Cream Guide
How to Choose the Right Tanning Lotion 🌞
The right tanning lotion can make all the difference between just tanning and getting amazing results. With so many options available, choosing the perfect one can feel overwhelming—so we’ve broken it down into a simple, easy-to-follow guide to help you find your ideal match.
Whether you’re brand new to tanning or chasing a deeper bronze, there’s a lotion designed just for you.
🌿 Accelerators – Build Your Perfect Base
Accelerators are ideal if you want a natural, gradual tan with no added colour.
These lotions contain no bronzers, tingles, or cooling effects. Instead, they focus on deeply conditioning and hydrating the skin while supporting your body’s natural tanning process. The result? A smooth, even base tan that develops beautifully over time.
Best for:
âś” All tanning levels
âś” Beginners or base-tan builders
âś” Dry or sensitive skin
✨ Bronzers – Instant Colour, Faster Results
Bronzing lotions are perfect if you want to see colour straight away while developing a deeper tan underneath. When combined with the heat of a sunbed, they deliver fast, noticeable results.
Types of Bronzers:
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DHA Bronzers – Develop over 4–8 hours. Best for skin with an established base tan.
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Cosmetic / Instant Bronzers – Provide immediate colour that washes off.
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Natural Bronzers – Streak-free, low maintenance, and perfect for a subtle, healthy glow.
Best for:
âś” Intermediate to advanced tanners
âš Always wash hands after use
🔥 Tingle Lotions – Maximum Intensity
Tingle lotions are designed for experienced tanners looking for fast, dramatic results. They work by stimulating blood flow at the skin’s surface, creating a warming or tingling sensation and visible redness.
This increased circulation delivers more oxygen to the skin, helping it tan faster and darker.
Tingle strengths vary from mild to extreme, depending on the brand.
Best for:
âś” Experienced tanners only
Important:
âš Patch test before use
âš Not suitable for the face
âš Wash hands thoroughly after application
❄️ Coolers – Refresh While You Tan
Cooling lotions keep your skin feeling cool, refreshed, and comfortable during tanning sessions. They’re ideal if you overheat easily or simply enjoy a refreshing sensation while tanning.
💧 Moisturisers – Lock In Your Glow
After-tan moisturisers are essential for extending the life of your tan. While all tanning lotions hydrate the skin, these are specially formulated to replenish moisture after tanning.
Well-hydrated skin looks healthier, feels smoother, and holds onto colour for longer.
Top tip: Dry skin doesn’t tan as well—moisturise daily for best results.
🧴 Helpful Tanning Terms Explained
You may see these terms in our product descriptions:
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Body Blush – A flushed, photo-reactive glow without the heat of a tingle
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Dermadark – Clear, non-staining bronzers
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Hemp – A nutrient-rich oil that softens skin and enhances UV absorption
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Tan Fresh – Helps eliminate post-tan odour
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Immediate Bronzers – Instant colour lasting 1–2 days
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Delayed Bronzers – Develop over 8–24 hours and last up to 7 days
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Tan Activating Bronzers – Advanced blends that boost melanin production for deeper natural colour
🌟 Why Use a Sunbed Tanning Lotion?
Using a tanning lotion before your sunbed session isn’t just recommended—it’s essential.
Indoor tanning lotions are specially formulated to:
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Replenish moisture and vitamins lost during tanning
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Improve UV absorption
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Enhance tanning performance
In fact, well-hydrated skin can tan up to 30–40% better, depending on skin type and condition.
✨ For best results: Moisturise after every tanning session and after showering or bathing to keep your glow going for longer.