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When looking for that perfect tan results many of us have had the idea of using indoor tanning lotions outside.
It might seem like a great tan is just a bottle away, whether you’re stepping into a tanning salon or lounging by the pool.
However, not all self-tanning lotions are made equal, and those designed to work outside, do not work well in direct sunlight.
In this blog post we aim to answer that very question, Can you use tanning bed lotion outside?
What Is Indoor Tanning Lotion Used For?
Indoor tanning lotions, or indoor lotions, are made to be used in a controlled environment.
Designed to intensify the effects of UV light, these lotions stimulate melanin production, giving you a deeper tan.
Unlike their outdoor self-tanning lotion, which works to protect the skin, indoor tanning solutions enhance your body’s natural tanning process.
They often contain ingredients like coconut oil, vitamin E, and aloe vera to nourish the skin, but notably lack sun protection factors, making them unsuitable for direct sunlight exposure.
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What Is The Difference Between Indoor And Outdoor Tanning Lotion?
The differences between indoor tanning lotions and their outdoor counterparts are very obvious.
Indoor lotions are made to be used in controlled environments, focusing on melanin production and often lacking in sun protection factors.
They work wonders in a tanning salon under UV light but fall short in direct sunlight.
On the other hand, outdoor lotions are equipped with broad-spectrum sunscreen, offering protection against both UVA and UVB rays, essential for safeguarding your skin from harmful UV rays.
This difference is important in choosing the right tanning lotions to avoid too much or not enough UV exposure.
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Does Sunbed Tanning Lotion Work In The Sun?
Wearing indoor tanning lotions before stepping under the sun may seem like a great idea, but that could cause you more harm than good.
Most tanning products meant for a UV bed do not have SPF protection, leaving your skin defenseless against direct sunlight’s harsh beams.
These lotions won’t do much without a tanning bed.
They’re crafted to accelerate melanin production under controlled UVA rays, not the unpredictable UV spectrum outdoors.
Using them under the sun is a dangerous gamble with your skin’s health, ramping up the risks for burns and long-term damage.
Mixing the lack of sun protection of indoor lotions with the hot steaming sun is just a no-no!
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Is There Sun Protection In Tanning Bed Lotions?
Most indoor tanning bed lotions are sunless tanners, which means they do not have any SPF protection.
These lotions are made to be used in a controlled environment, using UV light to give you a darker tan, not to ward off the sun’s rays.
The absence of broad-spectrum sunscreen exposes your skin to potential risks, including the acceleration of skin damage and an increased likelihood of skin cancer.
So no, there is no sun protection in tanning bed lotions, they are meant to be used as sunless tanners.
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Are There Any Benefits To Indoor Tanning?
Indoor tanning has its upsides. It allows for melanin production, leading to a desired golden glow without having to rely on the unpredictability of the sun.
This method often includes products like tanning intensifiers and accelerator lotions designed specifically for UV beds.
These aim not only for a darker tan but also to condition the skin, thanks to ingredients such as aloe vera and coconut oil.
It’s important to remember that indoor lotions should pair with sunscreen lotion when stepping outdoors to protect you against sun damage.
What Is The Best Tanning Lotion For Sunbeds?
Finding the best tanning lotion for sunbeds might have seemed like a hard task.
From tingle lotions promising a deep, sun-kissed glow to those with natural ingredients like aloe vera and coconut oil.
Over time as I tried many different tanning lotions, Devoted Creations stood out as one of the best outdoor tanning lotions for its blend of tanning accelerators and bronzers, plus its skin-nourishing vitamin E and glycol stearate SE.
This lotion, ideal for a range of skin types, helped many achieve their desired golden glow without risking skin damage. A second contender for me is the coconut kisses golden tanning lotion. Either one of these indoor tanning lotions will give you that perfect natural-looking tan.
How Best To Use An Indoor Tanning Lotion Outdoors
Using an indoor tanning lotion outside is an absolute no, these lotions lack SPF protection that’s important for screening out the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays.
Now, should you find yourself without any outdoor tanning lotion and you’re going out by the pool, there’s a workaround.
Combine your indoor lotion with a broad-spectrum sunscreen. This duo will ensure your skin gets a golden glow while protecting it against direct sunlight and UV radiation.
It’s not perfect, but it’s a stopgap for maintaining that beautiful tan without risking sun damage or skin cancer.
The Risks of Misusing Tanning Lotions
There is a great risk when switching out your indoor tanners for the outdoors, which is the increased risk of skin cancer and premature aging.
Dry skin needs to stay hydrated, yet, when exposed to direct sunlight with only an indoor lotion, your skin gets further dried out.
These products do not contain any SPF protection required to protect against harmful UVA and UVB rays, thereby increasing the chances of skin damage.
So, this one mistake that you thought would give you a deeper tan, might just accelerate aging, causing wrinkles and fine lines far sooner than you would like.
How To Tan Safely
Self-tanners are by far the safest way to tan, offering an amazing color without UV warfare.
If these are not your speed, broad-spectrum sunscreen is for you, coupled with sun tanning this is another great option. It’s a winning combo for your skin.
Can I Mix Indoor And Outdoor Tanning Lotion?
Can you mix indoor and outdoor tanning lotion? It may seem like a good idea at first.
After all, combining the deep hydrating properties of indoor lotions with the sun protection factors of outdoor lotions might offer the best of both worlds.
Each type of lotion serves a specific purpose, designed for specific uses. Indoor tanning lotions, rich in ingredients like aloe vera and coconut oil, focus on melanin production under UV light in a controlled environment.
They lack water-resistant sunscreen, which is essential for outdoor activities.
While, outdoor tanning lotions block harmful UV rays, often containing broad-spectrum SPF protection to shield your skin from premature aging and skin damage.
Combining these lotions won’t guarantee better protection; you might end up minimizing the effectiveness of both. For that beautiful tan without the negative effects, choosing the right product is important.
Choosing The Right Product For Outdoor Tanning
Finding the perfect product for sun tanning involves steering clear of indoor tanning lotions.
These are not equipped with SPF protection, leaving your skin vulnerable to harmful UV rays.
Devoted Creations may promise a sun-kissed glow or a deeper tan, but without SPF, you’re exposing yourself to potential risks like skin cancer and premature aging.
Outdoor lotions, however, are made with sun protection in mind.
They often contain ingredients like aloe vera, vitamin E, and coconut oil, which not only protect but nourish your skin.
Whether you go for a broad-spectrum sunscreen or a specific outdoor tanning lotion, ensure it offers protection against UVA and UVB rays.
This is crucial for preventing skin damage while achieving that beautiful tan.
The best option for outdoor activities is always a water-resistant sunscreen with an appropriate SPF level. It’s the best way to enjoy the sun safely.
Keep this in mind: a golden glow should never come at the expense of your health. Choose wisely, and you can have both a beautiful tan and healthy skin.
My favorite outdoor tanning lotions are the Australian Gold Bronzer Accelerator and the Maui babe Browning Lotion. They both offer great tanning power while protecting your skin from the sun.
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