The term indoor tanning lotion actually refers to lotions that are used during salon tanning and tanning beds. However, some people use this term to include sunless tanning products that come in lotion form. To progress in our analysis of the different types of indoor tanning lotions we have to make the distinction between lotions that produce a fake tan and lotions that assist in salon tanning.

Tanning Lotions That Produce Fake Tans

Tanning lotions that are dihyroxyacetone (DHA) based use the sugar compound to produce a coloration of the dead skin cells on the outer most layer of the skin. These are considered very safe means of temporary and fake tans. The DHA reacts when it comes into contact with the dead skin cells which produce the coloration.

Bronzers are like makeup in that they simply cover up or dye the skin a particular tone. Just like makeup it will wash off at the end of the day and can even rub off to stain clothing of the wearer.

Indoor Tanning Lotions for Salon Beds

There is another type of bronzer that actually serves another function which crosses over to the second type of indoor tanning lotions. This is a bronzer that actually improves the tanning process by absorbing and distributing the UV radiation for more evenly tanned results.

Another type of indoor tanning lotion that helps the natural tanning process is known as accelerators. These lotions act as moisturizers keeping the skin hydrated during the tanning experience. It speeds up the tanning process by making the skin more susceptible to the UV rays and the added moisture helps the skin’s melanin production.

Tingle lotions are similar to accelerators but instead of relying on moisture it actually has chemicals that cause an increase in blood flow to the skin. The increased blood flow brings extra oxygen and other nutrients to the skin to assist during the melanin production process during tanning.

There are many types of tanners and it is up the individual to decide whether they are going to be spending time tanning outdoors in the sun or indoors in a tanning booth and picking the appropriate tanning lotion for each scenario. Be sure not to use an indoor tanning lotion for sun tanning and vice versa unless the label specifically states that the lotion was designed for both functions. Or you could simply pick up a bottle of tanning lotion that produces a fake tan just for that season and reapply every few days to keep it consistent.