Choosing an indoor tanning lotion can feel a little confusing when you’re faced with terms like accelerator, immediate bronzer and delayed bronzer. What’s the difference, and which type of tanning lotion is right for you?
While they all have a place in an indoor tanning routine, each type of lotion works slightly differently and offers a different approach to achieving a bronzed look.
In this guide, we’re breaking down the different types of indoor tanning lotions, how they work and some of the Australian Gold formulas to look out for.
What Is an Indoor Tanning Lotion?
Indoor tanning lotions are specially formulated to be used as part of an indoor tanning routine. They can help keep the skin feeling moisturised while supporting the tanning process and, depending on the formula, can add instant or developing colour.
The biggest difference between tanning lotions comes down to their ingredients and the type of result they are designed to provide.
Let's take a closer look.
What Is an Accelerator?
An accelerator is a tanning lotion designed to moisturise the skin while supporting your skin's natural tanning process.
Unlike a bronzer, an accelerator doesn't add an instant cosmetic colour to the skin. Instead, it is generally a good option for those who want to gradually build their colour as part of a consistent indoor tanning routine.
We have a range of tanning lotions designed for different preferences and tanning routines. Accelerators are a great place to start if you're looking for a lotion without added bronzing ingredients.
An accelerator could be a good choice if you:
Prefer to build your colour gradually
Want a simple lotion for your indoor tanning routine
Don't want an immediate bronzed effect
What Is an Immediate Bronzer?
An immediate bronzer is designed to give the skin an instant bronzed appearance.
These lotions contain cosmetic bronzing ingredients that provide visible colour as soon as the lotion is applied, meaning you can see a bronzed effect straight away rather than waiting for colour to develop.
Immediate bronzers are a popular choice for anyone who likes to see an instant difference after applying their tanning lotion.
Some Australian Gold lotions are formulated with immediate bronzing ingredients to give you that instant bronzed look.
Daringly Dark and Fearlessly Bronze are two Australian Gold favourites for those looking for a deeper-looking bronzed finish.
An immediate bronzer could be a good choice if you:
Want to see colour straight away
Like an instant bronzed appearance
Want to add a bronzing effect to your tanning routine
What Is a Delayed Bronzer?
A delayed bronzer works differently from an immediate bronzer. Rather than providing colour straight away, delayed bronzers contain ingredients such as DHA (dihydroxyacetone), which gradually develops colour on the skin.
This means the colour you see immediately after your session isn't necessarily the final result. The bronzing effect develops over the following hours.
DHA reacts with amino acids in the outermost layer of the skin to create a temporary bronzed appearance. This is why DHA-based bronzers are often referred to as delayed bronzers.
Australian Gold offers a selection of formulas containing DHA for those who want colour that develops over time.
A delayed bronzer could be a good choice if you:
Want colour that develops after your tanning session
Prefer a developing bronzed result rather than an instant cosmetic colour
Are looking for a lotion containing DHA
Which Indoor Tanning Lotion Should You Choose?
There isn't one tanning lotion that works for everyone. The best choice depends on the type of result you're looking for and where you are in your tanning routine.
Want to build your colour gradually?
An accelerator could be the place to start.
Want to see an instant bronzed effect?
An immediate bronzer could be a better fit.
Want your colour to develop over the hours after your session?
Look for a delayed bronzer containing DHA.
Whichever type you choose, it's important to follow the guidance provided by your tanning salon and the product instructions.
Don't Forget Your Skin After Tanning
Your tanning routine doesn't end when you leave the sunbed.
Keeping your skin moisturised can help it feel soft, smooth and hydrated, which is why an aftercare product such as an Australian Gold Hemp Nation moisturiser or tan extender can be a useful addition to your routine.
Regular moisturising is particularly important during the colder months, when skin can be more prone to feeling dry.
Find Your Australian Gold Tanning Lotion
From everyday accelerators to instant and developing bronzers, Australian Gold has a range of tanning lotions to suit different tanning routines and preferences.
Not sure which formula is right for you? Explore the Australian Gold range and find a lotion that fits the type of result you're looking for.
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