Indoor tanning lotion

We all know what sunscreen (a.k.a. suntan lotion, a.k.a. sunblock) is: it protects the body from getting a sun burn by preventing the skin from absorbing (too much of) the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Indoor tanning lotion has the opposite effect: it helps the body absorb more of the ultraviolet rays. There are some pretty serious tanners out there and also some pretty serious products manufactured to please this crowd. More and more, tanning beds are becoming the sun of choice, so it’s no wonder that indoor tanning lotion has been discovered and promoted. The main idea is to soak up as much “sun” as possible in the shortest amount of time. The key: indoor tanning lotion!

How the Lotion Works

The whole thing is very scientific: the products are designed with certain chemicals and ingredients in a way that lets sun in to allow the skin to be tanned. The products provide the skin with more melanin, which is the pigment responsible for the lightness or darkness of the skin’s color. In fact, there are different types of indoor tanning lotions that have different effects. The most basic idea behind these lotions is providing the skin with moisture; the more hydrated the skin is, the easier it is for UV rays to break through and do their damage…err…job. Plus, when the skin is moisturized, it is healthier and can catch a tan more easily; healthy skin also holds on to a tan longer. Some of the key ingredients in these products that help condition the skin are vitamins, essential oils, natural butters, hempseed oil, natural botanical extracts, riboflavin, copper, L-tyrosine, and assorted minerals. In addition, some of the products have special properties that supposedly provide additional benefits.

Tingle Effect. Products that produce this effect have ingredients that increase blood flow to the surface of the skin. The idea behind this isn’t scientifically proven and works on some people more than others.

Bronzing Effect. This is not an uncommon effect for many tanning lotions. A colorless chemical, DHA, gives these products this property; it interacts with amino acids in dead skin cells to achieve a brown color change. This reaction, combined with other ingredients, gives the skin a bronze appearance. The color change lasts no more than 7 days.

Indoor Tanning Lotions: Different Kinds and Where to Buy
Tanning salons, supermarkets, and the internet all have indoor tanning lotions available for purchase. It is quite amazing the variety out there for a consumer to buy. It may be smart to check out the reviews before using the products. The list seems endless:

  • Australian Gold
  • Drama Queen
  • Swedish Beauty
  • Designer Skin
  • Body Drench
  • California Tan
  • Amino Genesis
  • Caribbean Gold
  • Cotton Candy
  • Devoted Creations
  • Dr. Sun
  • Emerald Bay
  • Fiesta Sun
  • Fiji Blend
  • Fixation Lotions
  • Hempz
  • High Fashion
  • Immoral Tanning
  • Matahari
  • Miami Ink
  • Millenium
  • Body Invest
  • Organic Fiji
  • Power Tan
  • Pro Tan
  • Rio Tanning
  • Rock On Tanning
  • Squeeze Line
  • Synergy Tan
  • TanZotic
  • Ultimate
  • And more!!!!


Safety and Effectiveness of Indoor Tanning Lotions

While they do appear to be effective, there are differing opinions on the safety of these products. If you have any concerns, consult with a doctor or dermatologist before using the indoor tanning lotion, particularly the ones that produce a tingling effect.

Warning about Indoor (and outdoor) Tanning Lotions
Don’t let yourself be fooled, indoor tanning is no different than outdoor tanning. No matter the source, if must be done carefully. Too much exposure to the sun or UV rays can cause skin cancer and other skin problems. Remember, moderation is the key! Small amounts of sun exposure can be healthy.

Last updated on Aug 8th, 2010 and filed under Skin Care. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

1 Response for “Indoor tanning lotion”

  1. Maria Cole says:

    You can also buy tanning lotions that have SPF in them so that you get protection while still getting tan. You can also cover up areas when tanning, such as your face, that you do not want to get as dark.

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