Best Tanning Bed Lotion on the Market: The Definitive Buyer’s Guide

A sun-kissed skin has already turned out to be a trend in today’s beauty and fashion world. It is not surprising because more and more people are becoming concerned about their figures and looks. Although there are contentions to the beautification effect of tanning, many opt to have it as it makes them look thinner and healthier.

Indoor tanning lotions intended for tanning beds are one of the go-to options. Knowing how challenging it can be to look for the best tanning bed lotion, we have created this guide to help you out. Read on!

Read more: 5 Best Tanning Beds That Are Healthy For You

Tanning Vs Sunscreen Lotion

Before we delve into the main sections discussing the consumption of tanning bed lotions, it is important to clear out the confusion on the difference between a tanning and sunscreen lotion. While both protect the skin from the sun, they differ greatly on how much protection each can offer.

Between the two, suntan (tanning lotion) contains the least amount of Sun Protection Factor (SPF) which is usually between 4 and 5. This does not penetrate the skin at a cellular level. Therefore, suntan lotions are not going to protect the skin from the sun long and effectively enough.

Suntan lotions are designed to aid in melanin production for those who want to have a healthy tanned skin. Spending some time in the sun with this on will definitely lead to a darker skin. If used similarly to a sunscreen, you can suffer from sunburn, dry skin, premature wrinkles, or worse, skin cancer.

On the other hand, sunscreens have SPF levels that range typically between 15 and 30. Not only does it have higher SPF but also contains zinc oxide and other special ingredients that protect the skin from UV or UVB rays on a cellular level.

This does not mean, however, that sunscreens offer perfect protection for your skin. It still allows a minimal level of sun rays to penetrate the skin although the top layer and the epidermis are usually protected well. As of now, there is no sunscreen lotion that can provide 100% skin protection. Most experts suggest using a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 for optimal protection.

In general, sunscreen lotions are better for sun protection while suntan lotions are best used by actual tanners. So, if you decide to go to the beach on hot summer days without aiming for a tan skin, opt for sunscreen and not suntan lotions.

Things to Check When Buying a Tanning Bed Lotion

Picking the right tanning bed lotion essential to achieving your desired tanned skin can be overwhelming. Today’s market, after all, is flooded with different brands promising to deliver the best results.

Here are some of the things to check when purchasing a tanning bed lotion:

For those who have only started tanning, it is highly suggested that you start with basic tanning accelerators. These will help you achieve a nice tan while effectively hydrating and softening your skin.

This is made possible by the high moisture content in accelerators, which gives the skin enough time to adjust to the process. It is recommended for fair-skinned individuals and should be applied at least an hour before each session.

Tanners with a deep tan look most likely used bronzers— this is one of the most, if not the most, popular ones on the market. If you opt to buy this product, make sure to choose from a reputable brand as there were concerns of having an orange-looking skin or staining when using them.

Since bronzers accelerate the appearance of tan in the skin, you will most likely achieve your desired tan look more quickly. Just make sure to wash your hands thoroughly before tanning and after application.

Probably the least recommended tanning lotion is a tingling tanning bed lotion. Despite being effective in bringing out a beautiful tan, it can be harsh on the skin. As its name suggests, experiencing a tingling sensation with redness on the skin can be observed with this product.

If you are an advanced tanner, tingling bed lotions will give you a dark but natural looking tan. Should you wish for a combination, you can use the best tanning bed lotion with bronzer.

It is sometimes inevitable to feel a burning skin sensation after a long tanning session. This is where coolants play an important role. It does what it is intended— to cool and refresh the skin to reduce the tingling or burning sensation.

If you already have a base tan, among the recommended options are the maximizers. One gives your skin a darker and deeper tan. Because it is low in moisturizer count, it is recommended to apply it just several minutes before your tanning session.

Just like many other beauty products, what’ right for the body may be delicate for your face. Thus, it is necessary to have a separate facial tanner to make sure your face is protected from any harmful bed tanning effects.

Key to a beautiful, natural-looking tan is the daily application of moisturizers. This helps in relieving the itchy and dry feeling on your skin, as well as replaces the nutrients your skin lost in the tanning process. Without moisturizers, your skin will simply end up dry and unnatural looking.

Product Reviews of the Best Tanning Bed Lotion on the Market

The perfect tanning bed lotion differs from one tanner to another. It greatly depends on your preference and needs. Whatever they may be, here are our top picks for the best tanning bed lotion currently on the market.

1.   Solid Black Bronzer Tanning Bed Lotion by Millennium Tanning

Do you want to have a dark tanned skin over the winter? If so, you might have found your perfect match. Millennium Tanning’s Solid Black Bronzer Tanning Bed Lotion is packed with advanced dark tanning formula and ultra-moisturizers. It will help you tan darker and faster without necessarily needing to splurge out all your money.

2.   Organic Self Tanner and Bronzer for Light, Medium or Dark Tan by Beauty by Earth

Even advanced tanners worry about choosing the right tanning bed lotion for the unknown chemicals that may seep into their skin. Adherents of Beauty and Earth’s Organic Self-tanner, however, are more confident of their choice.

This self-tanner is formulated with natural and organic ingredients such as Shea Butter, Coconut oil, Aloe Vera, Green Tea, and Argan Oil. Thus, your skin is left moisturized while the tanner works its magic.

3.  Ultra Dark Sunless Tanning Lotion and Self Bronzer by Sun Laboratories

If you want a natural-looking tan while keeping your skin revitalized and hydrated, try Sun Laboratories’ Ultra Dark Sunless Tanning Lotion. The good tanning effects of this product can be used by self-tanners with pale, light or medium skin type. It is both natural and safe and will result in the perfect tan you desire.

4.  Golden Coconut Tanning Lotion by Ed Hardy

Tanning bed products that accelerate the tanning process while effectively hydrating and softening your skin are hard to find. Ed Hardy’s Golden Coconut Tanning Lotion is able to bring you just that.

The product contains Melactiva, a melanin synthesizer that promotes darker results at a shorter period of time. Its contents also promote skin firmness and reduce the appearance of cellulite.

5.  Dark Tanning Accelerator Bed Lotion by Australian Gold

Indoor bed tanning is always best with an accelerator bed lotion that protects the skin in the best way possible. This is just one of the many likable features of Australian Gold’s Dark Tanning Accelerator Bed Lotion.

Enriched with Vitamins A and E, as well as some other native oils, this tanning bed lotion can result to a dark tanned skin that’s kept moisturized.

6.  Artemis/Apollo Dark Tan Accelerator with Bronzer by SunGodZ

This Dark Tan Accelerator by SunGodZ is one of the most versatile on the market. It can be used as both an indoor tanning bed or an outdoor suntan lotion.

One of its best features includes the shower proof technology that keeps the lotion from running off. Another one is its effective hydration formula that effectively smoothens and moisturizes the skin.

7.  Luau Island Black Bronzer Tanning Bed Lotion by Tan Asz

Tanners often complain of a dry and uneven skin after using a tanning bed lotion. This is exactly what Tan Asz pledged to eliminate in their Luau Island Black Bronzer Tanning Bed Lotion.

The product effectively gives a healthy glowing skin as it utilizes high-levels of Marula oil. It also smells good and is Paraben and DHA-free to ensure a fine dark skin color after use.

8.  Peace and Harmony Tanning Intensifier Bronzing Lotion by Ed Hardy

This tanning bed lotion from Ed Hardy has a formulation that’s like no other. It blends wheat proteins, caffeine and green tea extracts, and cotton and rice extracts to cater to all skin types. The result is healthy, tightened, energized, revitalized, youthful dark tanned skin.

9.  Dark Star Indoor Tanning Bed Lotion by European Gold

European Gold’s Dark Star Indoor Tanning Bed Lotion is among the best you can find on the market. It delivers a dark tan skin that lasts long with its salon-strength formulation.

The product also brags of its ultra-soft silicones that delivers a soft, touchable skin. Its deep wave bronzing technology creates just the dark tan you’re looking for.

10.  Dark Tanning Lotion by Ed Hardy

Among the best tanning bed lotion of today is Ed Hardy’s Dark Tanning Lotion. The product is adored for effectively stimulating melanin activity for a darker tan result. Plus, this multi-purpose lotion contains some of the best formulas to keep your skin fresh and hydrated, such as Argan Oil and Hemp Seed Oil.

Conclusion

This list of tanning bed lotion reviews has just presented some of the essential things every tanner needs to know about the business. The most important part is, of course, the presentation of the some of the best tanning bed lotions you can find on the market.

Our personal favorite is Ed Hardy’s Peace and Harmony Tanning Intensifier Bronzing Lotion. This bronzer stimulates melanin activity in the skin so that you can have a darker tanned skin that lasts long. It also contains all-natural ingredients, such as wheat proteins and green tea extracts to promote a tighter, firmer, softer, and firmer skin.

Thank you for reading through the article. If you found this useful, don’t forget to share it with your tanner friends!