When it comes to imparting the look of health and vitality, the glow of a suntan can’t be beat. Thanks to advances in the chemistry and technology of tanning lotions, you can have a year-round tan even if you live in the harshest of winter climes. Indeed, there’s a tanning lotion for virtually everyone who wants to become a bronzed beauty.

Tanning Choices

When you want to achieve that healthy glow, you have three choices: relax outdoors, stay indoors, or go sunless. The type of tan you want dictates the kinds of tanning lotions that are available to you. If you opt for an outdoor tan, you probably want to start with a lotion that will help you build your base tan and jump-start your color. Next, you’ll need a tanning lotion that doubles as a sunscreen so that you can deepen your tan without burning. Finally, you’ll probably want to choose an after-tan lotion that will moisturize your skin, deepen your tan, and make it last.

If you decide to use a tanning salon, you’ll need an indoor tanning lotion. The type of tanning bed lotion you choose depends upon your skin type, how often you go to the salon, and the tan you hope to achieve. Generally speaking, however, you can use a tan accelerator to build your base and keep using the product until your tan has peaked. Next, you can use a booster lotion to deepen your color while moisturizing and protecting your skin. Finally, you can use an extender tanning lotion to keep that glow going.

If you want to (or have to) stay out of the sun or away from the salons, you’ll need sunless tanning lotion. A sunless tan is temporary (about five days), but the right products will make it look just as good as the real thing. Before applying a sunless tanning lotion, it’s important to exfoliate your skin. Because the sunless tan will only stay as long as your skin cells are intact, it’s important to slough off the dead cells before you start. You’ll also want to start with your legs and apply the sunless tanning lotion in a circular motion to avoid streaking. Next, move to your torso and then to your arms. Remember to wash your hands every five minutes or so, and go light on the tops of your feet, your knees, your elbows, your neck, and your face.

Buying Tanning Lotion

Because there are so many choices, it pays to buy your tanning lotions from a reputable online source that not only offers a wide range of products, but that also provides information and advice about applying tanning lotions. The best online sources have everything from bronzers and oils to SPF lotions and facial tanning products. Indeed, you should be able to find the highest quality designer tanning lotion at deeply discounted prices. Happy tanning!

By: Chris Robertson

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As opposed to sunscreen, indoor tanning lotion works by increasing the effects of ultraviolet rays rather than blocking them. Indoor tanning lotions do not contain sunscreen and will not keep you protected from the sun so don’t use this instead of sunscreen if you are going to be outdoors.

The main benefit of indoor tanning lotions is to assist in moisturizing the skin. If you use tanning beds often, you will find that your skin will dry out from the UV rays. Having an indoor tanning lotion that helps moisturize your skin can help to prevent the dryness. It will also provide your skin with the nutrients required to protect itself from the elements around you.

Studies have shown that moist skin tends to tan better than dry skin so a good tanning lotion will help improve the performance of your tanning sessions and could result in a cost savings to you as you will need less tanning sessions.

Indoor tanning lotion ingredients will differ from brand to brand, but you will find common ingredients between lotions including things such as melanin, tyrosine, copper, green tea extract and many other oils that are natural. A typical bottle will usually run 7 to 8 ounces in size. You can assume that you will use roughly one ounce of lotion per tanning session so a bottle should be good for roughly eight sessions.

One thing to consider is whether you want to use a tanning lotion that smells or not. When you are inside tanning beds, it is a closed area so the aroma of the lotion is going to be trapped inside with you. It is a good idea to smell the lotion before you buy it to determine if it something you will be able to deal with for 15 or 20 minutes in a confined space.

If you are going to be tanning inside and in a tanning bed, it is critical that you use indoor tanning lotions. Outdoor tanning lotions contain ingredients that will ruin the surface of the acrylic linings inside a tanning bed.

Just like other products in the marketplace, not all tanning lotions are the same. Also, not all lotions are for all parts of the body. Some lotions may cause a reddening of the skin that will last for several hours depending on your skin and where how many tanning sessions you have already had.

Some lotions for example will be specifically just for your face. Others are made just for your legs. A few lotions may serve as a cooling agent that will make the tanning experience soothing to your skin when you are laying under the hot lights. Be sure to examine the label carefully before buying any tanning lotion product to be used in a tanning salon.

For those people that have gone to multiple sessions, the saying “you get what you pay for” applies. If you want a really superb tan, stay away from cheap products. Also be sure to use a moisturizing lotion after tanning so your skin gets replenished and it will help to maintain your tan longer.

If you are tanning for the first time at a tanning salon, be aware that as little as five minutes can have an impact on your skin if you have never been in a tanning bed or booth before. If you opt for a stand-up booth, keep in mind they are typically stronger than tanning beds. It is very important to wear eye protection wherever you are tanning so your eyes are not damaged by the UV rays. It is best to purchase your own and bring them with you. Sharing eye protection could potentially lead to skin problems for you.

The benefit of using tanning beds compared to tanning outdoors is it is a much safer dose of ultraviolet light. When you are outside, because of the weather, or the time of the day, you have no control over the ultraviolet light that your body is receiving. So if you are going to tan, make sure you choose your environment and lotion wisely.

By: Harry Folly

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Bronzer tanning lotions are all different and each has its own unique blends of vitamins, bronzing agents, fragrances, and sun protection. I will outline several of the leading bronzers and discuss what makes each one different. First there are a few criteria that you should consider when picking a tanning lotion.

- Smell – Pick a lotion that you like the smell of.
- Consistency – Some lotions come out of the bottle thick like syrup. This makes them hard to spread on your skin and ultimately cause your tan to look bad. Find the right consistency, not too thick and not too thin.

Here are a few great tanning lotions that produce a nice dark tan:

14 Karat Gold – Designer Skin Ultra Advanced 14 Bronzing Blend – 14 specially designed blends to give you dark skin Fade Defying TM Formula – Allows the color to stay longer and penetrate deeper into your skin SunStay Technology Formula – Allows the UV light to penetrate deeper into your skin Exotic Fruits and Fig Fragrance – Gives the lotion it’s distinct smell (I think it smells like pineapple)
Cypher California Tan Bronzer Step 2 Maximizer Indoor Tanning Lotion – California Tan Moisturizes Skin – This allows for the skin to tan easier (dry skin does not tan) The bronzers produce a quick and long lasting tan only a few hours after tanning – Good for people who want to see instant results from their tanning Silicone formula leaves skin feeling silky smooth – Keeps your skin moist after tanning Zesty Lime Verbena Fragrance – I enjoy the lime scent and it’s not overpowering
Black 20X Bronzer – Designer Skin Mega Magical Silicone Emulsion – Leaves skin smooth and locks in moisture 20X Bronzing Body Silk – 20 unique blends used to darken your skin Suitable for all skin types as this lotion does not contain any tingle – check out my review to learn more about tingle tanning lotions Refreshing citrus scent – Aromatherapy can be very relaxing.

A couple of things to remember when using tanning lotions. Try to apply your tanning lotion at least 15 minutes before going to the tanning salon to allow the lotion enough time to absorb into your skin. The moisturizers in the lotion will help prevent premature wrinkling and damage to your skin. Also, try to avoid showering for an hour after tanning so the moisturizer can continue to protect your skin after tanning. Tanning lotion will also wash off easily in the shower if you do not wait.

By: Bill Gutierrez

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