Which Tanning Lotion is Best for You?

Written by Emily McBride (last updated April 19, 2021)

You may be sick of your white, winter skin and ready for a golden, summer tan. Today, there are many different ways to get a tan. You can lie out in the sun the old-fashioned way, you can spend some time in a tanning bed at a tanning salon, or you can use a sunless tanning lotion. Although it may feel good to let your skin soak in the sun's rays, too much sun can be dangerous—and not just because it will give you a sunburn. UV rays greatly contribute to the risk of skin cancer, and too much sun can increase wrinkles later in life. Tanning beds have also been proven to damage parts of your eyes.

So, with the risks involved with tanning in tanning beds or even outside with the sun, it seems obvious that using a tanning lotion is the safest route to go. Many people do not want to do this because they, or someone else they know, has had a bad experience with tanning lotion in the past that has left their skin an orange color or made their skin splotchy. Fortunately, sunless tanning lotions have improved over the past few years. You should not have a problem with an orange or splotchy orange color if you're careful. Here are some tips to keep in mind as you are using sunless tanning lotion:

  • Follow the directions on the package. You can't expect a product to work right if you are not following the manufacturer's directions. If the packaging tells you to moisturize first, then moisturize first. If the packaging tells you to rub the lotion into your skin in a particular way, than do it.
  • Keep your skin moisturized. First of all, moisturized skin naturally looks better and feels softer than dry skin. Having smooth, soft skin will help you apply a more even and natural looking tan.
  • If possible, pick a tanning lotion that also contains sunscreen. Just because you are not using a tanning bed does not mean your skin is going to be protected from the sun. Take an extra precaution and put on some SPF before you go out for the day.
  • Experiment. Different tanning lotions look better on different people, depending on their skin. If possible, try out the lotion on a part of your skin that is not very noticeable. Compare to find the lotion that looks the most natural and lasts the longest for you.

Be persistent! Using a lotion may seem to be a pain at first, but it will be worth it to your skin and your body in the end.

Author Bio

Emily McBride

A senior majoring in English and editing at BYU, Emily hopes to enter the field of professional editing upon graduation. Emily has done humanitarian work in Africa and studied in London. She enjoys blogging, foreign films, and playing the piano. ...

MORE FROM EMILY

Removing Lipstick Stains

Lipstick can add a lot to your outfit—but not when it gets off your lips and onto your clothes. Keep reading for ...

Discover More

The Best Eye Shadow for Blue Eyes

Ready to make your baby blues "pop"? With some simple guidance, you can find the best eye shadows for your blue eyes.

Discover More

The Best Eye Shadow for Green Eyes

Are you one of the lucky few with green eyes? Follow these tips for what colors of eye shadow to use to make your eyes "pop."

Discover More
More Beauty Tips

Getting a Great Tan Safely

It's summer, and you want a tan. Safe tanning is a touchy subject, but here are some ways to make sure that you at least ...

Discover More

Picking a Tanning Salon

No matter if you choose UV bulbs or tanning spray to tan your skin, a reputable tanning salon will offer both methods to ...

Discover More

Great Ways to Tan

A common perception is that a summer glow often makes a person look healthier and happier. But, obtaining that alluring ...

Discover More
Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is six more than 3?

There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)