Is it better to tan with tanning lotion or without?

Author: Prof. Pattie Predovic  |  Last update: Friday, April 25, 2025

The Short Answer is YES!! Indoor tanning lotions protect and nourish your skin for a better and longer lasting tan. Not only will using them make you reach a glowing color faster and easier, but they will also improve your skin's health overall.

Is it better to tan with or without lotion?

While tanning beds and natural sunlight can both induce tanning, using lotion can significantly enhance the process and protect your skin.

Does tanning lotion actually help you tan?

The lotion's ingredients will allow the UV rays to enter your skin more easily, which can boost your tanning outcomes by up to 60%. Indoor tanning lotions typically contain moisturizing and nourishing ingredients like natural vitamin oils to hydrate and nourish the skin.

Is it better to tan or use self-tanner?

While self-tanners can be a safer alternative than the sun, it won't protect you from the sun's rays, and you should take extra care when using spray formulas. Schedule an appointment with one of our other primary care providers. Save time, book online.

What is the healthiest form of tanning?

According to Dr. Peter Katz, board-certified dermatologist with Forefront Dermatology, “there is no such thing as a healthy or safe tan. Tanned skin is a result of damage to the skin cells, your skin producing pigment in response to UV damage in an attempt to protect itself.

Tan removal | How to remove tan | Dr. Ankur Sarin and Dr. Jushya Bhatia

What is the least damaging way to tan?

The only way to tan safely is by using self-tanning sprays or lotions. Fortunately, self-tanners have come a long way since the days when they left skin streaky and the color of orange cheese-puffs. Self-tanning products are safe and generally don't cause irritation to the skin.

How fast does tanning age your skin?

Indoor tanning speeds up skin aging

Indoor tanning is known to cause wrinkles, brown spots and thick leathery skin. Indoor tanning ages your skin 3 times faster than sunlight: indoor tanning can emit up to 15 times more UV radiation than sunlight.

Do you tan better with tanning oil or nothing at all?

Tanning oils are able to offer a “quicker tan” as they stimulate the body to produce more melanin. When these oils are applied to the skin, it activates the melanocytes and causes them to produce melanin at a faster rate. If your skin has a higher concentration of melanin, your body will tan more easily.

Is it better to self tan at night or in the morning?

Apply your tan

The best time to self tan your face is in the evening, as it allows the product to develop overnight. Consider it a part of your evening skincare routine. Start by cleansing the skin and removing all traces of makeup. Next, lightly moisturize around your nostrils and other dry spots.

Are tanning lotions safe?

Are sunless tanning products safe? Bronzers, self-tanners and spray tanners have not been shown to pose a health risk and are considered safe to use – if they're applied correctly and carefully. They should only be applied externally to the skin and should not be used near your lips, mouth and nose or around your eyes.

Do you tan better if you moisturize?

Hydrated skin will not only tan better but will also keep its colour for longer. Moisturise your skin twice daily to prepare your skin for the sunshine and get that long-lasting tan. Dry skin can lead to a peeling and uneven sun tan and so is effectively the enemy.

Should you wash off tanning lotion after tanning?

Tanning lotion also doesn't take long to develop and can be washed off after two to three hours. Meanwhile, mousse and gradual tanners take at least six to eight hours to develop. You can shower immediately after using a tanning oil since that's a natural tan and not a solution that can be washed off.

Why does tan skin look better?

The glow provided by a tan can make a face look more vibrant and therefore youthful. A tan can also help make muscles look more toned and more well defined. Today, having a tan is associated with people that have an active, outdoor lifestyle. A tan therefore makes people look healthier and fit.

Do you tan better when you're wet or dry?

Moist skin will tan better and more evenly than dry skin. Your skin knows that moisture is important and uses a variety of methods to retain moisture in its surface. Your skin retains water within its natural oils to help them maintain an ordered structure around each skin cell.

Does tanning lotion really make a difference?

Some tanning lotions may contain certain oils that help you absorb more ultraviolet rays. This speeds up the tanning process by causing your body to produce more melanin, the pigment responsible for your tan.

How to get tan when you're pale?

Tanning Methods for Fair Skin
  1. Natural Sun Tanning. Fair skin can tan under the sun, but only with care. ...
  2. Gradual Tanners and Tanning Lotions. If you're nervous about the sun or prefer a controlled approach, gradual tanners are also an option. ...
  3. Spray Tans and Professional Services. ...
  4. Tanning Beds.

How to self tan like a pro?

Follow these steps:
  1. Exfoliate. Use a washcloth to exfoliate the skin prior to applying a self-tanner. ...
  2. Dry your skin. ...
  3. Apply in sections. ...
  4. Wash your hands after each section. ...
  5. Blend at your wrists and ankles. ...
  6. Dilute over your joints. ...
  7. Give your skin time to dry. ...
  8. Apply sunscreen every day.

Do you tan faster with or without tanning lotion?

Indoor tanning lotions protect and nourish your skin for a better and longer lasting tan. Not only will using them make you reach a glowing color faster and easier, but they will also improve your skin's health overall.

Does your skin stop tanning at a certain point?

Those at the lower end with pale skin will only ever burn or tan minimally, however, those people with darker skin at the mid or higher end of the scale have a natural ability to produce melanin and tan easily. So, if you have pale skin, you cannot tan beyond a certain point, however long you stay in the sun.

Do you tan better in direct sunlight?

Do you need direct sunlight to tan? No, you can get a tan in the shade. UV rays can reflect off of the ground and onto your skin, even if you're lounging in a covered area. Although it might take a little longer, you can still get a tan in the shade, so it's important to put on sunscreen to protect your skin.

How long until tan is noticeable?

Generally, with consistent and safe sun exposure, you can start seeing results within a few hours to days. For those leaning towards sunbeds, you might notice a difference after 2-3 sessions if starting from a light base, or 3-5 sessions for a deeper tan.

Do you get vitamin D from tanning beds?

It doesn't. The bulbs used in tanning beds emit mostly UVA light; however, your body needs UVB light to make vitamin D. To get vitamin D safely, board-certified dermatologists recommend that healthy adults get vitamin D from their diet.

Is there a way to tan without damaging skin?

Safer tanning tips

The only truly safe way to protect yourself while spending time in the sun is to avoid its UV rays as much as possible. That is best accomplished by using sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 30 or wearing protective clothing, including a hat and sunglasses.

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