Can I Use Tanning Bed Lotion to Tan Outdoors?

So, you have a special occasion coming up and you need some color fast? Well, take advantage of that amazing sunshine outside! But be careful which products you put on your skin, as you want to ensure you will not have any adverse reactions, nor streaky coloration before your big day. Continue below to learn some tips for outdoor tanning, including whether or not you can use your go-to indoor tanning lotion for outdoor sunbathing!

Indianapolis Tanning Products 317-257-8262
Indianapolis Tanning Products 317-257-8262

Outdoor Tanning Tips and Tricks

The natural sun gives off two primary types of ultraviolet rays, UVA and UVB. UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin’s thickest layer, known as the dermis. This is the type of UV light that effects premature aging, such as wrinkles (photoaging), dry skin, dark spots, and even suppression of the immune system. UVB rays effect the superficial layers of our skin, which are the layers that tan and burn. These rays also play a central role in eye damage (including cataracts) and the development of various skin cancers. This is why it is also important to protect your eyes in the sun, either with a visor, hat, or sunglasses. See our blog, “The Importance of Using Eye Protection When Tanning” to learn more.

When it comes to tanning in the actual sun, your skin might react differently than it does in a tanning bed. For this reason, when tanning outdoors in the natural sunshine, it is vital that you protect your skin with an initial layer of sunscreen. Then, continue to reapply the sunscreen in 1 to 4 hour intervals, depending on the strength of the formula. Although many sunbathers opt out of sunscreen out of concern that they will not get tan enough, this is a common misconception. However, it is true that the higher the SPF value in a sunscreen lotion, the less sun will get through to your skin. See our blog, “Can I Still Get a Tan With Sunscreen On?” to learn more about this topic.

Using and Choosing Your Tanning Bed Lotions

You love your indoor tanning lotion, so you naturally have the urge to use it outside in the summer. Well, guess what? This is a great idea! Indoor tanning lotions are developed and designed in a way that works best with your particular skin type and melatonin. Just be sure to choose a quality product! See our blog, “The Difference Between Cheap and Expensive Tanning Lotions” to learn exactly why! In addition to choosing a quality tanning bed lotion, be sure it is the right kind for your particular tanning needs.

Also called maximizers, tanning accelerators are a common indoor tanning lotion used in the industry. They are formulated to emphasize and prolong tanning results. This means the skin achieves a base tan faster and retains its color longer. They are recommended for beginners because they do not contain any added color dyes or bronzing agents, but they do contain a lot of moisturizing and skin care agents.

Tinglers, also referred to as hot action lotions, contain special active ingredients that stimulate micro-circulation in the skin. These active agents, commonly benzyl or methyl nicotinate, increase blood flow and deliver more oxygen to the skin cells. This promotes a deeper, longer-lasting tan in a shorter amount of time.

If you are looking for a deeper, darker tan, a bronzer lotion is a great choice. Bronzers contain added coloring agents that deliver a deep, rich, dark tan. They are formulated with the same ingredient used in self-tanning products, dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which is a chemical that temporarily alters the cells of the skin. Bronzing lotions will render an instant tan, and then continue to darken the skin hours after tanning.

Indianapolis Indoor Tanning Lotions and Products at Affordable Prices

Call Broad Ripple Tans at 317-257-8262 to buy top-quality tanning lotions and products in Indianapolis, Indiana at the best prices around. Our tanning salon offers a wide selection of top-quality tanning lotions, moisturizers, and skin care products, all at the most competitive prices in town. Be sure to stop in for air brush spray tanning services, or relax in one of our luxury tanning beds!