indoor tanning fact

FAQ about Indoor Tanning

Why do I need lotion?
Research from lotion and skincare manufacturers show that the use of products formulated specifically for indoor tanning actually enhances and stimulates the body’s natural tanning process. When the skin is exposed to natural or manufactured ultraviolet light, it stimulates production of a pigment found in the body called melanin. When melanin is triggered, it rises to the epidermal layer of the skin, allowing the tanning process to begin. However, large amounts of amino acids, which are components of melanin, are not stored by our bodies, which means that it can take days after exposure to ultraviolet light to develop a tan; lotions will also help speed up that process. It will also help to keep the skin moist, as dry skin will not tan well, if at all. Using a high quality tanning lotion will help you to achieve up to a 60% DEEPER, DARKER tan.

What does lotion do?
The skin is the largest organ of the body. Although the skin is less complicated than most other organs, it is still an architectural marvel as it covers the entire body and accounts for about 7 percent of our total weight. The skin has three main functions—to protect the tissues beneath from injury, from invasion by bacteria and from drying out; to inform the body of changes in environment through a network of specialized nerve sense organs; and, to keep the temperature of the body constant. Good lotion will help make the skin moist and moist skin will tan better and more evenly than dry skin, as dry skin will act as a reflector for UV rays. Good tanning lotions are also amplifiers which are products that moisturize the skin while tanning and allow ultraviolet light to penetrate the skin. Normally, some ultraviolet rays bounce off our bodies. Amplifiers reduce the skin’s capacity for reflection, so more rays can penetrate.

Are all lotions similar?
The simple answer to this is no, all lotions are not similar. Mineral Oil based lotions are bad for your skin; they do not allow the skin, which is your largest organ, breathe. Water based products are good for your skin and Aloe based products like Devoted Creations & TanZotic are best for your skin. Top quality lotions will also have bronzers that are streak free and have many additional skin care properties.

Why not use a lotion I can buy at the local super center or grocery store or off the internet?
Lotions that can be purchased at super centers (i.e. Wal-Mart, Target, Walgreen’s, etc.) contain cheaper, lower quality ingredients, and often contain mineral oil and other ingredients that are harmful to your skin and the acrylics in tanning beds. They also do not contain the same level of ingredients necessary to maximize indoor tanning. Often times, these lotions contain low quality bronzers that can streak and/or leave you looking orange. They also lack the vitamins and other skin care ingredients contained in higher quality lotions. Sometimes they even contain a sunscreen, which will keep you from getting a tan.

Lotions sold on the internet are often lotions that have expired, been used and/or returned, tampered with or refilled with counterfeit product. While they may sometimes be cheaper, they are NOT worth the risk. Purchasing lotions from places other than a legitimate tanning salon hurts the tanning salon’s business and can end up costing you more in service prices. That’s why at Bronzing Experience we offer you the best products at the best prices around.

What is the difference between an accelerator, bronzer, hot action tingle, and cool tingle lotions?
Accelerator lotions contain ingredients to help maximize your tan and moisturize your skin; the color you develop is just the natural color you get from tanning.

Bronzer lotions contain accelerators as well as natural and/or cosmetic ingredients to work with the amino acids in your skin giving you an even darker appearance.

Hot Action Tingle lotions contain accelerator ingredients and may also contain bronzers. They also contain ingredients that increase the microcirculation under your skin to give you an even deeper tan. Tingle lotions can cause reddening and increased warmth of the skin as well as a “pins and needles” feeling. These lotions should not be used by tanners with sensitive skin or high blood pressure.

Cool Tingle lotions contain accelerator ingredients and may also contain bronzers. They contain ingredients to cool the skin as you tan, resulting in a cool and “refreshing” feeling while you tan.

What can I do to get a better tan?
Exfoliate regularly to remove dead and dry skin (dry skin reflects UV rays). Usually 1-3 times per week. TanZotic Skin Glow Salt Scrub is an EXCELLENT exfoliant. Not only does it work to rid the dead skin cells to expose new skin, and make your skin kissably smooth and soft, it also contains natural emu oil, natural sunflower oil, and other ingredients to moisturize your skin and it even helps with problem prone skin. Clean skin tans better, so shower and/or exfoliate before your tanning session.

Use a high quality tanning lotion every time you tan, and use a high quality moisturizer after tanning and showering/bathing to lock in your skin’s moisture. Using a high quality lotion will help you tan up to 60% darker; and keeping your skin moisturized will help prolong your tan up to 50%.

Move around when tanning. The increased circulation and oxygen flow in your blood helps you to tan better. Even just simply wiggling your fingers and toes, adjusting your position when lying in a bed can make a difference.

Tan in moderation. After you have gotten your base tan, try to tan only one or two times per week, or every other day to maintain your color. Overexposure to UV may cause long term skin damage.

Do not keep your lotion in your car, or anywhere with extreme temperature fluxuation. The extreme hot and cold temperatures will cause your lotion to break down, separate, and lose its effectiveness and quality. It is best to keep your lotion indoors or at your tanning salon where the temperatures are constant.

What can I do to maintain my tan?
A tanner will lose the tan as their skin naturally dries and exfoliates. A tanner’s skin is gasping for moisture like a flower in the desert. A good moisturizer not only will add moisture to the skin, but also will add some oils that help retain moisture. A really good moisturizer will have natural moisturizing factors (NMF) to hold moisture. Good moisturizer will also help replace vitamins the skin needs, mainly vitamin E & vitamin C. Using tanning lotion plus a good after tan moisturizer will help achieve a better tan while also prolonging it.