
A sunbed cream enhances tanning by boosting melanin, hydrating the skin, and prolonging the tan.
What Is A Sunbed Cream?
Sunbed lotions come in different types, each designed to enhance tanning results, protect the skin, or provide additional skincare benefits. Here are the main types:
- Tingle
- Tingle/Bronzer
- Bronzer
- Accelerator
- Cooling Lotion
- Bodycare
How To Apply A Sunbed Cream
Proper application of sunbed cream ensures even coverage, deeper tanning, and well-hydrated skin. Follow these steps to maximize your tan and avoid streaks or patchiness.
- Exfoliate Before Tanning:
Remove dead skin cells with a gentle body scrub or exfoliating mitt.
Focus on dry areas like elbows, knees, and ankles to prevent uneven tanning.
- Choose the Right Sunbed Cream
Bronzer Lotions – Provide instant or delayed tanning effects.
Tingle Lotions – Stimulate circulation for a faster tan (not for sensitive skin).
Cooling Lotions – Soothe and refresh skin post-tan.
Moisturising Lotions – Hydrate and extend your tan.
- Apply Evenly to Clean, Dry Skin
Wait a few minutes to allow the cream to absorb fully.
Avoid rubbing it off on clothes or towels.
- Let It Absorb Before Entering the Sunbed
Wait a few minutes to allow the cream to absorb fully.
Avoid rubbing it off on clothes or towels.
- Wash Hands Immediately After Application
Prevents unwanted stains on palms and nails, especially with bronzers.
- Tan in the Sunbed as Usual
Follow recommended time limits based on your skin type.
Use eye protection to avoid UV exposure to your eyes.
Accelerator & Intensfier Lotions
A sunbed accelerator is a tanning lotion designed to speed up the natural tanning process by stimulating melanin production in the skin. These lotions are ideal for beginners or those looking to build a base tan quickly. They contain ingredients that promote an even, natural-looking tan while keeping the skin hydrated and nourished.
Key Benefits of Accelerator Lotions:
- Speeds Up Tanning – Helps the skin tan faster by stimulating melanin production.
- Hydrates & Moisturizes – Prevents dryness, which can cause uneven or peeling tans.
- Provides a Natural Glow – Produces a more natural-looking tan without streaks.
- Skin-Nourishing Ingredients – Many contain vitamins, aloe vera, or collagen to improve skin health.
- Suitable for All Skin Types – Great for beginners or those with fair skin.
Common Ingredients in Accelerators
- Tyrosine – Stimulates melanin production.
- Aloe Vera – Soothes and hydrates the skin.
- Coconut Oil / Shea Butter – Provides deep moisture.
- Vitamin E & C – Protects against free radicals and signs of aging.
- Collagen & Hyaluronic Acid – Helps maintain skin elasticity.
How Do Accelerators Work?
Sunbed accelerator lotions work by using ingredients like tyrosine and melanin boosters to enhance the skin’s ability to tan. When exposed to UV rays, these components encourage melanin production, which deepens the tan more efficiently.
Best Sellers:
- Devoted Creations White 2 Bronze Pomegranate
- Supre Tan Go To Black Accelerator
- Devoted Creations White 2 Bronze Watermelon Gelee Tanning Lotion
- Power Tan Non-Stop Black Tanning Lotion Accelerator
Bronzer Lotions
A bronzer sunbed cream is a specialized tanning lotion designed to enhance and accelerate the tanning process when using a sunbed. These creams contain bronzing agents that either provide an instant color boost or develop a deeper tan over time. They also include skin-nourishing ingredients to keep the skin hydrated and healthy during tanning.
Types of Bronzer Sunbed Creams:
- Instant Bronzers – Provide an immediate tint to the skin for an instant glow. These are often cosmetic and wash off after a shower.
- DHA Bronzers – Contain Dihydroxyacetone (DHA), a key ingredient that reacts with amino acids in the skin to develop a tan over several hours.
- Natural Bronzers – Use plant-based ingredients such as caramel, walnut extract, or henna to provide an immediate but temporary tan.
- Delayed Bronzers – Work overtime to deepen the tan, usually lasting longer than instant bronzers.
Common Ingredients:
- DHA (Dihydroxyacetone) – A self-tanning ingredient that reacts with amino acids in the skin to develop a tan over a few hours.
- Erythrulose – A slower-acting bronzer that works with DHA for a longer-lasting tan.
-Caramel Extract – A natural bronzing agent that provides an instant golden glow.
-Walnut Extract – Offers a natural bronzing effect and enhances skin tone.
-Henna Extract – Used for natural bronzing and color-enhancing properties.
Best Sellers:
- Power Tan 24k Aura Sunbed Cream
- Power Tan Ultima Dark Collagen
- Devoted Creations Black Velvet Sunbed Cream
- Soleo Beauty Face Bronzer Pot
Tingle Lotions
A tingle lotion is a type of tanning accelerator designed for use in sunbeds. It contains active ingredients that increase blood circulation to the skin, creating a warming or tingling sensation. This effect stimulates oxygen flow to the skin cells, helping to boost melanin production and achieve a faster, deeper tan.
Who Should Use a Tingle Lotion?
- Experienced Tanners – Best for people who already have a base tan and want to go darker.
- Not for Sensitive Skin – Tingle lotions can cause redness and irritation, so they should be avoided by those with sensitive or easily irritated skin.
- Great for Hard-to-Tan Areas – Helps tan-resistant areas like legs develop color faster.
Common Ingredients in Tingle Lotions:
- Methyl Nicotinate / Benzyl Nicotinate – Increases blood flow for faster tanning.
- Capsicum Extract – Derived from chili peppers, adds a natural heat effect.
- Aloe Vera & Vitamin E – Soothe and hydrate the skin to balance the tingling effect.
- Bronzers (DHA, Caramel, Walnut Extract) – Enhance and deepen the tan.
- Caffeine & Anti-Aging Ingredients – Help firm and tone the skin
Things to Consider Before Using
- Mild Redness is Normal – The tingling effect may cause temporary redness that fades after a few hours.
- Patch Test First – Test on a small area to gauge your skin’s reaction.
- Avoid Face & Sensitive Areas – The intense warming effect can be too strong for delicate skin.
- Wash hands immediately after use. – Prevent irritation or accidental contact with eyes.
Best Sellers:
- Pro Tan Hot Tottie
- Devoted Creations White 2 Bronze Tingle
- Power Tan Ultima Quad Phoenix
- Power Tan Black Onyx Tanning Cream
- Synergy Tan Poison Apple Tanning Lotion
- Fiesta Sun Mango Melt Sunbed Cream
Tingle/Bronzer Lotions
A tingle bronzer is a tanning lotion that combines tingle technology with bronzing agents to maximize tanning results in a sunbed. It stimulates blood flow to enhance melanin production while also providing an instant or delayed bronzing effect for a darker, longer-lasting tan.
How Does a Tingle Bronzer Work?
- Tingle Effect – Ingredients like Methyl Nicotinate or Capsicum Extract increase circulation, bringing oxygen to the skin and speeding up tanning.
- Instant & Delayed Bronzers – Natural bronzers (caramel, walnut extract) give immediate color, while DHA (Dihydroxyacetone) develops a deeper tan over a few hours.
- Skin Nourishment – Aloe vera, shea butter, and vitamins keep skin hydrated, preventing dryness and peeling.
Who Should Use a Tingle Bronzer?
- Experienced tanners looking to break through a tanning plateau
- People who want a deeper, darker tan in fewer sessions
- Not recommended for sensitive skin due to the intense tingling sensation
Common Ingredients in Tingle Bronzers:
- Tingle Agents: Methyl Nicotinate, Capsicum Extract
- Bronzers: DHA (delayed), Caramel, Walnut Extract (instant)
- Hydration: Aloe Vera, Shea Butter, Coconut Oil
- Skin Firming & Anti-Aging: Caffeine, CoQ10, Collagen Boosters
Benefits of Tingle Bronzers:
- Faster & Darker Tan – Speeds up melanin production
- Enhanced Color – Bronzers create an immediate and lasting glow
- Hydrated, Nourished Skin – Prevents dryness and irritation
Things to Keep in Mind:
- Redness & Warm Sensation is Normal – The effect can last a few hours
- Avoid Face & Sensitive Areas – Too intense for delicate skin
- Wash Hands After Use – Prevents accidental staining or irritation
Best Sellers:
- Devoted Creations Fuel My Fire Tanning Lotion
Bodycare
Using a high-quality moisturiser is essential for maintaining healthy skin and prolonging a sunbed tan. Sunbed tanning can dry out the skin, so using a hydrating, tan-extending body moisturiser helps keep the skin soft, prevents peeling, and enhances the longevity of your tan.
Types of Moisturisers for Sunbed Tanning:
- After-Tan Moisturisers – Specifically designed to lock in tan color, prevent fading, and hydrate post-tanning skin.
- Tan Extenders – Contain mild bronzers or tan-boosting ingredients like DHA to maintain and deepen your tan.
- Intensive Hydrating Lotions – Rich in aloe vera, shea butter, coconut oil, and hyaluronic acid to restore moisture.
Common Ingredients in Sunbed Moisturisers:
- Aloe Vera – Soothes and cools skin after tanning.
- Shea Butter & Cocoa Butter – Deeply nourishes dry skin.
- Coconut Oil & Jojoba Oil – Locks in moisture and gives a silky feel.
- Vitamin E & C – Antioxidants that protect against skin damage.
- Hyaluronic Acid – Retains moisture for plump, healthy skin.
- Collagen & CoQ10 – Helps firm and maintain skin elasticity.
Tips for Using a Sunbed Moisturiser:
- Apply daily to prevent peeling and keep skin soft.
- Use a tan extender if you want to prolong your sunbed tan.
- Avoid heavy oils before tanning – They can block UV absorption.
- Drink plenty of water – Hydration starts from within!
Best Sellers:
- Brown Sugar After Dark
Cooling Lotion
A cooling sunbed lotion is designed to soothe, refresh, and hydrate the skin after tanning. It helps counteract the heat from UV exposure, reducing redness, irritation, and dryness while leaving the skin feeling cool, calm, and refreshed.
Benefits of Cooling Sunbed Lotions:
- Soothes Overheated Skin – Provides a cooling sensation to reduce post-tan redness.
- Hydrates & Repairs – Replenishes lost moisture, preventing peeling and dryness.
- Enhances Tan Longevity – Keeps skin nourished for an even, long-lasting tan.
- Prevents Irritation – Calms sensitive skin after UV exposure.
Common Ingredients in Cooling Sunbed Lotions:
- Aloe Vera – Cools and hydrates the skin while reducing redness.
- Menthol or Peppermint Extract – Provides an instant cooling effect.
- Cucumber Extract – Soothes and refreshes overheated skin.
- Hyaluronic Acid – Retains moisture for deep hydration.
- Vitamin E & C – Antioxidants that protect skin from UV damage.
- Coconut Water – Hydrates and gives a lightweight, refreshing feel.
When to Use a Cooling Lotion:
- After sunbed tanning – To calm and refresh the skin.
- For sensitive skin – Helps prevent irritation from UV exposure.
- During hot weather – A great daily moisturiser for overheated skin.
Best Sellers:
- Devoted Creations Him Fit