Skip the Trends: Choose a Tanning Lotion That Actually Works
Do all the tanning lotions on the market overwhelm you? You walk into your local tanning shop, glance at the wall of lotions, panic slightly… and think, “I’ll just order one online.”
Next thing you know, you’re scrolling through TikTok or Instagram, seeing “viral” tanning products everywhere! Salt sprays, oils, nasals, injections and all promising miracle results. And suddenly you don’t know what’s real anymore.
That’s the rabbit hole.
You end up following a trend instead of facts, using a lotion that isn’t suited to your skin, isn’t professionally formulated, or worse… something that can actually damage your skin long-term. Many of these products only look good online because someone is being paid to promote them. The results? Short-lived, exaggerated, or completely fabricated.
One of the most common questions we hear is:
“Do tanning lotions even work, or is it just a sales pitch?”
We get why you’d think that but there’s real science behind it. Professional tanning lotions are designed to boost your natural melanin production (melanin is what allows your skin to tan). On top of that, they hydrate, nourish, and protect the skin. And this part is crucial…
Dry skin acts like a barrier.
If your skin isn’t hydrated, it physically cannot tan efficiently. Without a lotion, you’re not only missing out on melanin boosters, you’re also wasting the tanning time you’re paying for. Less colour, uneven results, and faster fade.
Hydrated skin = a better, longer-lasting tan.
So now that we’ve cleared up why do lotions matter, let’s talk about which one actually suits you.
In our salon, every lotion we stock is trialled, tested, and chosen for a reason. We don’t just sell products, we stand behind them. We have lotions for sensitive skin, acne-prone skin, eczema or psoriasis, dry skin, tattooed clients, fragrance lovers and fragrance-free fans… the list goes on. Every lotion has a purpose.
That’s something TikTok and Instagram simply cannot do.
An algorithm doesn’t know your skin concerns. We do.
While there are educators online who genuinely share good information, it can be hard to tell who’s being honest and who’s being paid.
Our rule is simple: anything other than a professionally formulated tanning lotion is a no-go. Using unregulated products can cause serious, long-term damage to your skin (damage that isn’t always reversible).
Now let’s make things super simple.
Accelerators vs Bronzers: What’s the difference?
- Accelerator lotions help stimulate your natural melanin production, building a tan gradually and naturally.
- Bronzer lotions do the same but also contain cosmetic bronzers for an instant glow while your natural tan develops underneath.
Both work — it just depends on your skin, your tanning goals, and what feels best for you.
And what about tingle lotions?
We get asked this a lot.
Yes, tingle lotions are professionally formulated but we do not stock them, and here’s why. Tingle lotions work by drawing blood to the surface of the skin, causing redness, heat, and discomfort. Pain should never be part of tanning. Anything that causes that level of irritation is not healthy for your skin.
The “darker” look people claim is extremely short-lived, often leaving skin dry, irritated, and damaged. Many people feel like they’ve “lost their colour” quickly and jump back on a Sunbed sooner, which only worsens the cycle.
Comfort, skin health, and results should always come first.
The Takeaway From This
If you’re ever unsure what to buy then ask us. Even if we don’t stock a particular lotion, we’ll always guide you in the right direction. Not to sell you something, but because we genuinely care about your skin and your results.
Skip the trends. Ignore the viral hype.
Choose facts, professional formulations, and expert advice.
From now on professionally formulated accelerators and bronzers only.
Happy tanning <3
