Many people think that all lotions are the same, but did you know that your tanning bed lotion is totally different from the others? Today, we walk you through what makes indoor tanning lotions different, the many types available and how to pick the right lotion for you.

Let’s get this out of the way first: a tanning bed lotion is a lotion that is specially designed to accentuate the effects of an indoor tanning bed while helping protect the skin from any harmful effects. They usually contain no sun protection or sunscreen since they are not meant to be used in natural sunlight. Instead, they often contain specialized ingredients that promote the production of melanin, which helps get that beautiful, tanned look, and stimulates blood flow in the skin for a number of benefits.

Many people wonder if they can use regular tanning lotion for indoor tanning. While it is possible, it’s not recommended. Non-indoor tanning bed lotion usually has sun protection in it, which can lessen the effects of a tanning bed, and it isn’t made to help skin stay protected when under tanning bed lights. The result can be a tan that doesn’t look as good, takes longer to get and is potentially damaging skin in the process.

When it comes to selecting your ideal tanning lotion, you may wonder which products are best for your skin. Understanding some of the ingredients may help you make an informed decision. In general, you can expect the following ingredients in many tanning bed lotions:

• Vitamin E to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles
• Hemp seed oil that can nourish and moisturize skin
• Silicon for extra moisturizing
• Caffeine energizes the skin and reduces puffiness
• Mica, these particles reflect light for a better overall color and look
• Vitamin A, which works together with melanin to darken your skin

Types of Tanning Bed Lotions

While almost all tanning bed lotions have a few things in common, they can be broken into a few basic categories. Let’s go through each, what they are designed for and why people choose specific ones for different end results.

The first kind of tanning bed lotions are called “accelerator” and “maximizer” lotions. While there can be subtle differences between the two, they are essentially interchangeable and share a similar goal: getting you that deep, dark tanned look as quickly as possible. They accomplish this by using high levels of moisturizer to help your skin withstand tanning bed lights without getting damaged. If you want a tan and fast, these lotions are probably your best bet.

The next type of tanning bed lotion is “hot and tingle” lotions. They get this name for the tingling sensation they give your skin when you apply it. This is caused by common ingredients in this type of lotion, namely nicotinate and benzyl, which increases blood flow at the surface of your skin for that distinct “tingling” sensation. While these can help you get a deeper, darker tan, they aren’t recommended for people just starting out in the world of indoor tanning. This is because they can give your skin a dramatic color change if you aren’t careful and understand how your skin darkens.

Finally, there are self-tanning bronzers. These lotions use special dyes that accentuate your tanning and help give your skin the color you want. Bronzers are often used by professionals to help get that sun-kissed look, which will often intensify in the hours after your session. Bronzing ingredients are common in all types of indoor tanning lotions, but this type focuses on that coloring for a unique look.

How to Pick the Right Tanning Bed Lotion

Picking the right tanning bed lotion comes down to three key things: your time, your desired look and your experience level. Think about how much time you have to dedicate to tanning, look at the end result color you want and, finally, go for something that you’re comfortable with according to your experience with indoor tanning.

If you are short on time, a hot and tingle may be the best route. If you’re looking for that sun-kissed color, then bronzers can help you get there. If you are new to indoor tanning and want a great overall experience that protects your skin, then maximizers and accelerators are your best bet.

Whatever you do, make sure you pick the right tanning bed lotion for what you want. That way, you can help your skin stay healthy while getting the look you want.