There are many ways to achieve a sun-kissed glow and a golden skin complexion. You can stay out and enjoy the scorching sun or lie in the comfort of a tanning bed. Either way, if you want to speed up the results, the best tanning accelerator lotions can extend a helping hand.
Basically, a tanning accelerator does exactly what it is named – it will accelerate the tanning process. This is done by intensifying and enhancing the production of melanin, which is what makes the skin darker. While doing this, it also provides moisturizing benefits.
Clueless about what tanning accelerator lotion is best to purchase? Read on and learn from some of our recommendations.
What Exactly is a Tanning Accelerator Lotion?
To start with, let us first define what a tanning accelerator lotion is and what it can do to your skin.
A tan accelerator lotion will stimulate the production of melanin, which is the pigment that is responsible for the color of your skin. The more melanin is produced by the skin, the darker your skin tone will become.
With the use of a tan accelerator, the glow of the skin will naturally reveal without streaks. Depending on the product that you will be using, it is generally longer-lasting when compared to instant tan. Many of these lotions also have ingredients with anti-aging benefits, which will make the skin firmer.
The Best Tan Accelerators for Fair Skin
If you have fair skin, you will benefit from a tanning accelerator lotion that comes with a bronzer, which will provide instant pigmentation. Make sure to take it slowly as your fair skin can be easily get burnt when tanning is overdone.
Designer Skin Picture Perfect Facial Tanning Lotion
This is specifically designed for the face as it has a gentle formula that is safe and effective even on sensitive skin. It contains brown seaweed, which makes the skin tone darker. It also has IPF defense complex, which will prevent oxidation and other common forms of skin damage that results from tanning. Lastly, it also has powerful ingredients that will help in minimizing pores.
New Sunshine Swedish Beauty Bronzer, Shea You Want Me
It is a moisture-rich bronzer that can provide hydration benefits while accelerating your tan. The effectiveness can be attributed to the use of black walnut and natural henna. They do not only provide an instant sun-kissed complexion but will also make sure that the results will be long-lasting. There is also cocoa butter for deep moisturizing. Plus, it is hypoallergenic, so it is good even for those with sensitive skin.
Millenium Tanning New Solid Black Bronzer Tanning Bed Lotion
With the use of this Ultra-Advanced 100x Silicone Bronzer, you do not have to wait for a long time before the tanning results can be evident. It has a subtle orchid scent, unlike others with a strong chemical-like smell. It is also non-greasy, so you won’t feel sticky once you are in a tanning bed. Some of its main ingredients include banana fruit extract, pecan seed oil, sunflower seed oil, and cannabis sativa seed oil.
The Best Tan Accelerators and Sunscreen
Whether you are tanning indoors or outdoors, it is best to use a tanning accelerator that offers protection from the harmful UV rays. The latter can cause skin cancer and other problems, so it is best to stay protected.
Sun Bum Original Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion
With SPF 15, this tanning lotion is ideal even for children and people who have sensitive skin. It is also water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, so this is great for outdoor tanning. It is non-comedogenic, so there is no need to worry that it will end up clogging the pores. The lotion contains Vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that can prevent skin damages caused by free radicals.
Maui Babe SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion
This is an SPF 30 tanning lotion that is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. It can be used on its own or in combination with a browning lotion. Regardless, it will be an effective choice for tanning outdoors as it offers protection from the harmful UVA and UVB rays. However, it should be noted that it contains octisalate, octocrylene, and avobenzone, which can be potentially harmful.
Bain de Soleil Orange Gelee Sunscreen, Tanning Lotion, SPF 4
The tropical fragrance of this product is perhaps the first thing that you will notice in every application of the lotion. It has SPF 4, which some people might find to be quite low since it is recommended that you should use a product with SPF 15 as the minimum. It is tested even by dermatologists, so you can be confident that it will be safe and effective.
The Best Tanning Accelerators for Sunbeds
When tanning indoors through a sunbed, you have to choose an accelerator lotion that won’t damage the material used in the sunbed. Plus, you need one that has a good scent that will prevent odor that usually results from indoor tanning.
Maui Babe Tanning Salon Formula
Aside from delivering instant tanning results, this is also a great product because it delivers deeper color over time, making your tan look more intense. It contains sunflower oil, which will not damage the acrylic material of the sunbed. It has Kona coffee extract, which is sourced exclusively in Hawaii. The latter will make the skin smooth and radiant after your tanning session.
Ed Hardy Coconut Kisses Golden Tanning Lotion
To be effective in accelerating tanning, this lotion has quad tyrosine blend and MelanoBronze. The latter are innovative features that can speed up the formation of melanin on the skin so that it will look darker. With BodyFit, meanwhile, it uses ingredients that will help in making the skin firmer, allowing it to deliver anti-aging benefits.
Australian Gold Dark Tanning Accelerator Lotion With Bronzer
This tanning accelerator comes with an innovation known as Fierce Color Complex. Basically, it fuses DHA, Erythrulose, and natural bronzers for a streak-free and deep tan. It also has Purrfection Finish Bronzer, which will treat the imperfections of the skin and will make it flawless. It uses a unique blend of wild and exotic berries, which can rejuvenate and nourish the skin.
Supre Smoke Black Bronzer, Tanning Lotion
One thing that makes this impressive is the oxygen regenerating tanning system. It is an exclusive technology that allows tanning to be apparent within a short span of time while also making the skin glowing and healthy. For its fragrance, it is infused with mango, passionfruit, and pineapple, which will make it truly reminiscent of tropical summer.
Australian Gold Tanning Lotion for Indoor Tanning Beds
It uses native Australian oils combined with the power of Vitamins A and E, making it skin-friendly. The latter will also allow it to provide skin hydration, unlike others that can easily make your skin dull and dry after your tanning session.
Millennium Tanning Paint It Black 50X Tanning Lotion
It features the revolutionary 50x auto-darkening tan technology, which is basically the one that is responsible for speeding up the results of its use. It also contains extreme silicone emulsion blend, a groundbreaking formula that will help in making the skin silky soft. Meanwhile, with cotton blossom fragrance, it has a fresh and crisp scent that is not overpowering.
Hempz Hypoallergenic Dark Tan Maximizer
One thing that makes this distinct is the use of 100% pure natural hemp seed oil as its main ingredient. This will hydrate and moisturize the skin while also maximizing your tan. It has natural tan enhancers that will give the skin a naturally dark complexion and not a fake tan. It is easily absorbed by the skin right after application and it also comes with a non-greasy formula.
Devoted Creations #TANLIFE Hydrating Tanning Butter
With the shea butter formula of this product, you can be confident that it will make the skin moisturized without causing any irritation. It is perfect even for people with sensitive skin. For those with dry skin, this will also work. The lotion comes with a thick formula, so it might feel quite heavy when applied.
Ed Hardy Peace & Harmony Tanning Intensifier Bronzing Moisturizer Lotion
Loaded with dark tanning activators, it will give you a sun-kissed glow right off the tanning bed. It has MelanoBronze, which will stimulate the production of melanin for a darker complexion that will be long-lasting. Meanwhile, there are also wheat proteins, which are the ones that will make the skin tighter and firmer, making it great for anti-aging. It also has cotton and rice extracts to make the skin smoother without irritation.
The Best Tan Accelerators for Outdoor Tanning
For some people, indoor tanning may not work. With this, outdoor tanning is a better alternative. Nonetheless, because of the harsh heat of the sun, you need an accelerator lotion that offers appropriate protection to prevent skin cancer and other serious problems.
Banana Boat Deep Tanning Oil Spray
This is a great product if you want to go swimming or diving while getting a tan. It has a reef-safe formula, so this will be a great pick for those who are looking for a tanning spray that is also good for the environment. It has coconut, banana, and carrot extracts, which will work together to give the skin a rich and dark color that will last for a long time. While making the skin darker, this can also provide hydration.
Maui Babe Browning Lotion
For fast dark tan, this is another lotion that can prove to be effective. Some of the ingredients that are used in this lotion include kukui nut oil, light mineral oil, Kona coffee plant extract, aloe, and potassium iodine. It also contains Vitamins A, C, and E, which are all good for promoting healthy skin while you get an outdoor tan. Regardless of your skin tone and type, this lotion will be safe.
Hawaiian Tropic Dark Tanning Oil Original
More than just a golden glow, this oil will also make the skin smooth and radiant. The exotic island botanicals used in this product will help to speed up your tan while also protecting the skin from the harsh heat of the sun when you are tanning outdoors. Meanwhile, with the classic coconut fragrance, it will make the skin smell fresh even as you tan outdoors.
Panama Jack Tanning Oils Multi-Packs
With the multi-action formula of this tanning oil, it will give you a deep and dark tan as you enjoy the scorching sun. It has fruit and nut extracts, which are combined with exotic oils to maximize its tanning effectiveness. However, take note that it does not contain SPF, so you will need to have a sunscreen if you are tanning outdoors.
Australian Gold Bronzing Dry Oil Spray Intensifier
It is another tanning must-have that is infused with powerful ingredients to speed up the results while also providing protection. The ingredient list includes tea tree oil, which is an antioxidant that can also make the skin smoother. Meanwhile, with aloe, the plant-based extract can make the skin moisturized. For natural-looking and longer-lasting tan, it also walnut shell, caramel, and carrot oil.
The Best Tan Accelerators for Holidays and Vacations
Basically, they work in the same way as the tanning accelerator lotions that are used outdoors. They have ingredients that can be effective for protecting the skin against the harmful rays of the sun.
Australian Gold JWOWW One and Done Intensifier
It contains tyrosine, which is a compound that is responsible for speeding the production of melanin so that you will get a tan quickly. It also has beeswax and raspberry, which are known for hydrating the skin. With Vitamin E and shea butter, on the other hand, you will get softer skin as you enjoy the heat of the sun on your holiday.
Australian Gold Sinfully Black 15x Deep Bronzing Tanning Lotion
The berry fragrance is one of the first things that you will notice when using this lotion, which gives it a refreshing smell. It has 15x deep dark bronzing power to deliver results in no time. As for the ingredients, the lotion contains walnut shell extract, monoi de Tahiti, and caramel. It also contains hemp seed oil, which is considered one of the best natural moisturizers.
Supre Snooki Ultra Dark Leg Bronzer W/ Hair Growth Inhibitors
It is different from the products that have been listed above because it is specifically formulated for leg application. It has Hype Dark Tanning Technology, which allows the dark complexion to easily show off. It is also infused with vitamins that can enrich the skin. The best thing is that it has components that are responsible for slowing the growth of hair on your legs, making it the perfect choice if you want to have tan and flawless skin.
How to Use a Tan Accelerator Lotion
First, you have to read the instructions from the manufacturer since one product will vary from the other. For the highest level of effectiveness, make sure to follow the instructions on the label.
Make sure that your skin is clean, exfoliated, and dry before applying a tanning accelerator. Apply liberally and spread it evenly. Depending on what the manufacturer recommends, you will need to wait a certain period before you proceed to your tanning method of choice.
Ingredients to Look For
To be sure of the highest level of effectiveness, below are some of the most important ingredients that you should be looking for:
- Aloe Vera: This ingredient can effectively moisturize and cool down the skin.
- Coconut Oil: Like aloe vera, this can also deliver moisturizing benefits.
- Carrot Oil: Extracts from carrots will strengthen the skin, making it ready to UV exposure.
- Olive Oil: It is a potent source of Vitamin E, which will help prevent damage to the skin that is possibly caused by tanning.
- Almond Oil: This is a gentle oil that can also add a subtle scent to the tan accelerator.
- Cocoa Butter: Extracted from cocoa beans, it can also act as an excellent moisturizer.
- Green Tea Extract: Especially if you are tanning outdoors, this will minimize the possibility that you will have a sunburn.
Tips and Tricks When Using a Tan Accelerator Lotion
Before we end this post, we’ll give you some tips on how to maximize the effectiveness of tan accelerator lotions:
- Before using any product, make sure to test it out in a small area first. If it shows signs of irritation, stop using the lotion and look for another alternative.
- Take supplements with vitamins and minerals that are good for the skin. Vitamins C, D, and E are great. Copper supplements are also known for improving tanning results.
- While there are some accelerators with SPF, there are others without it. So, do not forget to apply sun protection as well to protect the skin from the harmful UV rays.
- Start slowly. Whether you are tanning indoors or outdoors, take note that less is more. Prolonged exposure can irritate the skin and will do more harm than good.
Wrap Up
With the best tanning accelerator lotions that have been mentioned above, it will be easy to don a sun-kissed glow. You won’t have to wait forever before your skin finally becomes darker!
