Best Tanning Lotion For Tanning Bed: Reviews Guide

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Whether it’s summer or winter, many people like the look of a bit of color.
Some turn to the tanning bed for a darker hue, faster, thinking it’s gentler than the sun. It isn’t.
Tanning beds come with risks, and serious ones. There is no safe tanning bed. UV rays from the sun and tanning equipment are classified as known carcinogens, and indoor tanning can more than double your risk of melanoma, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
The safest way to look tan is a sunless self-tanner or spray tan. If you still choose to use a tanning bed, here’s what to know about indoor tanning lotions.
You don’t have to spend hours researching what to buy. Simply read through my tanning bed lotion review.
What Are The Differences Between Indoor Vs. Outdoor Tanning Lotion?
Many people believe that you can use the same tanning lotion with the tanning bed as you would outside, but this simply isn’t true.
The differences between the two are real. When you’re outdoors, you are contending with UVA and UVB rays, so you need a broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
A tanning bed mostly emits UVA rays, along with UVB, and the AAD notes its radiation can in some cases be stronger than the sun’s. A timer limits the dose; it doesn’t make it safe.
Indoor lotions skip sunscreen because their purpose is to help you tan, which means they offer no UV protection.
Using an outdoor lotion that contains a sunscreen during your indoor tanning session won’t result in a tan and will be a waste of your time and money.
It can also leave a film on the bed and even damage the acrylic.
Indoor lotions are designed to moisturize skin and boost color, not to block UV the way sunscreens do.
Millenium Tanning New Solid Black Bronzer Tanning Bed Lotion
Our pick among tanning bed lotions is this Millenium Tanning New Solid Black Bronzer.
This ultra-advanced tanning technology features 100x silicone bronzer and it acts as a tan enhancer.
The bronzers give instant color, and moisturizers like seed oil and glycerin help keep skin from drying out. They don’t protect your skin from UV.
I love the fact that it comes in a 13.5-ounce bottle. It’s perfect for taking on the go while still providing enough lotion that I don’t need to purchase bottles too often.
I think you’ll also enjoy the subtle orchid blush fragrance that comes with this formula, giving you an overall fresh feeling.
Pros
- Quality ingredients
- 13.5-ounce bottle
- Pleasant smell
- Long-lasting moisture
Cons
Like all tanning bed lotions, it contains no sunscreen and offers no protection from UV damage.
Things To Consider
This tanning bed lotion review just wouldn’t be complete without a few tips.
When using a before and after tanning bed lotion, there are several things you’ll want to keep in mind.
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Always use the lotion on a small patch of skin first to test for any sensitivity.
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You’ll also want to test it for color. Every person’s skin will respond differently and there might be a product that provides a better shade for your skin.
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Always follow the directions on the bottle to enjoy a safe experience.
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Make sure that the lotion has been applied evenly across your entire body. Exfoliating the skin before the application will bring the best results.
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Apply the lotion 30-60 minutes before tanning for maximum results.
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Always wash your hands thoroughly after application. Otherwise, you might find that the areas around your fingers could become discolored. Always remove clothing as well to protect from the oils that are found in tanning lotions.
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Combine your tanning experience with a good after-tan moisturizer to help your color last.
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Wear protective eyewear, and have a dermatologist check any new or changing spots on your skin.
Conclusion
A good tanning bed lotion can moisturize your skin and deepen your color, but it can’t make indoor tanning safe.
If you want a bronzed look without UV damage, a sunless self-tanner or spray tan is the safer choice. Pair it with SPF 30+ sunscreen outdoors, since a self-tanner doesn’t protect you from the sun.
Sources
- 10 surprising facts about indoor tanning, American Academy of Dermatology
- Indoor tanning, American Academy of Dermatology
- How to select a sunscreen, American Academy of Dermatology



