ETS Tanning Bed Blog

Believe it or not, using a single tanning lotion is not a good idea when trying to tan at an indoor salon .

Tanning lotion was first used in the 1960s and has evolved from one basic lotion to many different varieties. There are two main varieties, outdoor and indoor tanning lotion. Indoor tanning lotion is designed to amplify the effects of ultraviolet light rather than block them. This is usually done by using ingredients that promote tanning by increasing the blood flow to the skin, thereby increasing the amount of melanin that is brought to the top layers of the skin.

But why should a customer consider rotating tanning lotions? Not all tanning lotions are the same and not all are made with the same type of ingredients. By using different tanning lotions, they can help you obtain a better, well-rounded tan for your skin and who better to help the customer than the trusty pro behind the counter? Your tanning salon Professional is trained to identify your tanning & skin care needs and direct you to the lotion products that will meet those needs and your budget.

By rotating lotions, you actually enhance the tanning process because you are changing the active ingredients and each ingredient is designed to enhance the tanning process in different ways.

Some of the active ingredients found in common tanning lotions include melanin, L-Tyrosine, tea oil, copper – which is in many different chemical compounds – green tea extract, and many types of natural oils. Ingredients vary widely from brand to brand. What goes into one brand is different than what goes into another brand; and thus the competition begins. Lotions contain a mix of tanning enhancing ingredients and skin care ingredients which dictate the cost of each lotion. When selecting a tanning lotion your salon professional can help you to identify which ingredients best meet you objectives and then guide you to the correct lotion at a price that will fit your budget.

Tanning lotions and moisturizers come in many different fragrances and fragrance free alternatives are available for those individuals that have allergies or sensitive skin. Much like perfumes & colognes tanning lotions and moisturizers allow the customer to choose the fragrance that matches their individual style.

Indoor tanners should apply between a half-ounce to a full once of tanning lotion per tanning session, spreading liberally over all exposed areas to properly moisturize their skin so as to maximize their tanning session. When selecting a tanning lotion it is best to purchase your lotion from a professional tanning salon as brands sold at other retailers may include ingredients that will damage the acrylic surface you lay on in a tanning bed. Many tanning salons prohibit the use of brands not specifically manufactured for indoor tanning due to the potential for damage to the tanning bed acrylic. Your salon professional can provide you with a list of brands that are specifically manufactured for use in indoor tanning beds.

Here they are, my picks for the top 10 tanning bed lotions of 2009:

10. Soy Dark

Made from an almost all-natural (95% Paraben-free) formula, Soy Dark is refreshing and pure. The list of botanical ingredients includes camu camu fruit, aloe, honey, soy and hemp seed oil – all combined to rejuvenate the skin and boost tyrosinase and melanin.

9. Henna Sent

Henna Sent is another 95% Paraben-free bronzer that features extracts of black tea leaf, banana, henna and DHA. This almost all-natural product also includes honey, soy and hemp seed oil – all of which nourish and moisturize the skin.

8. Bronze Voyage

Bronzy Voyage is an extremely popular, entry-level natural bronzer. It has a classical tropical scent and acts as a moisturizer, tanning lotion and a bronzer. It’s like an all-in-one introduction to the world of tanning lotions.