How to Choose an Indoor Tanning Lotion (and Keep Your Glow All Winter)
Ohio winters are long, grey and hard on your skin. Cold air outside and dry heat inside pull moisture out, and a dry, flaky surface is exactly what makes a tan fade fast.
The good news is that the right lotion makes a big difference in your indoor tanning results. Here's what to look for, which ingredients matter, and how to keep your glow from October all the way to spring.
Why You Shouldn't Tan Without a Lotion
Indoor tanning lotions do three jobs that bare skin can't:
1. Hydrate: moisturized skin tans more evenly and holds color longer.
2. Boost results: good formulas help you get deeper color from the same session.
3. Protect and nourish: quality lotions are full of skin-loving ingredients that help with dryness, texture and firmness.
One important note: always use lotion made for indoor tanning. Outdoor sunscreens and oils can damage tanning bed acrylics and won't give you the same results.
Bronzer or No Bronzer?
Tanning lotions come in two main types:
· Non-bronzer (accelerator) lotions build color gradually and leave nothing on the skin. They're a good fit for beginners and anyone who wants a natural look.
· Bronzer lotions give you instant color that develops over a few hours, on top of the tan you build in the bed. They're ideal when you want results right away, like before an event or vacation.
Today's best bronzers are a long way from the orange, streaky formulas of years ago. The key is finding one that's streak-free and stain-free.
Ingredients Worth Looking For
When you read the label on a tanning lotion, these are the ingredients that earn their spot:
· Collagen-supporting ingredients help skin look firmer and smoother.
· Hyaluronic acid pulls moisture into the skin for a plumper, hydrated look.
· Plant oils like avocado, almond and coconut oil nourish dry winter skin.
· Apple cider vinegar helps balance the skin's pH and can help keep pores clear.
· Soothing botanicals and adaptogens calm and comfort skin after a session.
· Light-reflecting pearls give skin a soft-focus, glowing finish.
Our Product of the Month: Devoted Creations Bel-Air Bronzed
A great example of a lotion that checks all these boxes is Devoted Creations Bel-Air Bronzed, our Product of the Month for October. Here's what's inside:
· Flawless Glow Bronzing Blend: instant, sunshine-kissed, streak-free and stain-free color without self-tanning agents
· BB Crème Glow Formula: cushions skin with hydration while blurring imperfections for a smooth, airbrushed finish
· Glow Glaze Skin Smoothie: strawberry, avocado, almond, hyaluronic acid, sea moss and coconut oil to drench skin in hydration
· Lachestim: a "crystal tears" extract that helps strengthen the skin's natural barrier and improve firmness
· SymBronze Green: a microalgae extract that enhances skin color and helps you go darker
· Striover: helps improve the skin's elasticity and reduce the look of stretch marks
· Collagen Banking Complex: a collagen infusion that helps replenish and preserve collagen
· Holographic Luminizer: diamond powder and micro-pearls that reflect light for a radiant, smoothing effect
· Plant-Based Adaptogens: soothe and comfort skin for a calm, balanced complexion
· Apple Cider Vinegar: helps absorb excess oil, unclog pores and balance skin pH
Not sure if a bronzer is right for you? Stop in and our team will help you choose a lotion that fits your skin and your goals. While you're here, check out this month's specials.
5 Tips to Keep Your Glow All Winter
1. Exfoliate before you tan. Gently buff away dry skin a day before your session for even color.
2. Moisturize every day. Hydrated skin holds a tan longer. This matters most in winter.
3. Stay consistent. Regular sessions keep your color steady instead of starting over each time. A tanning membership makes this easy.
4. Wait to shower after a bronzer. Give your bronzer time to develop before you rinse off. Follow the directions on the bottle.
5. Add red light therapy. Red light therapy supports collagen and skin health with no UV at all, so it pairs well with your tanning routine. Learn what red light therapy really does.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular lotion in a tanning bed?
No. Regular lotions and outdoor sunscreens can damage tanning bed surfaces and won't help you tan. Use a lotion made for indoor tanning.
Will a bronzer turn me orange?
Modern bronzers like Bel-Air Bronzed are designed to be streak-free and stain-free. Apply evenly and wash your hands afterward.
How do I keep my tan from fading in winter?
Exfoliate, moisturize daily and tan consistently. Dry skin is the number one reason a tan fades fast.
Visit Us in Mansfield
Find your perfect lotion and book your next session at Mid Ohio Mind, Body & Soul, 2291 W 4th St, Suite A, Mansfield, OH 44906. Call (419) 775-7795 or explore our tanning services.
Disclaimer: Tan responsibly. Always follow your skin type's recommended session time and wear protective eyewear.
Comments