How Do I Find The Best Dark Tanning Accelerator

Tanning has been around for ages, and it seems everyone wants that perfect sun touched look. A bit of exotic flare in their appearance to add mystery and attract the wandering eye. So they hit the tanning beds to fill in what nature seemed to have forgotten. However, there is one thing that they sometimes forget, tanning accelerator. But what is this strange product that the salons keep pushing in my face? Well to put it quite simply, it’s lotion.

What is Accelerator?

A tan accelerator is a specially formulated lotion made to moisturize your skin and prepare it for the absorption of UV light. In order for the skin to tan, it must absorb the UV rays to begin the whole tanning process called melanogenesis. Most people would argue that they already moisturize on a regular basis, or they use SPF. Neither of these methods are helpful in a tanning bed. The first method is wrong because a moisturizer off the shelf of any store is NOT an accelerator. These products were made to soften and condition your skin. An accelerator tanning lotion will not only moisturize, but will also contain the proper ingredients to commence immediate absorption of UV light.

How Does It Work?

Without a dark accelerator lotion your skin will work as a shield, protecting your insides from whats going on outside. The UV light will be reflected and the tanning process will not begin for a third of your session. Or after about 5-7 minutes depending on your skin type. Also since tanning already has a drying effect on the skin, tanning without any lotion at all actually does more damage in the long run. The second method(usage of an SPF) will only slow the process down even further, the purpose of an SPF is to block the rays to prevent burn.

What Should I Buy?

There are many different types of indoor tanning lotions. The first and most basic will say that in the easiest of terms on the bottle: FAST ACTING TANNING ACCELERATOR, or QUICK TANNING ACCELERATOR.

• The second type is called a bronzer lotion, which is just an accelerator with a color boost. The actual bronze that is added is purely cosmetic and added to give you an extra bit of color, it usually washes out right after a shower. Some bronzers however, may take a bit longer to fade.
• The third type of accelerator is called a tingle. This type of lotion is recommended for very experienced tanners only! It works by increasing the circulation in your skin causing the tanning process to work faster. This can cause a red or blotchy look, and a hot, tingly sensation. The feeling goes away after the session and the blotches and redness disappear within a few hours. This is the fastest way to achieve some color, but if your are new to tanning or have fair skin this is not the lotion for you. Some feel that tingles resemble burning more then tingling, and cannot handle the temperature or the sensations involved. Others have a problem with their skin adjusting and may develop a reaction.

A variation of the tingle lotion is called the blush. It works the same way a tingle does only not as intensely. While the circulation is increased, there is no burning or tingling sensation. The skin will appear reddish but that will go away within a few hours. Always consult the professional at the salon before choosing a lotion, they are there to guide you. Also remember to get your dark tanning accelerators from a professional tanning salon, many tanning lotions can lead you to believe it will do something that it can’t.