Tanning guide

Sunbed lotions explained

Sunbed lotions can make your skin feel better and your colour look more even, but they're often oversold. This guide explains what accelerators, bronzers and tingles actually do, how to choose one, and how to use it well.

Questions in this guide

Do you need a separate face tanning lotion?It's a good idea. The skin on your face is thinner and more sensitive than on your body, so strong tingle or...
Do sunbed lotions contain SPF?Most don't. Sunbed lotions are designed for use under sunbed lamps, and most contain no sun protection factor, so they won't protect...
How to apply sunbed lotionApply it to clean, dry skin shortly before your session, following the instructions on the bottle. Use a thin, even layer, working...
Can you use outdoor sun cream or tanning oil on a sunbed?It's best not to. Outdoor tanning oils aren't designed for sunbeds, and many salons don't allow outdoor products because some can damage...
What does a tingle lotion do?Tingle lotions contain ingredients, often a type of nicotinate, that widen the blood vessels near the skin's surface. That causes warmth, temporary...
Accelerator vs bronzer vs tingle: what's the difference?An accelerator is a moisturising lotion with no added colour, usually the gentlest choice for beginners. A bronzer adds cosmetic colour you...
Do sunbed lotions really work?They can help, but not in the way some marketing suggests. A good sunbed lotion keeps your skin hydrated, which helps colour...
Can you use a sunbed with tattoos?You can, but UV light can fade tattoo ink over time, so cover tattoos or use a lotion designed for tattooed skin....

What lotions do, and don't do

Lotions mainly keep your skin hydrated, and bronzers add visible colour. They don't protect you from UV, most have no SPF, and claims about tanning faster have limited independent evidence. Read do sunbed lotions really work? and do sunbed lotions contain SPF?

The main types

Accelerators: moisturising, no added colour. Usually the best place to start.
Bronzers: add cosmetic colour you see straight away.
Tingles: warm, flushed, tingling feel; for experienced tanners only.

Compare them in accelerator vs bronzer vs tingle, and read what does a tingle lotion do? before trying one.