11 Tanning Bed & Tan Accelerator Lotions to Help You Bronze Faster

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It’s not dramatic, but no one wants to start the summer looking pale. There are many ways to get your skin looking radiant ahead of the summer. You can use a sunless self-tanner at your home. However, some people may prefer to use the tanning beds at a salon. Both methods will leave you with beautifully bronzed skin that you’ll be ready to show off once the summer rolls around, but there a few things that anyone should know before heading to a solarium for a tanning session.

What are the Essential Things to Know Before I Book a Tanning Bed Appointment

We can’t sugarcoat the risks of using a tanning bed, even if you want to go in for just a couple of sessions. According to Health Research Funding, exposure to intense UV light can increase your risk of developing skin cancer by 75%. It can also accelerate the signs of aging such as wrinkles and fine lines. But we’re not in the business of shaming anyone who prefers using a tanning bed over at-home tanning, just as long as the risks are understood.

Although indoor tanning is not recommended for health reasons, some consumers may see cosmetic benefits. Tans that are applied to the skin by tanning beds last longer and fade faster than self-tanners. The salon experience can be relaxing and the ritual of going there can be very relaxing. A great tanning bed cream will help you achieve better results if you plan to book an appointment. There are many products that can be used for both the tanning bed or as a sunbathing accelerator to give you a deeper bronze glow.

Additionally, we included options that you can use outdoors as well if you’re not comfortable with using tanning beds due to the risks we’ve mentioned. These lotions can help you get a solid foundation tan for the summer. So, read on!

Sun Bum Browning Lotion

This lotion was specifically designed for use out in the sun while you’re at the beach, pool or simply catching some rays in the park! We recommend using it with sunscreen to protect your skin. It helps you get a tan faster so that you don’t have to spend a lot of time out in the sun. It only takes a few days to get that bronze glow!

Pros

Cons 

• It can be messy and stain towels
• Some people don’t like the scent.

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Available at

Tanning Paradise Black Coconut Love Tanning Lotion

Amazon customers rate this tanning cream as superior to salon products, which can cost twice as much. You can use it outdoors or in tanning beds to achieve a deep tan in record-breaking time. It also protects your skin from the sun. This lotion is ideal for those with tattoos, as it helps prevent skin fading from sunlight exposure.

Pros

• Top-selling product
• Indoor and outdoor friendly
• Salon-level quality

Cons 

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COCOSOLIS Choco Suntan & Body Oil

This accelerator can also be used outdoors and in tanning booths to help you get a glowing complexion faster. It contains a variety of organic oils, vitamins and minerals that will keep your skin healthy and prolong your tan. Although it does contain SPF, we recommend that you use a more powerful sunscreen along with this product.

Pros

• Rich formula
• This product is great for fair skin

Cons 

• Some shoppers aren’t fond of the cocoa scent
• Priced slightly higher

It’s there!

Available at

Lotion for dark tanning with Australian Gold Australian Gold

Although some Amazon shoppers did note that this lotion worked well in a tanning bed, the general consensus is that it’s better suited for outdoor use. It’s said to help your skin prepare for tanning with a biosine complex so that you’re left with beautiful long-lasting color after your sunbathing session! This would be a great addition to sunscreen to prevent skin from burning.

Pros

• Below $10
• Thousands upon thousands of five-star reviews

Cons 

• Indoor tanning may not be possible with this product.

It’s there!

Available at

Somewhere on a beach Instant Dark Tanning Lotion

This lotion is another great option that customers love to pick up when they are looking to save money before going to the salon. It works just as well as the products that are sold behind the counter, and reviewers say it’s worth every penny. You can use it in a tanning bed and outside to help you achieve a perfect glow — while giving your skin a touch of bronzy shimmer right after application!

Pros

• Shimmery finish
• Amazing tropical scent
• Salon-level quality

Cons 

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The Fox Tan Rapid Elixir

This lotion is a bit different than the other ones we’ve mentioned, because you can actually start using it to prep your skin for up to five days before your sunbathing or tanning bed session! What it does is help to kick start your skin’s natural melanin levels in order to give you the best tanning result possible once you step into the sun! That being said, make sure that you’re using a high SPF to prevent burning while using this product.

Pros

• Great for fair skin types
• Amazing dark results

Cons 

• To get the best results, you need to use it with other products

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Available at: Ulta

Maui Babe Browning Lotion

This is the OG tanning cream! Shoppers have been using this product for years and years, and claim they haven’t found an accelerator that works as well as this one does. It’s made from natural ingredients sourced in Hawaii that give you an even, deep and dark tan in a matter of hours, as opposed to baking all day. This outdoor-only formula can be used with all sunscreens. It has received countless 5-star reviews from customers!

Pros

• Amazing results
• Affordable
• For many shoppers, this is the go-to product

Cons 

• It can be a bit confusing to use
• The scent isn’t everyone’s favorite

It’s there!

Available at: Ulta

Devoted Creations Famous Facial Perfecting Hypoallergenic Tan Lotion

This lotion is specifically made for the face to help you achieve a beautiful complexion. Most of the tanning products that we’ve mentioned already are safe to use on the face, but may cause irritation for sensitive skin types. This lotion is hypoallergenic, lightweight and even includes anti-aging ingredients to help retain your skin’s youthful appearance while tanning!

Pros

• Just for your face
• Anti-aging cream
• Pleasant and light scent

Cons 

• Didn’t work for some shoppers

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Hempz Dark Tan Maximizer

Sensitive skin types who are prone to irritation may need a tan accelerator that’s a bit gentler, which is where this product can come in handy! The 100% vegan formula is free of paraben, nut, and hypoallergenic. Natural calming ingredients like oatmeal extract are also included to soothe and calm the skin.

Pros

• Non-greasy
• Additional hydrating

Cons 

• Some shoppers complained of irritation
• Pricey

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Hawaiian Tropic Dark Tanning Sun Care Moisturizing Oil

If you’re looking for an incredible value, look no further! This set of 2 dark tanning oils is less than $20 and has been a favorite with customers for decades. It moisturizes your skin and leaves you with a coconut scent that will transport to a tropical paradise.

Pros

• Super affordable
• Wonderful coconut scent

Cons 

• Ideal for outdoor tanning
• Some may find it a little too oily

It’s there!

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That’s What Sea Said Tanning Lotion Accelerator

This accelerator is great for indoor and outdoor tanning. It stimulates melanin production which can help you get tanned skin quicker. A blend of Tyrosines are included in the formula which essentially jumpstarts the tanning process so that you don’t have to spend as much time in the sun! It’s also ideal for tattoo protection and includes anti-aging ingredients to keep your skin looking and feeling youthful!

Pros

• Less tan time
• Beautiful tropical scent

Cons 

• Sunburns can be caused by improper SPF outdoor use.

It’s there!

Available at

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