Choosing a natural tan accelerator is key to achieving a healthier, sun-kissed glow. Whether you're tanning indoors or outdoors, these products can enhance your tan while nourishing your skin, offering a safer alternative to traditional tanning methods.
How Tan Accelerators Enhance the Skin’s Natural Tanning Process
Boosting Melanin Production: A tan accelerator stimulates the skin’s natural melanin production, speeding up the tanning process. This produces more melanin in the skin, helping you achieve a dark tan naturally.
Prepping Skin for Sun Exposure: Tan accelerators help prepare the skin for sun exposure, allowing it to tan faster and more evenly. They also hydrate the skin, allowing UV rays to penetrate deeper into the skin.
Prolonging Your Tan: Consistently using a suitable tanning lotion with every tanning session will help prolong your tanning result, reducing the tan's fade.
UV-Free Glow: Some natural tan accelerators can enhance your skin tone without requiring UV rays. A UV-free tanning lotion, also known as fake tan, is a safer alternative to sunbeds or the sun.
Benefits of Using a Tan Accelerator
Achieving a Deeper Tan Faster: Tanning accelerators are designed to enhance the skin's natural melanin production, promoting a quicker and more intense tan.
Hydration and Skin Softening: Tanning accelerators contain vital ingredients such as shea butter, jojoba oil, and allantoin to ensure the skin is hydrated and soft while appearing healthier.
Sunbed Use: Although sunbeds are not recommended due to health risks and skin damage, an accelerator is required. Accelerators speed up the natural tanning process without exposing the skin to UV radiation for an extended period. A tanning accelerator while sunbed will restore any moisture lost in the skin.
Natural, Realistic Results: A tan accelerator can quickly provide a natural-looking, golden glow, reducing the need for excessive sun exposure.
Types of Products That Can Help You Tan Faster
Lotions and Creams: These products are commonly available in ointment or cream form but can also be in oil form. They are applied directly to the skin to enhance tanning before or during UV exposure from the sun or on sunbeds.
Tablets and Injections: Tanning tablets or injections exist, but they are illegal in the UK and not recommended due to health risks.
Sunbed Lotions: Specialised lotions for sunbeds that aim to accelerate the speed of your tanning results and provide a deeper, longer-lasting tan. Some sunbed creams also contain bronzers that help you appear darker instantly.
Tan Enhancers: Products designed to even out your tan and help achieve a smoother, more uniform result.
Safety and Precautions When Using Tan Accelerators
Health Risks: The NHS warns that there is no 100% safe way to get a tan, and overexposure to UV rays increases the risk of skin damage and skin cancer.
Expert Advice: Dermatologists like Dr. Sonia caution against using tan accelerators because they increase UV exposure, allowing the UV to penetrate the skin deeper.
Use SPF: When tanning outdoors, always apply a broad-spectrum SPF sunscreen alongside tan accelerators to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Here at MEGATAN, we recommend applying your SPF 20-30 minutes before applying a tanning lotion and reapplying throughout the day or when needed.
Moderation is Key: Excessive sun exposure and overusing accelerators can lead to skin damage and premature ageing. Limit your time using a sunbed or tanning outdoors.
Choosing a Natural Tan Accelerator for Your Skin
Natural Ingredients: Many lotions contain natural ingredients. When choosing the right one, look for a tanning lotion that uses natural ingredients such as carrot oil, henna, or shea butter, which are gentler on the skin.
Skin Type and Tone: For the best results, choose a tan accelerator that matches and agrees with your skin type (e.g., dry, sensitive) and compliments your natural skin tone.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Choose products free from artificial fragrances and harsh chemicals to reduce irritation and improve overall skin health. There is now a range of tanning lotions that are more suitable for people with sensitive skin and have ingredients that can be gluten, nut, and fragrance-free.
Follow Instructions: If you are new to tanning or are using a new tanning lotion, always follow the guidelines provided with the product to ensure safe and effective use.
Conclusion
Enhance Your Tan Naturally: Natural tan accelerators offer a way to boost melanin production and achieve a beautiful tan quickly, but they should be used responsibly.
Safety First: While tan accelerators can help achieve a golden glow, it’s crucial to prioritise skin protection by using SPF products and limiting exposure to UV. Ensure that the tan is in moderation using suitable products.
Find the Right Product: Explore natural options and choose a tan accelerator suitable for your skin type and tanning goals for a safe, sun-kissed look.
Written by
Jessie-Lee KingSalon Manager & Tanning Expert
Jessie-Lee is the Salon Manager at MEGATAN Studio Birmingham with over 8 years of experience in professional tanning. She specialises in helping clients find the perfect tanning routine, from selecting the right lotions to building safe, effective sunbed regimens. Jessie-Lee has trained with leading brands including Australian Gold, Devoted Creations, and Rapid Tan.