Let's start with the secondary reason tanning lotions cost so much. These types of lotions have very special ingredients and their formulas take time to be developed by chemists and scientists. Some of these ingredients include hemp seed oil, tinglers and more commonly added skin bronzers. The use of such unique ingredients in the formulas is one of the reasons why the price jumps to a level that seems very high to most.

The main reason indoor tanning bed lotions are as expensive as they are is... well there isn't really any good reason. The profit margin on lotions is extraordinarily high, much more than most consumer products. The sale of indoor tanning products is a big part of a salon's business model when it comes to the bottom line. However, some tanners dislike the idea of having to pay that much for a consumable product that they'll need to buy again in 2 months. Add that on to the price of tanning itself and you have a pretty decent monthly expense. The good news is that if you have some negotiation skills you can usually become friendly with the salon operator and they'll start giving you nice discounts on bottles of lotion.

Even though it may be very costly we still recommend that you stay away from cheap tanning lotion. This is something you spread over your entire body so it's a good idea to make sure you're using a very high quality product.

If you are new to indoor tanning, you probably have a lot of questions about getting started. How long should my first session be? What should I wear? Will I burn? Does it matter what tanning bed I use? How soon will I notice a change in skin tone? Will tanning lighten my hair? It’s a lot to think about. In your quest for the best tan, don’t forget to research tanning lotions, and find the one that’s right for you. If you’re a veteran tanner, and you’re not using a lotion – you are missing out.

The Benefits:

Rev Up Your Tan. Unlike sun block, which filters the sun’s rays, specially formulated lotions can help you tan better and faster. They are great for helping you reveal a deeper, darker tone. Working with the skin, lotions increase the rate at which you brown, helping you get the most out of every tanning session. Using an indoor lotion will get you ready for swimsuit season in no time.

Moisturize. Tanning lotions include moisturizers that keep your skin soft and smooth. Dry skin looks unhealthy, old, and dull. Moisturizing your skin while you tan will help you maintain a healthy glow. Look for items that contain aloe or hemp seed oil.

Feel Great. It can get hot under those tanning bulbs. To keep you feeling cool, you should find lotions containing elements that offer a slight cooling effect and a tingling sensation. Other formulas contain “sizzling” ingredients. These types of lotion help to color the skin, and their effects can last an hour or even longer, depending on your complexion.

Nourish. Indoor tanning can take a toll on your skin. Look for lotions with skin-nourishing ingredients designed to slow down aging.  There are many options formulated with skin firming compounds and vitamins.

Prevent Burns and Uneven Tanning. Let’s face it, the whole reason you are tanning in the first place is because you want to look and feel better about yourself. Without the aid of tanning lotion, you may be at risk of burning or peeling. Uneven tans don’t look natural, and it can take a long time to fix the damage once it’s done.

A Word of Caution:

You can expose yourself to health risks if you don’t tan responsibly and take steps to protect the health of your skin. There are tons of products on the market for you to consider. If you are not sure about the quality of a product, ask a tanning salon representative or check for consumer reviews. Read labels carefully. Special lotions are available to protect your face, but they may be sold separately. Protect your skin and your image.

My tanning salon says beds are safer than the sun. Is that true?
Perhaps the greatest danger associated with indoor tanning is that people exceed approved limits and tan with the highest level beds from the very beginning. Tanning beds actually emit 3-15 times more ultraviolet (UV) rays than the sun does in summer.

Tanning lotions protect my skin, right?
The lotions sold in tanning salons do not filter the sun’s rays. In fact, just the opposite is true. Indoor tanning lotions are designed to accelerate your skin’s browning process. They contain moisturizers and colorants like, carrot oil and DHA (the active ingredient in self-tanners). Using a tanning lotion under the assumption that it will block harmful UV radiation or protect you from developing skin cancer can be very dangerous.

Can I get an STD from a tanning bed?
No. Bacteria and viruses cannot survive on tanning beds. The UV rays are effective at killing them; however, some people might develop a rash from the chemicals used to clean the beds. Also, certain medications are known to be affected by UV light, and this reaction may result in skin irritation.

Can a healthy tan protect me?
When your skin produces melanin, the cells are actually attempting to block damaging ultraviolet rays. Your skin type determines how deeply you can tan, but most tans only equate to a level 2 or 3 sun protectant factor. To put that in perspective, the FDA recommends no less than an SPF 15. If your goal is total protection, do not rely on merely a suntan.

I hardly ever burn. That means I won’t get skin cancer, right?
You may tan easily, but UV rays can still damage your skin. The changes to your skin add up over your lifetime, so it can be hard to detect damage until it’s already too late. Ease of tanning isn’t the only thing to consider. The number of moles or dark freckles you develop can also increase your risk for melanoma. Your family history should also be accounted for in your tanning regimen.

Are sunless tanning lotions really safe?
Yes. Sunless tanning products are a safe alternative. They contain DHA (dihydroxyacetone), which colors the top layer of skin. This layer is made up of mostly dead cells that you shed every four or five days.

My friend says her doctor told her to go to a tanning salon. Is she lying?
Some medical conditions like eczema and psoriasis can be treated with UV rays. The treatment is completely controlled by a doctor or trained technician and exposure is limited by the doctor’s orders. Most indoor tanning not monitored this strictly, so be careful.

If I tan in a bed before my beach vacation, will I burn?
Even if you already have a tan, you can still burn. People with lighter skin, hair and eyes have fewer natural defenses against the sun’s rays.