Having worked at a tanning salon for many years, I was always very surprised when customers would come in, purchase a tanning package, and decline using a tanning lotion. Some common responses were, "I've been tanning for years and have never used a lotion," "lotions don't work," and just plain "no, thank you."

What these customers didn't realize or want to realize is that they were having to come in more times to tan than they actually had to. The reason for this is that indoor tanning accelerators are formulated with ingredients that help the tanning process along. When you are exposed to ultraviolet light, your body reacts to this by creating melanin. Our bodies have millions of melanocyte cells that produce melanin and this substance is what causes our tans.

There are certain ingredients that help to "feed" those cells to continue producing melanin after you tan. And obviously, the more melanin produced, the darker or better tanning results.

Many other ingredients such as vitamins and moisturizers found in indoor tanning lotions help keep your skin healthy and hydrated. When tanning in a tanning bed, you will more than likely sweat. This loss of moisture can have a drying effect on your skin. If you are using a lotion that has moisturizers in it, this will keep your skin from drying out and actually prolongs your tan.

One of the easiest ways to explain the benefits of using an indoor tanning lotion is the cost savings of tanning. Let's say your are tanning in a tanning bed that costs you $10.00 per session. If you tan in that tanning bed with a lotion, you will most likely achieve your base tan in about 4 sessions. If you are not using a lotion, you will achieve your base tan in about 6 to 7 sessions. It will have taken you two to three extra sessions to achieve that base tan and that could cost you up to $30.00 extra. Not to mention the time it takes to drive to the tanning salon, check in, get undressed, tan, get dressed, and leave. This could be up to an hour's worth of your time! And time is money....

For a list of popular lotions, visit: Tanning Bed Lotions