Top Benefits of Using Indoor Tanning Lotion — According to Professional Tanners
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Walk into any busy tanning salon and you’ll notice something straight away: the people who get smooth, even, consistent colour aren’t necessarily the ones using the strongest beds — they’re the ones who always use lotion. It’s one of those unglamorous “behind-the-scenes” steps that makes a bigger difference than most new tanners expect.
Here’s what professional technicians see every day, and why a good indoor tanning lotion is considered part of the session — not an optional extra.
Why Indoor Tanning Lotion Matters More Than People Think
1. It helps prevent uneven development
Almost every salon has the same recurring case: someone walks in saying, “I tan, but my shins never catch up.” Dry zones simply react differently under UV. Emollients and humectants in tanning lotions soften those stubborn areas, helping the skin respond more consistently.
A salon tech once put it simply:
“Most uneven tans start with dry skin, not weak bulbs.”
2. It supports the skin’s natural melanin process
Accelerators often include ingredients like tyrosine — a precursor the skin uses during melanin production. It’s not a magic button, and results vary from person to person, but many clients building a base tan notice a smoother, more predictable result when using an intensifier regularly.
3. It helps colour last longer
The fastest way to lose a tan is to lose hydration. Once the skin dries out, exfoliation speeds up and the colour fades with it. Consistent moisturisation — especially before UV exposure — slows this process.
Technicians see it constantly: tanners who use lotion hold their colour significantly longer than those who skip it.
Choosing a Lotion: What Pros Actually Consider
Accelerators / Intensifiers
Best for:
- new tanners
- anyone rebuilding a base
- skin that feels tight or dry after sessions
If you'd like to see an example of a classic intensifier often used in salons, here’s Onyx Dark Tanning Accelerator Lotion:
https://onyxtan.com/products/dark-tanning-accelerator-lotion
Bronzing Lotions
These combine skincare with instant or delayed bronzing ingredients (like DHA). They’re useful for tanners wanting more depth each session or a consistent tone throughout the week.
A well-known example is Onyx Black Caviar Tanning Lotion:
https://onyxtan.com/products/black-caviar-tanning-lotion
Men’s Formulas
Men’s skin is often thicker and naturally oilier, so formulas designed for men spread differently and dry down cleaner.
A practical example is Onyx HE Men’s Bronzer Accelerator:
https://onyxtan.com/products/mens-tanning-lotion-bronzer-accelerator
Tingle Lotions
These create a warming sensation and are typically chosen by experienced tanners. Not every skin type loves them, but for people who enjoy an intense session, tingles are part of the routine.
Here’s an example: Onyx Ice & Fire
https://onyxtan.com/products/ice-fire
Techniques Pros Wish More Clients Knew
- Apply lotion 5–10 minutes before tanning. It spreads more evenly and avoids patches that can streak bronzers.
- Add a second thin layer to slow-developing areas. Shins and elbows often need it.
- Don’t overload bronzers. Most streaking happens from using too much product.
- Keep skin hydrated between sessions. This makes the biggest difference in how long your tan lasts.
- Avoid regular body lotions before tanning. Heavier occlusives and residues don’t pair well with tanning beds or even pigment development.
As one technician put it:
“Clients think the bed is everything. The truth? Half the result comes from how you prep your skin.”
What About the Face?
Facial skin exfoliates faster and reacts differently to UV, especially when active skincare is involved. Many tanners prefer to build facial colour with sunless drops instead of UV.
Here’s an example: Onyx Self-Tanning Drops for Face
https://onyxtan.com/products/self-tanning-drops-for-face
FAQ
Do indoor tanning lotions actually work?
They help the skin stay hydrated and respond more evenly to UV, which usually leads to smoother, more predictable results.
Can I use my regular moisturiser?
Most salons avoid it because certain heavy oils or occlusives can leave residue on acrylics or affect how products behave under UV.
Are bronzers safe?
Yes. Instant bronzers wash off; DHA-based bronzers react only with the outermost layer of the skin.
Final Thoughts
Indoor tanning lotion doesn’t “create” your tan — it helps your skin do what it’s already designed to do, more evenly and with better longevity. Salon technicians see it daily: tanners who prep their skin get far more consistent results than those who skip lotion.
If you're refining your routine, exploring accelerators, bronzers, tingles or UV-free facial options is a great place to start.