People with a pale complexion often yearn for that bronze tan during the summer. Getting an even tan from the sun is something that is nearly impossible to do. This is the reason why a tanning bed comes in handy. You can give yourself an even tan, and you can do it quickly.
Tanning in a local salon
If you are confident about the credibility and quality of the local salon where you get the tan, then you should go for it. It’s also possible to get discounts and other promotions online or through a mailer – so be sure to check for discounts before you go.
Local salons want you to keep coming regularly. They usually offer discounts for repeat visits. So, if you are opting for a local salon for getting the right tan, stick to the same one. Designer products and special lotions can also be availed at the local salons as well. A few products will be highlighted in this article as well.
Preparing for tanning
It is advisable to prepare your skin for the tanning process. In order to do this, you have to ensure that your skin is clean and has no dead layers of dirt or grime. You will want to exfoliate your skin gently before every tanning session. Also, make sure you to use a light moisturizer to ensure that your skin doesn’t feel dry. Always go for unscented lotions for moisturizing your skin.
If you have just started tanning your body, then ask the salon employee to help you decide the duration of your tanning session. It is always better to start off with 10 minutes or so and then slowly work your way to 25 minutes. Never go for longer durations of tanning in one session.
How to tan faster and make it last longer
There are some things you can do to take care of your skin and ensure it maintains a natural, healthy glow all summer.
First of all, do not hop in the shower right after tanning. Wait for at least three to four hours before you take a bath and afterwards always apply a moisturizer.
Don’t let your skin burn. This results in flaking, peeling, and an uneven skin tone. If you are prone to burning in certain areas take care to not overdo it.
Taking the right precautions
Whether it is a tanning booth or the sun, UV rays are equally harmful to your skin. It is important to not over do it, regardless of where you are tanning.
Before you go for your tanning sessions, avoid any strong deodorants, perfumes or robust soaps. These irritants can cause unpleasant rashes from the tanning bulbs.
Your genitals and nipples are extremely sensitive to heat and other radiations. This is the reason why they are always covered. So, when you go in for tanning, you should keep these parts of your body covered or else you risk severe burns. Even your armpits, for that matter, are extremely sensitive so use a small dab of moisturizer before you go in for a tanning session.
Every tanning salon has the right eyewear to protect your eyes from heat exposure. You can either buy these or use the ones that the tanning salon will provide you. Never go for a tanning session without a proper eyewear.
Consult with your tanning salon if you are on any medication. In most cases, the medications can interfere with the tanning process, so it is advisable to ensure that you have taken precautions beforehand.
An SPF 15 lip balm is also needed before you enter your tanning booth. Our lips don’t attract melanin so in most cases, there is a high risk of your lips becoming dry, chapped, and burned when you go for your tanning session.
If you don’t want to frequent a tanning bed then a bronzer or self tanner may be a good option for you. However, when using bronzer or tanner, make sure you research which types are best for your skin. Also, you should be aware in what quantity you have to apply the bronzer.
Bronzers will help you in bringing out the perfect golden brown tan. If you are looking for faster results, a bronzer should be top on your list among the tanning products. Always buy a high-end product for best results.
Tanning beds are used to tan your skin, completely or partially a part of the body. Some artificial tanning beds are available in the market as well as the natural ones can always be found under the sun in beaches.
The natural tanning beds are used for sunbathing. These are made of wood and cloth covered over it. While the artificial tanning beds have UV light bulbs similar to sun’s rays attached below.
Now the artificial ones, being a man- made product, do have side effects. These can increase the chances of skin cancer. The skin specialists highly disapprove of artificial tanning beds, but if you want an instant tan, this is the most effective way out.
Artificial Tanning Beds or Natural Tanning Beds? Which One Do You Prefer?
If you are a beginner, using artificial tanner for the first time, choose a relatively small amount of time as in eight minutes or so. Tanning beds can work in as short time as eight minutes to an extended duration of twenty minutes. Do not extend the time limit, as it may lead to severe health issues.
If you are a fair skinned person, then try tanning for a shorter duration than a dark, tanned skin one. Undress completely and get into the tanning beds as soon as the light bulbs switch on. These bulbs are programmed timers. The light switches off as the clock ticks to its limit.
It is essential that you use goggles while on tanning beds as this will prevent you from the eye damages and dark circles. You can purchase these goggles directly or rent them too. Sometimes, the goggles are available along with the tanning beds. If possible, cover all the sensitive areas. Apply a lip balm to avoid getting chapped lips. Keep your hair away or the keratin particles may damage, making your hair look dull!
Avoid using tyrosine – based tanning beds or lotions. Tyrosine is an amino acid. It accelerates melanin production which makes your skin darker. But there are no certified proofs that it actually works on melanin. In fact, your skin can be harmed more.
If you are below eighteen years of age, we would strongly recommend you to avoid using artificial tanning beds as your skin is still sensitive. Try out the natural method instead or use spray tans.
Also, if you want a slight tan on a specific area, go for a tan moisturizer at first. Apply it and go to bed or place the specific area if possible for as little time as three minutes. Do not overdo tanning or else it might make you burn, look fake or even orange!
After coming out of bed, use an excellent moisturizing lotion. This will keep your skin supple and fresh. It will also seal your tan. An aloe vera based moisturizer works well! Do not scrub your skin after tanning or else the tanned cells might get rubbed off and your hard work will go in vain.
After reading this, if you are not very sure of using artificial tanning beds, natural tanning beds are always preferable.
Try out a tanning lotion rather than tanning beds. Be careful, do not get obsessed with the tanning beds or it may lead to skin cancer.
Are you in search of 10 most excellent ways to get a natural and dark tan? If it’s a ‘yes’, then we can provide you with the beautiful tips easier than before. The collection of safe and reliable ways is right here. Tanning is the process when the sun protects you from UVA and UVB by darkening your skin colour.
Quick Tips on How to Get Tan Fast
While we like to get an artificial tan in fear that the skin colour won’t be restored back with the natural tan, there are several reasons that we love the sunlight. Sunlight boosts your Vitamin D level, increases the production of serotonin, and also strengthens your bones and teeth. Sunlight is in fact, one of the most reliable sources to get the right amount of tan. You can get a sun – kissed skin along with one of the safest and healthiest way out.
Before going for sunbathing, always exfoliate your skin. Exfoliation removes dead cells and makes your skin look fresher. The sun will work great on younger skin cell. Also, the sooner the skin tans, the sooner it will be even its skin colour too. You can use natural scrubbers prepared with sugar, salt, and oatmeal together. This, not only exfoliate the skin but also makes your skin feel softer and smoother.
Take a spoonful of almond oil, a spoonful of sugar, and few drops of shower gel. Mix well and use this in your shower before sunbathing. It will give better results as a scrubber.
You can always look tanned artificially using a bronzer and tanning lotion, but it is not always safe. It can harm your skin to a great extent if continued on a regular basis due to its harsh chemical effects.
You can use a sunscreen or lotion of low SPF before going in the sun to prevent skin cancer and stay protected from UV rays.
The time between 10 am and 2 pm is the best for good tanning results as the melanin secretion stops after this time. So, instead of serving your purpose, the sun can harm you more.
Use of coconut oil has always enhanced the effects. It also gives a sensual and glowing look to your skin. A tanning glow always makes you look more attractive; far better than before using it.
Wear a lip balm over your lips. You obviously would not want your lips tanned. It will instead lead to dry and chapped lips, turning all your work to useless. Lips play an important part in beauty.
Like a roasting chicken, you need to turn your body frequently to give an even tan all over while sunbathing. Starting from your stomach, then left, then your back, and finally, to your right, you need to change positions frequently to avoid unevenness. Position your legs and hands such that you do not end up having awkward tan lines.
If you want to get rid of these ideas, then you may wear gloves on your hands and spread a sunless tanning lotion all over your body! The tanning lotion should be mild, not harming your skin.
Now that you’ve got these tips on your fingers. Don’t wait for another summer to come. Visit the direct sun tomorrow, and show off your tanned skin to everyone!
Tanning beds have become very popular over the last couple of decades. Going to the tanning salon instead of spending a long time out in the heat, the fast results and the privacy that requires no clothing makes the tanning bed a more preferred solution when trying to darken up for that perfect beach look.
Home tanning beds are even more convenient if you have the room in your home for them. I will be comparing some of the most popular home tanning beds to help you make the best decision for your purchase.
Some additional reasons to use a home tanning bed other than looking great are to help prevent sunburn, help your body build up Vitamin D and Treatment of Acne, Eczema and Psoriasis. This could be really beneficial in places such as Alaska where you have days that you have very little or no sun exposure. It could possibly help you with your depression.
Solar Storm 24 Bulb Wolff Systems Tanning Bed with Face Lamps
Wolff System has been in the business since 1987 and is full of experience and produces high quality products. This 24 bulb tanning bed is a great solution for your home tanning bed. The Solar Storms tunnel design complete surround makes for an even fast tan.
Solar Storm Tanning Bed Details
24 lamps and face tanning lamps. 18 high output lamps in the canopy and bed and 6 high output facial lamps.
The tanning bed is extra wide and long for more comfort. Dimensions are 78” x 34”
Wolf Systems are made in the USA.
3 Year Warranty on the powertrain and a lifetime warranty on the tanning bed frame.
These are some of the best home tanning beds for sale on Amazon. When it comes to warranty you can’t beat the Solar Storm. When you dive deep into the details the Sunfire Tanning Bed is the cheapest tanning bed of the 3, has the largest tanning surface area and comes with some nice extras. I find it to be the best option of them all. The only real concern I have is the potential longevity of the tanning bed versus the Solar Storm and ProSun tanning beds.
Don’t we just all love lying in the sun or a tanning bed; that great feeling of warmth caressing our skin? Relaxing… For most people, sun bathing or indoor tanning is a very enjoyable experience. For the ones among us with pale skin, this wonderful experience can turn into a nightmare. Sometimes only a few minutes of UV light hitting the pale skin can be enough to cause a sunburn. If you still want to enjoy the sun while getting a wonderful sun-kissed tan, you need to use the best tanning lotion for fair skin.
What kind of tanning lotion are we talking about
There are different kinds of tanning lotions. Self tanning lotion for fair skin, otherwise called Fake Bake will give you a fantastic tan if you use it correctly. It usually uses bronzers to give you a glamorous tan without ever being exposed to UV rays. For that reason, it is also called a fake tan. It will not prevent sunburn.
If you want a real tan, you need an indoor tanning lotion, also knows as tanning bed lotion, if you decide to go to a tanning salon. An outdoor tanning lotion, also referred to as suntan lotion for fair skin, will be used if you go out into the real world and enjoy that glowing ball in the sky, the sun. Some tanning lotions for fair skin are even suited for both, indoor and outdoor tanning.
Since we want to protect our fair skin from a sunburn while still enjoying the benefits of natural or artificial sunlight, we will not talk about the self-tanners here. If you are interested in them, read our article about self-tanners.
How to stay safe while getting tanned
We already talked at length about the dangers of indoor tanning as well as sunbathing. Here are some quick tips to follow to get a long lasting fabulous tan, without getting a sunburn.
Exfoliate: Even if you do not want to get a tan, exfoliation is a great way to keep your skin healthy and young looking. In terms of tanning, exfoliating will help you to keep that awesome tan for a longer time, because it removes the outermost layer of your skin, which consists mostly of already dead skin cells. Exfoliate before your first tanning session.
Use sunscreen: This might sound counterintuitive because a sunscreen is supposed to block UV rays, but it cannot entirely prevent them. It also depends largely on the Sun Protection Factor (SPF). For tanning with pale skin, you should start with a high SPF and then apply a tanning lotion for fair skin on top of it. The best tanning lotions will accelerate the tanning process, so you do not have to spend as much time in the sun. Some tan accelerators or tan enhancers already come with SPF, but usually not high enough for people with fair skin.
Use fake lotions: If you want to get sun-kissed tan that isn’t permanent, use the self tanning lotion for fair skin. The best tanning lotions for fair skin were created especially for your preferences. You can easily enjoy natural-looking glow without exposing your sensitive skin to sun light.
Moisturize: Keeping your skin hydrated is not only necessary for tanning, but the overall look and health of your skin. Use the best tanning lotion for fair skin that already comes with a good moisturizer. After the tanning session use an after sun lotion.
Looking great: The keys to tanning fair skin
First, you should define how deep you want your tan to be, and start from there. If you have an extremely fair skin, follow advice below:
Use a tanning applicator mitt; it allows you to see whether your favorite tanning lotion for fair skin is properly distributed or not;
Apply a gradual self tanner every few days, only then use a true self tanner;
If you are still not ready for sunless tanning, use the temporary bronzing options.
And now: The Best Tanning Lotions for Fair Skin
We do not list any lotions that contain a bronzer. A nice self tanning lotion for fair skin might give you the false perception of more safety from the sun. A bronzer will give you a tan even without any sun exposure. For that reason, we only included real tan accelerators in the list. Although, calling this a list might be a bit far stretched. We decided only to promote two products here. These are all you need.
So what is the best tanning lotion for very fair skin? You may find the answers below.
Best of the Best: Australian Gold Hot Maximum Intensifier Available Here
The Australian Gold Hot Maximum Intensifier is one of the best tanning lotions for fair skin on the market. Not only is it suitable for sunbathing and tanning bed usage, but it also comes with an excellent moisturizer. It is great for absolute beginners and people who already established a base tan. Consumers give it raving reviews on Amazon with an astonishing rating of 4.7 out of 5.
Best Bang for your Buck: Maui Babe Browning Lotion Available Here
The Maui Babe Tanning Lotion has a long standing tradition and actually originates in Maui. It accelerates your tanning amazingly fast and can also be used indoors and outdoors. For only about half of the price of the Australian Gold Maximum Intensifier, you cannot get a better product for that price. Maui Babe also offers an awesome beach pack, which includes a sunscreen, the tanning lotion for fair skin, and an after browning lotion. The perfect combination to get the perfect tan in a short time.
If you are unhappy with your spray tan, bored with it, or its beginning to fade it probably has to go. Whether you want to get rid of your fading tan or remove it from certain areas the solution is easier than you may think.
Spray tan was not designed to stick to you for months anyway and it is very vulnerable to several elements and factors, so its normal that you may want to speed up its removal. If you are wanting to remove your spray tan it is better to do it right, instead of doing a messy job and staying covered in streaks or spots for days.
Here you will find information that will be of use to you. Follow our instructions and you will find the process of removing your spray tan as easy and convenient, as getting your tan sprayed.
How to remove spray tan from skin after application
The easiest way to get rid of your fake tan is do it right after you exit the tan cubicle or put the air gun away. Of course, people do not often grow unsatisfied with their tan right after they get it, but anything can happen. If something bothers you about your tan or you feel that you do not like yourself a few shades darker, just carefully wipe your tan away with a damp cloth or wash rag. Make sure to do it evenly and thoroughly, to avoid having mismatched skin color for a couple of days.
Professional studios usually dry your spray tan after applying it. This makes the task a bit harder for you, but it can still be done. Hop into the shower or bath, make sure that the water is acceptably hot and soapy. Then grab an exfoliating mitt and body scrub. Make sure to be thorough, but not too hard: you just want to get the tan off your skin, not irritate it. One product that can assist in removing a spray tan that has been on your skin for a few days is the Bondi Sands Self Tanner Remover. This remover is applied to dry skin first, followed by a shower with warm water and soap. This product is gentle on your skin and contains a moisturizer to leave your skin smooth and your color more even.
Another new product that is easy to use is Tan Remover Soap by Model Co. This product works quickly to remove any old self- tan or spray tan build up, streaks, or residue. The soap does act as a pumice in order to polish and exfoliate the skin. You can also use this on your skin prior to getting a spray tan in order to remove the dead, dry skin first.
There are plenty of exfoliating gloves that will assist you in getting your skin back to its original color. A good one to use is the Tan Removing and Skin Polishing Glove by Loving Tan. This salon-quality exfoliating mitt will help you reach all the areas that have been spray tanned, and is also machine washable for easy clean up.
You do not always have to buy separate products to get rid of the tan. You can try to create your own tan-removing solution from the things you have at home and they might be as effective or similarly effective. You can try a combination of baby oil and baking soda or a little baby oil mixed with sea salt. Both the baking soda and sea salt may work as an effective exfoliator in helping to remove your tan. However, if your tan is especially dark or has not started to fade on its own you may need the help of some of the products mentioned above. The main thing to remember is to gently scrub your skin and do not use anything that is too harsh or irritating.
Before we present you with the best outdoor tanning lotions, let’s talk about the risks of exposing yourself to the sun. There is a long ongoing debate whether to sunbathe or not. Does it cause melanoma? If so, what about the health benefits of sunlight, like the production of Vitamin D? According to the National Institutes of Health, not getting enough sunlight can even cause a form of depression knows as SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder).
Let’s be honest: We will not stop going into the sun. We love it. We even need it. But, we need to stay safe while doing so.
Minimizing the risks
Delicate touch of the best sun cream for a dark tan provides your skin with a thin layer of protection. Whether you’re staying closer to home this summer or going abroad, please minimize the chance of getting sun burning or provoking skin cancer. Practice sun safety!
What you should know about sun cream ingredients
Using nature-based ingredients is the key to sun safety, but don’t rely on them alone. Sun creams and tanning lotions undoubtedly provide valuable protection against harmful UV rays due to the following components:
Limit the time you spent in the sun; this is crucial! There is no need to spend hours sunbathing. 15 Minutes per day can be enough to give your body the Vitamin D it needs. If you tend to have darker skin that doesn’t burn easily, the best sun cream for a dark tan will fit your particular needs. It can help you achieve gorgeous attractive tan you desire without distressful burning and protect against the sun’s harmful rays. If you use the right tanning accelerator or intensifier, this will also be sufficient to get a nice tan after a few sessions.
Get a base tan. You are at the highest risk of skin cancer when you get a sunburn. So start small with 5 – 10 minutes sunbathing a day and increase in small steps. When you notice you’re getting a sunburn, take a break until the sunburn wears off. It is also advisable to use sunscreen. You can use tan accelerators that come with SPF or just use a sunscreen first and then apply the tanning lotion on top of it. Get a great looking tan and prevent sunburn at the same time, that’s a win-win.
Moisturize! This is one of the best ways to minimize the risk of getting a sunburn. A well-moisturized skin also looks better and slows down the aging process. You don’t want to look all leathery and wrinkled, just because your skin got too dry. The best tanning intensifiers also moisturize your skin very well.
Use the best sun cream for a dark tan before exposing yourself to the sun. The most popular sun creams with SPF30 or SPF50 contain an ultra-light and hydrating formula that protects your skin perfectly from the sun’s rays. It leaves your skin feeling non-greasy and silky. Don’t keep a sun cream for longer than year, as it can make the UV protection ineffective. Remember, even the high-quality sun cream has limited shelf life.
UVA filters: absorb UVA light; sensitise your skin; can provoke allergic reactions;
UBV filters: absorb UVB light; deflect radiation from your skin; are common irritants;
Sunblocks (titanium and zinc oxide): smooth and easy to blend; contain new high-tech formula with fine micro-pigments; are less irritating than most chemical products;
Preservatives (parabens): prevent zinc or titanium oxide from breaking down and not working in a proper way;
Sunburn preventers (aspirin-like chemicals): act as antiseptics; prevent sunburn; allergic to those who are sensitive to aspirin;
Skin protectors: (PABAS, include ethyl dihydropropyl PABA, p-aminobenzoic acid, padimate A, padimate-O, and glyceryl PABA): act as local anaesthetic; can irritate skin, but at the same time prevent skin damage.
You have to keep the lotion on your skin for a couple of hours. With a standard tanning intensifier, you can just wash it off, and it doesn’t affect your tan, as long as you moisturize afterward. A bronzer hast to stay on your skin to develop your tan.
Bronzers can give you streaks if not applied evenly. Tanning lotions without it are move forgiving when it comes to uneven application.
Stains on your clothes can also be a consequence. While tanning intensifiers may leave some color on your clothes, they’re usually washable. A bronzer is made to stick (to your skin!), but because of that it can also stain your clothes and is not so easily removable.
It is also necessary to clean the palm of your hands immediately after applying it. Otherwise, these will stain too. Better yet: use gloves or an application mitt.
It is up to you in the end, which one you prefer. We give you the best sunbathing lotions, whether they have a bronzer or not.
Beware of fake lotions
If you buy on Wallmart and take a look at the reviews, you will sometimes see some negative reviews which mostly state, that the product either doesn’t work and/or smells bad. While the effectiveness of a product may vary on different skin types, there shouldn’t be a big difference in opinion about the smell.
Unfortunately there are some fake products out there. We want to help you avoid buying and using these products. Here is what you can do:
1. Buy directly from Wallmart. Almost always, you will find other sellers who offer the same product on Wallmarts website. For them to get people to buy from them instead of Wallmart, they sell the products at slightly cheaper prices. While there are good sellers out there, we recommend buying from Wallmart directly, even if it costs a bit more.
2. Check if the bottle has been opened before. Some products get delivered with a seal, make sure it is not broken. Some products should come in their own packaging. If you only get a bottle with no additional packaging, you might have gotten a fake product.
3. Smell it. If you buy a tanning lotion that is supposed to have a pleasant fragrance but you get a stinky product, something is not right. Most fake products only use the original bottle and fill it with some cheap, smelly stuff.
Finally: The Best Outdoor Tanning Lotions
Now that we got all the necessary information we can finally talk about the best tanning intensifiers and accelerators for you. It is practically impossible to pinpoint only one “best tanning lotion”. Therefore, we give you a selection of 4 products, which we believe to be the best.
Australian Gold Rapid Tanning Intensifier Lotion
We just told you; it is hard to pick the best tanning lotion, but if we were forced to give our #1 pick it would be Australian Gold Rapid Tanning Intensifier Lotion.
This product is very versatile. Not only does it give you a more intense tan if you already have a good one, but it is also totally suitable for beginners with no tan. That means you do not have to switch to another lotion once you get your base tan, and you can even share it with your partner if you have a different tan.
Even if you have a fair skin complexion, this product will not disappoint you. You will achieve a beautiful color, very fast. And all this without any bronzers. So no fear of streaking or ruining your clothes.
Another great thing is that you can use it both for outdoor tanning and indoor tanning as well. So, once summer is over and you have to head to the tanning salon you can still keep using this one.
Every good tanning product must contain a good moisturizer, and Australian Gold made it one of the best in their Hot Maximum Intensifier Lotion. It will make your skin smooth and look fresh while making the tan lasting as long as possible.
Of course, if you spent much time with a product on your skin you want it to smell good. Customers just love the smell and describe it as a yummy bubble gum smell.
There is no doubt that Australian Gold is one of the best tanning product manufacturers in the world. That’s why they have two products on our top list.
The SPF15 Lotion shares a lot of good qualities with the Hot Maximum Intensifier, but there are two major differences.
First, this is, in fact, a lotion and not oil. Some people prefer lotions over oil because they do not like the oily touch on their skin. Also, lotion usually gets absorbed more quickly by the skin. If you belong to this group, the SPF15 Lotion may be a better fit for you.
Second, this one contains a bronzer and is the only product on our list that does so. With a bronzer, you get a tan more quickly, but beware that this is not a real tan and not as long lasting and the actual tan you get from the sunbathing. So, part of your tan will fade away more quickly, the part that was achieved using the bronzer.
The actual suntan will last you a long time though, just as we are used to from Australian Gold products.
Australian Gold signature smell the “bubble gum” can also be found in this lotion and leaves you with a sweet fragrance.
If you are looking for your best bang for buck, look no further. Sunny Day Golden-Glow Self Tanning Lotion Pro is one of the best outdoor tanning lotions out there and for a very affordable price.
Sunny Day Golden-Glow Self Tanning Lotion Pro is now the #1 bestselling tanning product in Hawaii. They do not care for a luxurious looking bottle but rather for the quality of their product. And it works very well.
Sunny Day Golden-Glow Self Tanning Lotion Pro gives you all you want and need from an incredible tanning lotion.
You will get tanned very fast and keep it for a long time, which is what we want most from a product like this. And all this without the use of a bronzer. Talk about quality!
Because there is no bronzer you do not have to worry about staining your clothes. But, this is a thick, brown lotion, and it will leave some residue on your clothes until you wash them. So make sure to rub it in very well before you put on clothes.
The lotion is also water resistant, which is probably a must if you live in Hawaii since you spent more of your day on a surfing board. If you don’t have the luxury of sunshine all year around, you can use this lotion also in a tanning bed.
This lotion contains oil and, therefore, will be oily on your skin. Also, because it is water resistant, you need to make sure to clean yourself thoroughly after your sunbath. A simple jump into the ocean will not get the lotion off your skin.
People like the smell of this lotion, and it can best be described as coffee-caramel.
The last one on our list of the best outdoor tanning lotions is the Hawaiian Tropic Dark Tanning Oil.
The Dark Tanning Oil will give you exactly what its name promises: A dark (golden) tan, which is achieved through a mix of different rich tanning oils and no SPF. This makes this product not suitable for fair skin, and we recommend one of the other products on our list.
If you just cannot get enough of its heavenly coconut fragrance (which maybe makes it the best smelling tanning product ever), but have pale skin, please apply a sunscreen to your skin and the tanning oil on top of it.
One downside is the use if mineral oil, which makes it unsuitable for long tanning sessions, since mineral oil supposedly damages the skin and accelerates aging. Please keep your sessions to a 30-minute maximum and make sure to get rid of all the oil after tanning.
What makes this product so attractive is the price, as it is the most affordable tanning product on this list.
If you want to give your skin a healthy tan, but are afraid of the harm UV rays may do to you, there is an alternative solution – literally. Fake tan is a spray solution that creates a fine, sun-kissed shade once applied to the skin.
How long do such spray-on tans last? The sceptics usually consider a fake span to be a short-term way to look tanned, which does not cover the expenses. Nevertheless, the length of spray-on tan’s effect differs, according to the solution’s components and type of spray tanning.
Spray tanning in a booth
A quick way to get a great tan in 10 minutes. After walking into a cubicle and standing under nozzles, you will be enjoying your new, summer look. This way is particularly popular among people, who are very serious about their privacy and do not like to be touched by others.
The booth tan will stay with you for 3-5 days, depending on the quality of the solution.
Studio airbrush
It is the most common option for those, who wish to do spray tans that last for long. With skillful hands of professional technicians and their air guns, you will have the tanning solution spread evenly on your skin. In 20-25 minutes, you will walk out of the studio boasting a new, healthy and natural tan. For your comfort, an expert with an air gun and a tent to keep the mess out can come and perform the procedure in your home, however it would cost you much more.
How long do professional spray tans last? For 7-10 days – this is, probably, the most long-term effect that can be achieved.
Home airbrush
Deciding to spray tan by yourself will surely save you money due to availability of spray tanning kits as well as airbrush tanning tips for beginners. However, this way is more messy and time-consuming, Also, it requires some precautions like goggles and face mask to avoid inhaling the spray mist or getting it in your eyes. The longevity of that effect depends on the quality of the tan spray. In average, the tan from home airbrushing remains for 5-7 days.
Spray Tanning Tips
Now, it is important to remember, that it is not normal for a spray tan, even the most natural, to last for months. It will peel off sooner or later, according to the natural exfoliation process, because many spray tans affect only the outer skin layer – and they are not supposed to go any further.
Considering the above-mentioned information, you have 4-7 days in average, before your tan starts fading away naturally. However, it does not mean that you cannot enjoy your tan just for a little bit longer. There are ways to keep your golden, olive and chocolate shade and slow down the fading process and many people have been successfully using them.
It is time for you to know these spray tan tips and tricks.
Take a break in your pool and sea swimming. The pool water contains chlorine, which affects and dissolves the solution, so the tan will fade much faster. Sea salt has the same effect, so if you want to keep your tan, you would want to stay on the shore for a while;
Know your skin type. It is essential for determining how long your spray tans last for. For instance, dry skin is more likely to hold the tan for long, while oily skin not hold the shade for long;
Forget about sponges, scrubs, scrubbing and feeling solutions if you do not want to rub your tan off within the first days. Use soft shower gels and less textured spongers to maintain your shade;
One of the key tips on spray tanning is the professional approach. First of all, experts know how to pick products with the best concentration of DHA – the very chemical that gives you the tan – and how to dry it properly. Therefore, going to a salon will be the most convenient solution.
You can learn more about treating your fake tanned skin and maintaining your spray tan on our Spray Tap Tips page, where even more secrets and spray-on tan tips will be shared with you.
We all love the perfect tan… that wonderful luminous-caramel tone which makes us feel beautiful, look “outdoors-ey” and athletic – and 10-pounds thinner! But few of us have the luxury of lounging at pool-side or flying away to some tropical, pearly-white beach to work on our bronze skin tones. There’s still hope though, even if you did spend the summer in front of the game-console and your vacation helping grandma clean out her garage – and it all begins with the best indoor tanning lotions!
Whether you choose to tan under sunlamps, enwrap yourself in a sun bed or use the best indoor tanning lotion to gain your luscious glow – you need to do a little homework to make sure you’re tanning “healthfully” and in the safest way you can. After all, no one wants skin cancer or wrinkles – premature or otherwise!
To help make it easier for you, we’ve edited the tons of information on tanning best tanning lotion for indoor tanning and the “best” methods to get one, and waded through the misinformation that’s around, too. We’ve even taken on some of the conflicting info and the debates, such as the ongoing one between the American Suntanning Association which supports this billion-dollar industry, and such trusted medical experts as The Natural Institutes of Health.
They both offer good arguments on whether sun beds are “safe” for tanning. (See our article: Are Tanning Beds Safe?) As with anything that’s worth learning, it’s best to start with the basics, leading to the best indoor tanning lotions.
Tanning 101
Your delicate skin is the largest organ of your body. And it is delicate even if it’s calloused and rough. It’s your body’s first line of defense against injury and invading illness – serving a much greater purpose than we typically think about when we perfume it, powder it, wash it or lip-stick it! That’s why, we should protect our skin, especially against the harmful UV rays, and the indoor tanning lotion will help us!
In fact, we rarely think about our skin until an unsightly zit or wart appears or it’s injured and speaks to us through pain. Yet changes in our skin often give us our first indication that something is wrong on the inside. Our skin does a lot for us and we could be kinder to it – especially when tanning, which directly affects it. In case of using tanning bed for gorgeous tan, we can’t do without the best indoor tanning lotion!
All methods of tanning: in sunshine, under a sunlamp or within a sun bed, use ultra violet light to darken our complexions. UV-light affects “melanin” in our skin, a part of the pigment that determines our natural-skin coloring and which helps to determine our tan coloring. This natural substance works to keep us healthy in numerous ways: it can absorb modest amounts of sunlight and turn it into energy, and reduce loss of folate – a Vitamin-B Complex found in green, leafy vegetables and in citrus fruits. One of the jobs of this important complex is to help protect both female eggs and male sperm.
Sunlight, in any form, is a miracle for our bodies! Moderate doses of it reduces swelling and inflammation, fights insomnia and helps us to sleep better overall, promotes skeletal health, and creates serotonin and dopamine which are natural mood elevators. It’s also our only natural source of Vitamin D, which has been proven to be of such benefit to the human body that it can even lower high blood-pressure, reported WebMD in its January 20th issue.
Sunlight is so important to our physical makeup and overall well-being that without we’d all develop serious illnesses and diseases and – of course, die!
At first look tanning seems to supply the answers to all modern-day medical problems! Yet before you go out and invest in a sunlamp or sign up for 20 sun-bed sessions this week, it’s best to get the full story! There are also huge downsides to tanning (Of course! Nothing’s that good!). And by all means don’t forget to use the best indoor tanning products for fair skin, if you have pale and delicate complexion. Your health –as well as your skin – depend upon it.
Unlike lotions you wear at the beach that contain a Sun Protection Factor intended to block out the sun’s most harmful rays, the indoor tanning lotions you use for sunlamps and sun beds are meant to enhance tanning – not to block it, so they usually don’t contain an SPF.
Your tanning lotion with an SPF of 15 or higher that you slather on while playing frisbee in the park or sunning at the beach is exactly what The American Cancer Society recommends. The U.S.Environmental Protection Agency takes it a step further and recommends SPFs of 30 or greater to protect your tender skin. Skin cancer is the most prevalent form of cancer in the U.S. Almost 3.5 million new cases are diagnosed in the U.S. each year, and the numbers are rising. It affects all skin types: fair and adorably freckled, olive-toned and sexy, and dark and beautiful.
Yet skin cancer is also one of the most easily preventable – so keep slathering! These SPF-saturated lotions are meant to be worn when you’re exposed to the harsh ultraviolet rays of the sun, even if you’re outdoors for only a few minutes.
But these won’t work with sun lamps or sun beds.
SPFs can block tanning under artificial conditions and can damage the acrylic and resin components of a sun bed. No worries, though – as we’ve done the research, and are supplying you with our choices of the best indoor tanning lotions.
Like everything else, there is choice after choice of indoor-tanning lotions on store shelves and in tanning salons, So how do you know which lotion is right for you? Some contain tea oil, copper, even green tea. And what’s an “accelerant” versus a “bronzer?” It’s enough to make you decide to live with skin that’s so untouched by sunlight in any form that it glows in the dark … almost!
First and foremost – no matter which indoor tanning lotion you choose – you need to protect your precious derma! ALL tanning damages the skin to some degree and can quickly dry out your skin, and what good is gorgeously bronzed skin if it looks like worn shoe leather?
Remember, a suntan and a sunburn are only degrees or minutes apart from each other! One minute too long under any UV light can cause a bad burn. And scientists warn that individuals who get sunburned, especially if it’s a bad burn or acquired while young, are more susceptible to skin cancers. Any one, at any age, and of any complexion CAN get skin cancer – so “protect,” “protect,” “protect” cannot be over-emphasized!
Don’t forget that the tanning process for fair skin is quite different from those who have darker colored skin. In order to achieve your desired tan color, you should use the best indoor tanning products for fair skin. Usually, they include the high-quality tanning lotions with hydrates that smooth and soften your skin while darkening it.
And using the right tanning lotion under each condition is a crucial step for darkening without drying, without burning, and without watching your tan simply peel away in 10 days time.
You begin and end with…
The Best Indoor Tanning Lotion
The whole purpose of tanning is to improve how you look, so always choose products which contain good moisturizers! Here are some we’ve selected – in fact, the best indoor tanning lotions! (ALL have received rave reviews.)
2010 Swedish Love Me Tanning Lotion
A great lotion for beginners, 2010 Swedish Beauty Shea “You Love Me” Tanning Lotion is the product for getting your base on – your base tan, that is! Sensually creamy and moisture-intensive, this lotion is hypoallergenic and works well in protecting pale or sensitive skin. Those prone to burns and new tanners especially appreciate this product! It also doesn’t stain clothing or make you smell like a coconut grove! Like all products in Swedish Beauty’s Botnica Collection, “You Love Me” infuses grape-seed oil to tighten and tone skin as you brown, black tea extract, and a booster and enhancer – all to help you get “color” faster. This one of the best indoor tanning products for fair skin also almost entirely “paraben (preservative)- free.” Amazon consumer reviews rate this near-perfect product at just under 5 stars – its highest rating! Comments range from “amazing,” “fabulous,” to “a wonderful mix of quality product and price!” (Really – look it up!) The 8.5-ounce-size offers good value for a this sensible and self-pampering product!
This indoor tanning lotion unleashes the power of Mother Earth to provide one of the darkest, deepest possible tans – without drying skin or leaving it looking aged! Volcanic minerals combine with thermal geo-energy to give you warmth – without the burn – and turns even “plateau-ed” tans into color that the gods of Olympus would envy! One of the best indoor tanning products for fair skin refreshes it to give you a youthful-appearance through Designer Skin’s exclusive SunStay moisturizers. The deep-penetrating system bathes skin in long-lasting hydrators, which reverse and repair the aged-look that tanning can sometimes create. It warms the skin (proof it’sworking), without over-powering sensations, as its ingredients go to work to produce a creamy color that only this combination can produce. Leaves skin feeling moist, smooth and restored! Amazon rates this product at almost 5-stars, as it does allthe products that The Tanning Both recommends. The 13.5-ounce size is perfect for your tanning regimen.
Designer Skin’s Bombshell Lotion 100xx Dark Tanning Bronzer
This indoor tanning lotion is “the bomb!” Users credit the product’s intensive “tingle” action for exploding their color to new depths of richer, darker hues! Bombshell employs multi-layer, deep moisturizers and some serious darkening tools for a tan you can’t achieve with UV light alone. A strong “tingler” puts skin to work in melanin production with action you know is working! A rich accelerator boosts the process – even after you’ve left the sun bed. You spend more time actually darkening, not frying and drying your skin under sun-damaging UV light. Its bronzer is immediate and gives natural-looking color that enhances what you get from a sun bed or lamp. Best indoor tanning lotion for pale skin! No fake yellow or orange tones! Formulated with such natural ingredients as white tea and soy, with CoQ10 – a proven tanner -Bombshell is a great product for you first experience with a “tingler! ” But beware – you should have a good base-coat before you advance to this experienced-tanners product! Smells like bubblegum!
Australian Gold Professional Dark Tanning Lotion Accelerator
This one is perfect for those tanners who are ready for some base-coat color! This A-One product boasts an accelerator, which increases blood flow and oxygen to the outer layers of the skin to boost melanin production – that miraculous natural substance that produces “color.” When exposed to UV rays, this same substance that determines that our “au natural” coloring also helps us turn that luscious brown! The more melanin we create – the better the party for our tans! The accelerant in Australian Gold provides this quicker base tan, to give you that first hint of color that separates you from the rest of the snow-white crowd! Amazon reviewers love this indoor tanning lotion, its price – and its gentleness on sensitive skin while it promotes great color! Even first-time tanners and those prone to fry loved this product – and gave it practically 5 stars!
This indoor tanning lotion contains innovative ingredients that serves two purposes: an accelerator for quicker, darker tanning, with an activator to prolong the tanning process after you’ve completed your indoor-tanning session. Beware, though – this advanced-tanner product may be too strong for sensitive skin or new tanners who are more prone to burns. We recommend the 13.5. ounce.
People are getting more and more aware of the risks that are involved in tanning using traditional methods. Whether from sunbathing or from tanning beds, the harsh UV rays can cause serious damages, if you do not take the right precautions. The threat of premature ageing of skin, sunburns and malicious skin cancer has pushed many sun worshippers to shun the sun and opt for other solutions. So, how to look like a sun-kissed goddess while still avoiding the damage from the harsh UV rays? Sunless tanners or self-tanners allow you to achieve that gorgeous golden glow, eliminating the need to bake yourself under the sun.
There is no need to risk your health anymore. You can still achieve that warm, sunny glow on your skin with a variety of sunless tanners available in the market. What is the best self tanner for fair skin? Are they safe to use? Will they really make you look naturally tanned? Accompany us on this trail to seek answers to all of these questions and find some of the best self tanners along the way. Ready?
What are different types of self-tanning products?
Self-tanners, also known as fake tanners, are available in many forms such as lotions, creams, tanning towels (also called towelettes and wipes), bottle sprays, airbrush spray tan, temporary bronzers and even tanning pills. The primary ingredient in almost all self-tanning products is DHA or dihydroxyacetone. However, other chemicals are also used in some self-tanners. Are they all safe to use? What makes a product the best self tanner? Let us explore in details and find out what experts have to say.
DHA or Dihydroxyacetone
DHA is a colorless chemical that is extracted from plant sources such as sugar beets and sugar cane. When applied to the skin, it reacts with the dead skin cells present in the outer most layer of the skin. This reaction results in a change of skin color, giving it a tanned appearance. DHA doesn’t penetrate the outer layer and its action is limited to the surface only. It is just like when the surface of a sliced apple takes a brown hue when it reacts with air. As the skin begins to peel off or exfoliate naturally within a few days, the tan fades away too.
Tyrosine lotion
There are self-tanners that contain the amino acid tyrosine. This amino acid stimulates the production of melanin in the skin. Melanin is the pigment that gives colour to our skin.
Self-Tanning pills or Canthaxanthin pills
These sunless tanning products are meant for oral consumption and are not applied to the skin directly. These pills contain a chemical called canthaxanthin that is absorbed by the layers of fat in the body, including the layers that are located under the skin. This chemical is commonly used as a coloring agent in food and is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). But it is important to note that the FDA doesn’t approve the use of canthaxanthin as a skin tanning agent, because as a coloring agent in food, only small quantities are enough. A large amount of this chemical is used in the self-tanning pills. If consumed in large quantities, it is known to cause severe health problems including damage to the eyes, the digestive system and the liver.
Are self-tanners safe to use?
Sunless tanning products are a great alternative to achieve a sun-kissed glow to a traditionally tan you get either by sunbathing or using tanning beds. This helps you to minimize the risks of developing serious skin conditions such as skin burn and melanoma or skin cancer. Self-tanning products that contains DHA as the primary ingredient are considered not only safe but are also recognized as the best self tanners by leading health experts and health policy makers:
Experts from the FDA(Food and Drug Administration) have authorized the use of DHA in cosmetics that includes sunless tanners. However, this use is restricted only to external application, i.e., outside the body. THe FDA doesn’t approve of using products that contain DHA on the areas near the eyes, mouth or any surface that is covered by mucous membranes. It should not be inhaled or ingested. For this reason, DHA has not been approved in tanning sprays. Spray tans covers the body with a mist and it becomes extremely difficult to avoid the small drops getting into your eyes, nose and mouth.
Experts from the Mayo Clinic and the Skin Cancer Foundation also deem self-tanners with DHA safe to use as long as they are used as directed.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the best self tanners are those that contain dihydroxyacetone (DHA) as the active ingredient.
It’s also important to note that these products, even if they contain an added sunscreen, will not protect your skin from the damaging effects of the sun’s UV rays. So, it is absolutely essential to use a broad spectrum sunscreen if you are planning to go out in the sun.
While the most self tanners for sensitive skin are quite safe, it is always a good idea to perform a patch test to look-out for any side-effect or allergic reactions. If you feel any itching or burning sensation, or develop a rash, it is advisable not to use the product on your entire body.
How long does a self-tan last?
Every day, our skin sheds millions of dead cells. This is the reason why not only a suntan, but also the tan developed by using sunless or fake tanners gradually fades away with time. You will need to reapply these products in about every three to five days in order to maintain your tan. For how long a tan will last and what is going to be the intensity of the tan depends on many factors.
Our skin is made of various chemicals such as hormones, oil, and amino acids. Since every person’s body has these chemicals in different quantities, every skin reacts differently to these products. It causes us to develop a different color even with the same product. It is similar to how the same perfume smells differently on different bodies.
The intensity of the colour will also depend on the concentrations of DHA in your product. For example, if you receive a sunless tan at a beauty salon, it will last you longer. Over the counter sunless tanning products contain a lesser concentrations of DHA as compared to professionally used products.
The duration of the tan will also depend on your skin’s natural exfoliation process.
If you follow a good skin care routine both prior and after the procedure, it will help your tan to last longer. In most of the self tanners for sensitive skin, it is recommended to exfoliate your skin before you use such products. It is equally important to keep your skin moisturized after you have applied the products.
How to choose the best self tanner?
The best self-tanners are those which are easy to apply, convenient to use and gives an even, natural looking tan. It is great if these products are supplemented with natural moisturizers such as Aloe Vera and Shea Butter. These ingredients nourish and moisturize the skin. You can also find awesome products that contain natural anti-oxidants such as Vitamin E. These anti-oxidants fight free radicals and prevent the formation of wrinkles caused by over-exposure to the UV rays and even ageing.
5 best self-tanners available on the market:
1. Glow 2 Go – Self Tanning Towelettes by Thermalabs
What if you can tan yourself while you are travelling? Would you like to stick a few tan towelettes in your purse or luggage and be ready to get a perfect glow wherever you are? It would be awesome, wouldn’t it? Glow 2 Go self tanning towelettes are cool inventions that would help you develop a natural looking, attractive tan even when you are on the go. What’s more, this product is the best self tanner for your body. The box is designed in a way that it dispenses one towelette at a time. Large towelettes dry out quickly even before you get a chance to use it on your entire body. But this sunless tanning product comes with 20 towelettes, each towelette is 7.5″ x 7.5″, making it super convenient to use. It takes only 2 towelettes to tan your entire body.
The color shows up in only 4 hours. One coat is usually enough but one can go for a second coat to get a deeper tan. The result is a natural, real-looking tan with no streaks. There is only a slight smell that fades away soon after the application. So you don’t have to worry about any tell-tale smell of chemicals that usually lingers on the skin after using self-tanners. Though it dries up quickly and doesn’t stain your hands and clothing, you’ll still want to let the product air dry on your skin for 10 minutes before you put your clothes back for the best results. The tan usually lasts for about 3-4 days.
2. Self-Tan Towelettes by TanTowel
This amazing self tanner for dark skin comes up with dispensable towelettes, making it a great pick even while you are travelling. It is super easy to use and dries pretty quickly. It is ideal for those who have medium to dark skin tones. It is also recommended if you are looking for a deeper, darker tone with just one application. Each towelette is enriched with vitamin E that will help you keep your skin smooth and radiant. It also contains cucumber extract that nourishes and hydrates the skin. Since, the best self tanner builds up a strong tan in only one application, the trick is to continue moving the towel around the entire body and not to focus in one area for a long time. It is best to wash hands immediately. There is a slight smell when you are applying but quickly fades after use. The tan will last for about 2 days.
3. Natural Self-Tanner by Thermalabs
The Natural Self Tanner is another awesome sunless tanning product from the Thermalabs. This one of the best self tanners perfectly suits your skin tone, as it is enriched with organic and all natural ingredients such as Avocado oil, Shea Butter, Olive oil, Cocoa seed butter and juice from Aloe Vera leaves. All these amazing components will pamper your skin, keeping it nourished and moisturized. It will make you feel as if you are using an excellent body lotion rather than a self-tanning product. Gear up to work up a healthy looking tan without any blotchy, streaky effects. The best self tanner leaves no stains on your hands or your clothes and sheets. Since it is a gradual tan, you will need to reapply more layers to develop a darker tan gradually. It has a slight smell but it quickly fades away. It will keep you glowing for about a week.
4. Fake Bake Flawless
Fake Bake Flawless is suitable for all skin tones and skin types. This sunless tanning product is considered as one of the best self tanners for sensitive skin. It comes with a mitt and a color guard that makes sure every inch of your body is covered. The professional mitt helps to achieve a perfectly even tan with easy, gliding strokes. What you get is an even, natural sun-kissed glow. This product has a super drying and fast absorbing formula. This means you don’t have to stand around without clothes forever. It fades evenly, leaving no streaks behind. Now the best part, it gives off a pleasant smell, something like floral or tropical.
Some users have complained that the spray part of the bottle may be a little drippy as the straw that comes along is a little too long for the bottle. However, this problem is quite easy to fix. What you can do is to cut the straw to make it short so that it fits the bottle and prevent dripping. Ready for a beautiful tan that will make the heads turn? Go for Fake Bake Flawless.
5. Tanwise Dark Bronzing Sunless Mousse
A wonderful self-tanner if you are looking for a subtle tan. And if you want a deeper tone, you can apply another coat of this fantastic self tanner for sensitive skin the next day. The lightweight mousse is very easy to apply. The highlights of this product are dark bronzer and a sunless complex. The dark bronzer will give you an immediate dark color, which might look strange at first but looks absolutely amazing once it has worked its way in. The sunless complex helps to transform this dark tone into a fantastic, streak-free bronze tan. The color develops gradually with time, resulting in a tan that looks natural all the way. It will be a good idea to use a glove or mitt as it might leave your hands stained. This amazing product will keep you looking like a sun-goddess for about a week.
Best Bang for your Buck: Maui Babe Browning Lotion 
