Most avid tanners have a special lotion that they are partial to before tanning. Some help to add an instant bronze glow, others help to increase the tan while they are in the tanning bed, and some help to cool you off as you bask in the heated glow. But, did you know that you should always use a lotion after you step out of the tanning bed? Most of the popular pre-tanning lotions out there today have ingredients that help to accelerate and stimulate the skin to produce the tanned look as you are laying in the warm tanning bed. While these lotions are a great way to help get you to your tanning goal faster, they aren’t a great way to keep your skin looking healthy.

Most lotions that tanning salons offer to customers are accelerates, which means that they help your tan to develop faster. No matter whether you are a new tanner or a veteran, you should always choose the right lotion for you so you don’t risk burning yourself while you are enjoying your tan. New tanners should always choose the lowest level of tanning lotion for the first couple of sessions. This will help your skin and body become use to the lotion and you will know if you are going to see results with that particular type of lotion or not. After a few sessions, you can jump up to the next level. Some veteran tanners use the highest level of accelerates that would burn unexposed skin on the first time. So, be sure that you choose the right lotion for your level. Choosing the wrong level will not only heighten your burn risk, but it will pull out many of the nutrients that your skin needs to help you gain that healthy tanned look.

But, newer tanning lotions are adding in several new ingredients that help to ensure you don’t lose as much. Ingredients such as: Vitamin E, Aloe Vera, Hemp, Copper, amino acids, and many more. Some of these items are known to help smooth skin to help fight against wrinkles, and to help aid in the repair after sunlight exposure. These ingredients are becoming very popular, and most tanning lotions are becoming useful as both before and after tanning bed exposure. This saves the customer money instead of purchasing two or more lotions for their tanning needs.

Another great use for tanning lotions is aromatherapy. Manufacturers today are adding in some of the most popular scents in their lotions to give customers an added bonus of relaxation while they are enjoying their tan. This is great for those who use tanning as a way to unwind and relax after a hectic day at the office or with the family.

Just be sure that you take the time to apply these lotions, no matter which ones you choose, before and after you tan. A safe rule of thumb is right before tanning, and no more than one hour after tanning. This will help your skin to stay safe and look beautiful for years to come.