Everyone wants to look their best especially in the Winter time. This is why more and more people are flocking to indoor tanning lotions and sprays to help keep their skin golden brown throughout the cold months of the year. Indoor tanning accelerator can be a lotion, spray or pill available to help virtually anyone build and maintain a beautiful tan while using it in conjunction with an indoor tanning machine such as a tanning bed. These tanning products are also known as tan promoters and they are simply magical products for making the skin look darker and tanned.
How They Work
Indoor tanning lotions are designed to increase your body’s natural production of melanin. The active ingredients found in these products are protein enzymes called Tyrosine and Psoralen. Both of which are amino acids or proteins that are manufactured in the human body to use in skin pigmentation for skin tone and color. Indoor tan accelerators promise to speed up your natural tanning process to give you more color while spending less time in the tanning salon. They also offer the added benefit of containing many wonderful nutrients and oils to provide extra hydration for your skin which is key in optimizing your tanning potential.
Skin Types
There are 6 levels of skin type among consumers. Level 1-6 with level one being the lightest or fairest and level six being the darkest.
How To Choose
Choosing the indoor accelerator for you is critical in your tanning process. There are numerous accelerators currently on the market and you want to be well advised when it comes to choosing which one best suits your needs. For example, there are different levels of accelerators and you will need to make your choice based on your skin type. If you are beginning with a fair skin tone and no base color you will want to purchase a level 1 or 2 product.
If you already have a good base tan and your skin tends to tan easily then you may be able to move up to a level 3 or 4 product. You will also want to take notice if the product contains any kind of bronzer.
A tanning bronzer is going to instantly give you that sun kissed glow you are looking for but be careful. Too much will make you look unnaturally dark. Many people make the mistake of choosing the darkest tanning lotion available and then find their tan does not look natural. You want to choose a shade or two darker than your natural skin color to ensure that natural healthy look.
TIP: Think gradual when it comes to indoor tanning. A little at a time is not only best for your skin’s health but also the look of your tan.
You may want to consult a local indoor tanning professional to help you choose which product is best suited for your skin tone as well as your budget. The average cost of an indoor tanning bed accelerator in a drug store or department store is between $10 and $40, but some high end salons offer these products for as much as $100.
Indoor Tanning FAQ
How Often Can I Use the Tanning Bed
- The FDA recommends you wait at least 24 hrs before using a tanning bed. We recommend you wait at least 48 hours or every other day to give your skin time to recover and minimize the risk of burning or damage. This is to let the melanin levels in your skin get back to normal. Melanin is the key substance in the skin that gives you your color.
Total UV Output = UV Intensity x Duration of Exposure
What Types of Accelerators Should I Use
- Everyone tans differently so to say one product will work best is simply foolish. A product that works well for one person may work poorly for another so ultimately trial and error may be you best choice. A quality accelerator lotion will not only help you achieve a quicker tan but a better absorption rate and longer lasting tan. There is not one best brand to use but name brands like Millenium and Designer Skin have quality products that have been researched and reviewed. We recommend reading reviews on a product before you purchase. Also consult a professional in your town to ensure you get the right product.
What is The Key to a Healthy Successful Tan
- Skin health! If your skin is moisturized and healthy then you will have not only a better looking tan but a longer lasting tan than someone who has very dry, flaky skin. Hydrated and moist skin tans much easier than dehydrated skin. Drink lots of water!
TIP: Be careful of body lotions that contain mineral oil as it can delay the tanning process
Do Tanning Beds Hurt Tattoos
- Yes! Any kind of UV light will fade the colors of a tattoo. You should ALWAYS wear an SPF sunscreen at all times on tattoos when indoor or outdoor tanning.
Is Indoor Tanning Ok If Im Pregnant
- Consult your doctor! The tanning bed rays cannot penetrate the dermis (2nd) layer of skin but you should always be cleared by your doctor first to be sure.
Can You Plateau with Indoor Tanning
- The more you tan the thicker your skin gets and makes it more difficult for Ultraviolet light to penetrate the skins epidermis. Is is important that you use a tanning accelerator or lotion without mineral oil. You also want to slow down the tanning process a little and let your skin’s melanin levels recover before tanning again.
TIP: Tan slow to glow
