DHA), the primary active ingredient in most sunless tanning formulations. While DHA provides an immediate colour development, erythrulose's reaction is slower, contributing to a deeper, more natural-looking tan that develops over a longer period, often 24-48 hours. It can also help to prolong the tan's duration and reduce the streaky appearance sometimes associated with DHA-only products, offering a more nuanced and forgiving application.
Exposure Schedule
An exposure schedule is the plan of session lengths a sunbed studio sets for a client, based on skin type and the bed being used. At MEGATAN Studio your schedule is set by our trained team at your consultation and reviewed as you go; a lotion label or an online guide does not replace it. It is also why studios keep a record of every session you take.
F
Fitzpatrick Scale
A classification system that sorts skin into types I to VI by how it reacts to the sun: Type I burns easily and rarely tans, while Type VI is deeply pigmented and rarely burns. Studios use it at your consultation, and at MEGATAN Studio Type I skin cannot use the sunbeds.
Flash Tan
The Flash Tan technique utilizes a tanning solution with a higher concentration of Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) and potentially accelerators, allowing the bronzing agents to penetrate the skin and initiate the colour development process much faster. Unlike conventional spray tans that require 6-8 hours for full development, a Flash Tan solution is designed to be rinsed off after a short period, typically between 1 to 4 hours. This allows clients to achieve a natural-looking tan with minimal waiting time, making it ideal for last-minute events or individuals with busy schedules. It's crucial for the client to follow the specific rinse-off instructions provided by the tanning technician, as leaving the solution on for too long can lead to an overly dark or uneven result. The intensity of the tan can often be controlled by the duration the solution is left on the skin before rinsing.
G
Gradual Tan
Self-tanning products formulated with lower DHA concentrations that build colour slowly over multiple applications. Ideal for beginners or those who want natural-looking results with minimal risk of streaking.
Green Caviar Extract
Green Caviar Extract, from the seaweed Caulerpa lentillifera (sea grapes), is a marine botanical found in premium tanning and skincare formulas. It is rich in polysaccharides, vitamins and minerals, and it works as a humectant, drawing moisture to the surface of the skin for intense hydration and a smoother, plumper feel. In tanning lotions it conditions the skin for a smoother, more even-looking application and helps stop post-tan dryness.
H
High-Pressure Sunbed
High-pressure sunbeds use powerful lamps that give out mostly UVA, with very little UVB. Tanners often choose them for a rich, deep-looking colour, and many units add dedicated facial lamps. Whatever the lamp type, the UV output of every bed in a UK studio is capped at 0.3 W/m², and at MEGATAN Studio your session length is set by our team at your consultation.
Hot Action
See Tingle. Hot action lotions create a warming, tingling sensation on the skin, usually from ingredients such as benzyl nicotinate. They are made for experienced tanners who enjoy the feeling; the warmth and the flushed look fade after the session.
I
L
Low-Pressure Sunbed
Low-pressure sunbeds are the most common type of sunbed. They use long fluorescent tubes that give out mostly UVA with a small share of UVB; the 'low-pressure' name refers to the gas pressure inside the tubes, which shapes the light they emit. Many tanners find them a comfortable, familiar session, and they are a staple in tanning studios. As with every bed in a UK studio, the UV output is capped at 0.3 W/m², and at MEGATAN Studio your session length is set by our team at your consultation.
Luxura V8
The Luxura V8 represents a high-end offering in professional tanning equipment, designed to deliver superior results and user comfort. It is characterized by its sophisticated design and integration of 'smart sunbed' technology, which allows for precise control over tanning intensity and duration. A key feature is its 'intelligent power' system, which dynamically adjusts the energy output of the lamps based on usage patterns and environmental factors, ensuring consistent tanning performance while also promoting energy efficiency. This model often includes features like advanced cooling systems, integrated sound systems, and ergonomic design elements to enhance the overall client experience. For salon owners, the Luxura V8 signifies a commitment to quality, offering a reliable and technologically advanced solution that can attract discerning clients seeking premium tanning services.
M
Maillard Reaction (Tanning)
The Maillard reaction is the browning reaction between reducing sugars and amino acids. It is how self-tan works: DHA (dihydroxyacetone) or erythrulose reacts with amino acids in the top layer of the skin to form brown compounds called melanoidins, which give the look of a tan with no UV at all. It is also why DHA bronzers used on a sunbed keep developing colour for hours after a session, and why that colour fades as the top layer of skin naturally sheds.
Matrixyl
Matrixyl is a trademarked peptide ingredient from Sederma, a supplier of cosmetic ingredients. Peptides are short chains of amino acids, and Matrixyl is used in skincare formulas designed to smooth the look of fine lines, particularly around the eyes and forehead. You will sometimes find it in premium tanning and aftercare products alongside moisturisers, for skin that looks and feels smooth.
Maximiser
Maximisers, also called accelerators or intensifiers, are bronzer-free sunbed lotions made for tanners who want to take their colour as deep as it will go. They usually combine tyrosine, an amino acid, with moisturisers and skin-conditioning agents such as shea butter, coconut oil and vitamins. Well-hydrated skin gives a smoother, more even-looking tan that fades evenly, so a good maximiser feels as rich as it looks. They contain no DHA, so there is no development time and no guide colour.
MED (Minimal Erythemal Dose)
The Minimal Erythemal Dose (MED) is a measurement term: the smallest dose of UV that produces just-visible reddening of a particular person's skin about 24 hours later. It varies from person to person with skin type. It is used in UV equipment standards and by manufacturers when they set the output and session tables of their sunbeds. At MEGATAN Studio, session lengths are set by our team at your consultation.
Melanin
The natural pigment that gives skin, hair and eyes their colour. How much of it you have, and which kind, is why skin tones, and the way different skin tans, vary so much from person to person. The colour the sun or a sunbed leaves behind is your own; self-tan and bronzers add colour to the surface of the skin instead.
Melanocyte
Melanocytes are the pigment cells in the lowest layer of the epidermis. They are where melanin, the natural pigment in skin, hair and eyes, comes from, and they pass it to the surrounding skin cells. Everyone has a broadly similar number of melanocytes; differences in skin tone come from the amount and type of pigment.
Moisturiser
Hydrating products that keep skin soft and supple before and after tanning. Well-moisturised skin gives a more even-looking tan that holds its colour longer and fades evenly. Look for tan-extending formulas for post-tan use.
Mousse
A lightweight, airy self-tan formula that applies easily and dries quickly. Self-tan mousses are popular for at-home application due to their ease of use and streak-free results. Always use a mitt for even application.
P
Patch Test
A patch test, also known as a sensitivity check or allergy test, is a mandatory safety procedure in the professional tanning industry. Before applying a full-body tanning solution, a small, inconspicuous area of the client's skin, typically on the inner wrist or elbow, is treated with the product. The client is then instructed to leave the solution on for the recommended development time and to monitor the area for any signs of an allergic reaction or sensitivity. These signs can include redness, itching, burning, swelling, or blistering. If any adverse reaction occurs, the tanning treatment should not proceed. This 24-hour test is vital for ensuring client safety, preventing potential discomfort, and protecting the reputation of the tanning professional and salon. It is particularly important for individuals with pre-existing skin conditions, allergies, or those using new tanning products.
Photoageing
Photoageing is the term for changes in the look and feel of skin caused by long-term UV, from the sun or sunbeds, as distinct from natural ageing. It shows as wrinkles, loss of firmness, a leathery texture and uneven tone such as sunspots and freckles. For sun protection advice, the NHS website is the place to start.
Photosensitivity
Increased sensitivity to UV light, which can be caused by some medicines, some skincare ingredients (such as retinol or AHAs) and some health conditions. Our studio asks about medicines and skincare at every consultation, so tell the team about anything new before your next session.
Pre-Tan Exfoliation
Pre-tan exfoliation is a crucial step in achieving a flawless self-tan. The skin naturally sheds dead cells, and if these are not removed, they can absorb tanning solution unevenly, leading to a patchy or streaky appearance. Using a body scrub, loofah, or exfoliating mitt in the shower 24-48 hours before tanning helps to slough off these dead cells. This creates a smooth canvas, allowing the tanning agents to interact uniformly with fresh skin. Proper exfoliation not only enhances the initial colour development but also promotes a more gradual and even fading of the tan, extending its overall lifespan. Pay particular attention to drier areas like elbows, knees, and ankles, which can sometimes absorb more product.
R
S
Self-Tan
Products containing DHA that develop colour without UV. Available as mousses, lotions, sprays, drops and gradual formulas. Self-tan gives you a tan-like colour with no sunbed and no sun at all.
Silicone
An ingredient found in many tanning products that creates a smooth, protective barrier on the skin. Silicones help lotions spread evenly, give skin a soft feel, and can enhance the appearance of your tan.
SPF
SPF (sun protection factor) is the number on a sunscreen's label. It is measured in a standard laboratory test and rates the sunscreen against UVB; a separate UVA rating is usually shown on the pack too. Most sunbed lotions contain no SPF; when a product has one, it is printed on the label.
Streak-Free
A term describing self-tan products or application techniques that result in even, natural-looking colour without visible lines or patches. Using a tanning mitt and proper prep (exfoliation, moisturising dry areas) helps achieve streak-free results.
Sunbed (Regulation) Act 2010
The Sunbeds (Regulation) Act 2010 is the law in England and Wales that makes it an offence for a sunbed business to let anyone under the age of 18 use a sunbed on its premises. Studios check photo ID whenever there is any doubt about age, and a business that breaks the Act can be fined. Scotland (the Public Health etc. (Scotland) Act 2008) and Northern Ireland (the Sunbeds Act (Northern Ireland) 2011) have their own laws with the same 18+ rule.
T
Tan Extender
Aftercare products formulated to prolong the life of your tan. Often contain low levels of DHA to maintain colour between sessions, plus hydrating ingredients that prevent the dry skin that leads to fading.
Tan Layering
Tan layering is a sophisticated self-tanning technique that prioritises gradual colour build-up for a more natural and controllable result. Instead of applying one thick layer of product, the user applies multiple thin, even coats, allowing each layer to develop partially before the next is applied. This approach is particularly beneficial for those seeking a subtle glow or for individuals with very fair skin who want to avoid an overly dark or orange hue. It also allows for precise colour adjustment; if the initial layers aren't dark enough, more can be added. Conversely, if the colour becomes too intense, it can be managed by exfoliating or using a tan remover. This method requires patience but yields a more professional-looking, streak-free finish with superior depth and longevity. It's ideal for achieving a bespoke tan tailored to individual preferences and skin tones.
Tan Topping
Tan topping means a short top-up to keep your colour looking consistent between your regular sessions, or a light extra layer of spray tan or self-tan over the areas that fade first, such as hands and feet. For sunbed users, the length of any top-up session is set by the studio. It is a cost-effective, time-efficient way to keep your tan looking fresh.
Tanning Water
Tanning water represents a significant innovation in the self-tanning market, catering to consumers seeking a more convenient and discreet application process. Its defining characteristic is its ultra-lightweight, clear liquid formulation, which is typically water-based and infused with tanning actives like DHA (dihydroxyacetone). This clear nature means it dries almost instantly upon application, eliminating the common concern of sticky residue or colour transfer onto clothing and bedding, a frequent issue with heavier creams and mousses. Users can spray it onto their skin, much like a facial mist or body spray, allowing for even coverage. The transparency of the product also means there's no immediate colour guide, requiring a bit more attention to ensure all areas are covered, but this also contributes to a more natural-looking tan as it develops. The intensity of the tan is buildable; multiple applications over consecutive days can deepen the colour to the desired shade. This product type is perfect for beginners who are intimidated by traditional self-tanners or for experienced users looking for a quick, mess-free way to maintain their tan.
Thalatan
Thalatan is a trade name used on some sunbed-lotion labels for a marine-derived ingredient complex. It is part of the formula's active blend, alongside moisturisers, amino acids and vitamins. We describe lotions that contain it by what you notice: rich, deep, even-looking colour and a soft, hydrated feel.
Tingle
A category of tanning lotions that create a warming, tingling sensation on the skin, usually from ingredients such as benzyl nicotinate. Made for experienced tanners who enjoy the feeling. Not recommended for beginners or sensitive skin.
Tingle Lotion
Tingle lotions, also known as 'hot action' or 'warming' lotions, are sunbed lotions for experienced tanners chasing deep, dark colour. They contain warming ingredients such as benzyl nicotinate or methyl nicotinate, which create a distinct tingling, warming sensation and a temporary flushed look that fades after the session. Some tanners love how the tingle feels; others find it too intense. Because the sensation can be strong, tingle lotions are not recommended for beginners or for sensitive skin, and a patch test before first use is sensible.
Tyrosine
An amino acid found in most accelerator and intensifier lotions, usually listed on the label as Tyrosine, Acetyl Tyrosine or Oleoyl Tyrosine. It sits in the formula alongside moisturisers and conditioning oils, and it is a staple of bronzer-free accelerators.
U
Urea (Skincare)
Urea is a naturally occurring compound found in the body and is a key component of the skin's Natural Moisturising Factor (NMF). In skincare formulations, particularly those designed for tanning or post-tanning care, urea serves a dual purpose. Firstly, as a humectant, it draws water from the atmosphere and deeper layers of the skin to the surface, providing essential hydration. This is crucial for maintaining supple, healthy-looking skin, which is ideal for an even and long-lasting tan. Secondly, urea possesses keratolytic properties, meaning it helps to break down the bonds between dead skin cells on the stratum corneum. This gentle exfoliation removes dry, flaky patches, revealing smoother, more radiant skin beneath. For tanners, this means a better canvas for product application and a more uniform colour development. Concentrations of urea in skincare typically range from 5% to 10%, with higher concentrations sometimes used for specific therapeutic purposes.
UV Exposure
UV exposure means ultraviolet light reaching the skin, from the sun or a sunbed. UVA makes up most of the UV from the sun and from modern sunbeds, while UVB is the part most associated with sunburn. The UV output of a sunbed is capped by law in the UK (0.3 W/m²), and at MEGATAN Studio your session length is set by our team at your consultation.
UVA
Long-wave ultraviolet radiation (320-400nm). UVA is the main type of UV used in modern sunbeds and the part of sunlight most associated with tanning, and it reaches deeper into the skin than UVB. Every bed in a UK studio is capped at 0.3 W/m² of UV output.
UVB
Short-wave ultraviolet radiation (280-320nm) that reaches the outer layers of the skin. UVB is the part of sunlight most associated with sunburn, and most modern sunbed lamps give out only a small proportion of it.