Do you dream of that perfect, sun-kissed glow without spending hours at the beach? Many people turn to indoor tanning beds for that quick boost of color. But here’s the secret: just hopping into a bed isn’t enough for the best results. Choosing the right lotion is crucial, almost like picking the right fuel for a car. If you grab the wrong bottle, you might end up with dry skin, uneven color, or just plain disappointment after your session.
Navigating the tanning aisle can feel overwhelming. Should you use an intensifier? Do you need bronzers? What about the difference between lotions for beginners and experts? These decisions directly affect how well your skin tans and how healthy it stays during the process. Finding the perfect lotion removes guesswork and maximizes your tanning investment.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down exactly what you need to look for in a tanning lotion designed for beds. By the end of this post, you will know how to choose a product that speeds up color development, keeps your skin soft, and helps you achieve that streak-free bronze you are aiming for. Let’s dive into the essentials of tanning bed lotions and unlock your best tan yet.
Top Lotion For Indoor Tanning Beds Recommendations
- GIVE YOUR SKIN A NATURAL, BEAUTIFUL GOLDEN GLOW without applying any bronzers or skin darkening products. Australian Gold's Rapid Tanning Intensifying lotion speeds up the tanning process while you bask in the sun or use a tanning bed
- BE SUMMER READY - Formulated with Biosine Complex, a proprietary blend of premium ingredients, it prepares your skin for dark color development. It does not contain sunscreen but increases the pigmentation so your skin gets a quicker tan
- BLESSED WITH AUSTRALIAN NATURALS - Enriched with Tea Tree Oil and the goodness of Vitamin E, both of which are powerful antioxidants, this tanning intensifier fights off free radicals, gently nourishes and cleanses your skin leaving it smooth and fresh
- ULTIMATE HYDRATION - The exotic combination of native oils, vital nutrients and Aloe Vera provide naturally soothing and deeply nourished skin that remains hydrated for long. Available in a delectable Coconut, Orange, and Vanilla fragrance
- SPECIALLY FORMULATED - Australian Gold's time-tested formula is designed to be Vegan, Gluten Free, while being loaded with the goodness of Kakadu Plums and Safflower Seed Oil for an instant radiant tan
- ✅Dark Star 5000X Bronzing is the darkest of dark!
- ✅Time-release complex continues to develop even darker
- ✅Mega-sculpting skin firming tones the appearance of skin
- ✅Tattoo Enhancing blend puts your ink in the spotlight
- ✅Vegan, No parabens-sulfates- gluten-phthalates- or animal testing
- DARK UV TANNING LOTION. i boost + accelerate natural tanning results to the darkest level thanks to x2000 tanning intensifiers
- x2000 TANNING INTENSIFIERS. i'm made with peptides to help boost skin melanin levels while activating + accelerating the tanning process
- SO MOISTURIZING. i’m juiced up with mango butter to moisturize + nourish your skin as you tan
- EASY TO USE. apply lotion liberally + evenly to your whole body before sun or UV bed exposure. re-apply as necessary.
- VEGAN FRIENDLY. i'm free of nasties and i love animals so i'm vegan + cruelty free
- 100X BRONZING POWER - Get a deep, dark and long-lasting tan with this dark tanning accelerator. This powerful formula is designed to enhance your natural tan and give you 100 times more bronzing power. Say goodbye to pale skin and hello to a gorgeous, sun-kissed glow!
- ULTRA-DARK INDOOR/OUTDOOR TANNING LOTION - Achieve a deep, natural tan with this powerful tan oil. Formulated for use both indoors and outdoors, this lotion contains a silicone bronzer to enhance your tan and leave your skin glowing. Experience 100X dark results with this easy-to-use tanning lotion.
- INTENSE, DEEP, AND LONG-LASTING TAN RESULTS - Achieve the ultimate bronzed glow with our Indoor-Outdoor Tanning Accelerator. This powerful lotion will enhance and extend your tan for a darker, richer, and longer-lasting result. Perfect for those seeking intense and deep tanning results.
- SUITABLE FOR USE IN TANNING BEDS AND OUTDOORS - Achieve a deep, dark tan both indoors and outdoors with this specially formulated lotion. Its silicone bronzer and Tan Enhancing properties make it the perfect choice for those seeking a dark tanning bed lotion.
- ENHANCED WITH SKIN-NOURISHING VITAMINS - This Tan lotion is infused with vitamins to nourish your skin, leaving it feeling soft and smooth while achieving a deep, dark tan.
- Indoor/Outdoor Bronzing Blend with low levels of DHA combined with high levels of Natural bronzers allow the skin to develop natural, long lasting bronzed results.
- Guava Extracts are rich in antioxidants that help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while providing a glowing complexion.
- Watermelon Extracts provide 24-hour hydration while improving the skins tone and deeply improving the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and dry spots of the skin.
- MelanoBronze stimulates melanin activity to allow for longer lasting, darker tanning results.
- Tattoo & Color Fade Protection protects the color and luster of your tan and tattoos.
- · Tattoo Fade Protecting Formula: Helps prolong the life and radiance of your tattoos and tanning results.
- · Quad Tyrosine Blend & Melano Bronze: Stimulates and increases melanin formation to accelerate the tanning process.
- · Ultra-Darkening Skin Hydrating Intensifier: Contains coconut milk, coconut oil, and cocoa butter to improve skin hydration. Delivers a dark golden tan without the use of bronzing agents.
- · Coconut Paradise Fragrance: An intoxicating light coconut fragrance with a faint scent of vanilla will make you dream of a day in paradise.
- · Ed Hardy Coconut Kisses is part of the Tanovations company. The Ed Hardy logo was replaced by the Tanovations logo, which has a palm tree.
- ✅ Dark tanning activators deliver golden results without the use of DHA or bronzing agents.
- ✅ Multiple Tan Intensifier + Melanin Stimulators - Stimulate and increase melanin formation to accelerate the tanning process.
- ✅ Ultra-tan Activator - Stimulates tyrosine activity and promotes even and long lasting color production. Skin Tightening - Reduces the appearance of cellulite and promotes firmness.
- ✅ Coconut Milk, Coconut Butter & Cocoa Oil - Provide intense, deep skin hydration.
- ✅ Tattoo & Color Fade Protector - Prolongs the life and radiance of your tattoos and tanning results.
- This salon formula tanning lotion adds extra depth to tanning bed sessions for dark skin and bold tattoos
- Time-released DHA complex bronzers develop a tan even after you've left the tanning bed
- Contains tattoo-enhancing serum to keep tattoos bold and clear
- Contains coconut, olive, sunflower, and hemp seed oil to nourish skin and enhance tattoos, also contains açai palm, sweet orange, Tahitian gardenia, walnut shell, and bupleurum falcatum root extracts
- 12 fl oz size. Bottle with a convenient press-open nozzle for quick, mess-free application
Your Guide to Choosing the Best Lotion for Indoor Tanning Beds
Indoor tanning beds offer a quick way to get a glow. But using the right lotion makes a huge difference. A good tanning lotion helps you tan faster and keeps your skin happy. This guide will show you what to look for when buying your next bottle.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for tanning lotion, look for these important features. These details tell you how well the lotion will work for you.
1. Bronzers vs. Accelerators
- Bronzers: These lotions have ingredients like DHA (dihydroxyacetone). DHA is like a temporary color added to your skin. It helps you see color right away. Some bronzers are light, and some are dark.
- Accelerators (or Maximizers): These lotions do not have added color. They use ingredients like Tyrosine. Tyrosine helps your skin make more melanin, which is your natural tan color. These lotions help your natural tan develop better over time.
2. Hydration Power
Tanning beds can dry out your skin. Look for lotions packed with moisturizers. Dry skin stops a tan from lasting long. Well-hydrated skin holds a tan better.
3. Tingling or Warming Sensation
- Some lotions create a tingling feeling on your skin. This means ingredients like benzyl alcohol are working. This sensation increases blood flow to the skin’s surface, which can speed up tanning.
- If you have very sensitive skin, you might want to skip the tingling lotions.
Important Ingredients: What Makes a Good Lotion?
The ingredients list is very important. It tells you what is actually working on your skin.
Moisturizing Heroes
- Aloe Vera: This soothes and calms the skin. It is great for preventing dryness after the UV exposure.
- Vitamins (like Vitamin E and A): These act as antioxidants. They fight off damage and keep skin looking healthy.
- Natural Oils: Oils like Coconut Oil or Hemp Seed Oil deeply nourish the skin barrier.
The Tanning Boosters
- Tyrosine: This is the building block for melanin. More Tyrosine helps your body produce a deeper tan.
- Melanin: Sometimes lotions add a small amount of melanin directly to boost the color quickly.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all lotions are made equally. Pay attention to these quality markers.
What Makes Quality High:
- Lotions that use natural extracts often provide better overall skin health.
- Products that clearly list high percentages of active tanning agents are usually stronger.
- Lotions designed specifically for indoor use work best with UV lamps.
What Reduces Quality (Things to Avoid):
- Mineral Oil: This can sit on top of the skin. It might block UV rays from reaching your skin cells effectively. This slows down your tan.
- Very Cheap Formulas: If a bottle is extremely cheap, it often means it uses fewer effective tanning ingredients and more fillers.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you plan to use the lotion. This changes what you should buy.
For Beginners
If you are new to tanning beds, start with a lotion that has **no bronzer** and **no tingle**. Look for a simple accelerator lotion with lots of Aloe Vera. This helps you build a base tan slowly and safely.
For Experienced Tanners
If you tan often, you can use lotions with high levels of bronzers. These give you a fast, dark color boost. You might also enjoy the deep warming sensation of advanced tingle lotions.
Daily Maintenance
Even on days you do not tan, using a high-quality, deeply hydrating lotion helps your tan last longer. Look for a “Tan Extender” lotion for these off-days.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Tanning Bed Lotions
Q: Do I have to use lotion in a tanning bed?
A: Yes, it is highly recommended. Lotion keeps your skin moisturized so your tan develops better and lasts longer. It also helps prevent dry, flaky skin.
Q: Can I use regular body lotion instead of tanning lotion?
A: You can, but it is not as effective. Regular lotion does not have the tanning accelerators needed to boost melanin production under the UV lights.
Q: What is the difference between a bronzer and an accelerator?
A: A bronzer adds instant color (like makeup). An accelerator helps your skin make its own natural melanin color deeper inside your skin.
Q: How soon after tanning should I apply my lotion?
A: For the best results, apply your tanning lotion right before entering the bed. If you use a separate moisturizer, apply that after your session.
Q: What does a “tingle effect” lotion do?
A: Tingle lotions contain ingredients that increase blood flow to the skin. This makes your skin feel warm and tingly, which can help speed up the tanning process.
Q: Are tanning lotions safe?
A: Tanning lotions themselves are generally safe; they are skin care products. However, they do not protect you from UV rays. You must always wear protective eyewear.
Q: How much lotion should I use?
A: Use a thin, even layer over all exposed skin. You do not need globs of it. A little bit goes a long way to cover your body well.
Q: Will bronzer stain my clothes?
A: Sometimes, yes, especially dark bronzers. Wait until the lotion is fully absorbed, or wear dark clothing right after tanning to avoid stains.
Q: Can I use an “outdoor” tanning lotion indoors?
A: Yes, you can. Outdoor lotions often have sunscreens, which you do not need indoors. However, they still contain accelerators and moisturizers that work well.
Q: How often should I moisturize my skin after tanning?
A: Moisturize at least twice a day, especially after showering. Keeping skin hydrated is the secret to a long-lasting tan.