tanning lotion for fair skin for tanning bed

12 Best Self Tanning Lotions for Sun-Kissed Skin Lovers

You’ve come to the right spot if you want to fake tan to achieve that coveted bronze glow without spending time in the sun or taking a trip. It can be exhausting to rush to the salon every time you want to add some color to your skin, but not with these solutions at your disposal. These self-tanners can give you the ideal glow that turns into the exact natural gold tan you want. These creams don’t alter the skin’s natural tone; instead, they give off an instant hint of luminous bronze. So, go ahead and check out our list of the 12  best self-tanning lotions.

Sun Laboratories Tan Overnight Self-Tanning Lotion

This lotion from Sun Laboratories is good if you want the longest-lasting, highest-quality self-tanner. Both the face and the body can benefit from this perfect tanner. For the best skin care and nourishment, it also has a fast-drying composition and is enriched with vitamins C and E. Finally, this self-tanner will help you get a deep shade and bronzed glow without streaks or mess. We promise that it will maintain the radiance and health of your skin. Spreading it evenly can be a little challenging, though.

M. Asam SUN Self Tanning Fluid

Next up is a flawless self-tanner that produces results that look natural and lasts for a long time. It has been expertly produced by the brand M.Asam with consideration for the demands of all women who desire gorgeous, honey-colored skin that has tanned. You can show off your summer-like tan all year round with this self-tanning fluid. The product’s promise to provide even and streak-free results within a few hours of application attracted users.

L’Oréal Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Facial Water Mist

This is among the best sunless tanning lotions on the market. This recipe offered you a new glow that appeared practically soon after application, unlike other formulas that would have left your skin looking somewhat reddish or orangey. This face mist is designed to be spritzed onto a cotton pad and then swiped across the face, saving direct spritzing for the neck and decollete. Most self-tanning face mists are applied by spraying them on. Although this is a little annoying, in the end, it was rather beneficial because the formula has a guiding color that made it simple to see where we had applied it. Just remember to put it on your ears! When we first visited, we didn’t notice this place, which was really obvious.

Sol by Jergens No Wait Tropical Tan 

Consider SOL by Jergens as a tropical getaway for your skin. The foaming self-tanner mousse No Wait Tropical Tan is made to give you a quick, natural-looking tan that will have others wondering when you return from vacation. Formulated with a coconut water infusion and a tanning active made from natural sugars. A color guide is included with Sol by Jergens instant tanner to help you get a custom-made, instantly gorgeous hue. With only one application, the natural-looking tan is appealing, but it was evident that layering the mixture would result in a deeper glow. Seasons self-tanner enthusiasts agreed that its lovely flower aroma was superior to other solutions they had tried. The tan lasts for five days when it is fully set in.

Jergens Natural Glow Sunless Tanning Lotion

If you’re looking for a tanning lotion for tanning beds that works well on fair skin, this is for you. Even if the beach is miles (or months) away, Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer for Body progressively adds subtle color by itself. Your natural skin tone will be enhanced in a few days if you apply at least once a day, and you’ll have a gorgeous, natural-looking color in about a week. In addition to moisturizing elements, antioxidants, and Vitamin E, Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer for Body also keeps your skin nourished while enhancing its glow.

Neutrogena Build-A-Tan Gradual Sunless Tanning Lotion

You have control over the tint of your tan thanks to the Neutrogena Sunless Tanning Lotion. With each application, it provides a subtle hint of color that progressively intensifies to the color you prefer. The tan appears realistic and natural thanks to this lotion. The darker the shade, the more often you apply it. This creamy lotion works well for daily usage and aids in color development in two to four hours. If you rub it all in, you’ll have orange streaks on your 

complexion, even though this is perhaps one of the best self-tanning lotions for fair skin.

Coppertone Glow Protect and Tan Sunscreen Lotion

With a water-resistant composition that lasts up to 80 minutes, Coppertone Glow Protect is a lightweight, moisturizing sunscreen that offers effective protection against UVA and UVB rays. With an SPF rating of 45, you can be confident that the lotion will provide your skin with adequate protection from damaging UV rays. Your skin feels nourished and soft all day because of the special combination of nutrients in this product, including vitamin E and aloe vera extract. For a tan that looks natural, it functions as a progressive self-tanner. Use caution as this may transfer slightly.

Tan Towel Self Tan Towelette Classic

In just a few hours, TanTowel towelettes with their clear self-tanning formula interact with your skin’s proteins and amino acids to create a healthy, natural sunless tan. Apply in circular motions to your body’s clean, dry skin; wash your hands right away. There are ten of them in a pack. The tanning formula is injected into each professional-grade fiber towel, blending with the skin’s proteins and amino acids to create a tan that is natural and devoid of sun exposure. The skin lasts over several hours. In one step, the towel tans exfoliates, and hydrates the skin. For a deeper tan, reapply the towel.

Golden Star Beauty Self-Tanner Lotion

Sensitive skin types can safely use Golden Star Beauty self-tanning lotion. Aloe vera, sugarcane extract, natural oils, and organic hyaluronic acid are added to help gradually darken the skin tone. Because it hydrates and nourishes the skin while shielding it from the effects of early aging, it is perfect for dry skin. The pregnancy-safe self-tanner has received multiple favorable reviews and provides a smooth, streak-free application without an artificial orange color. But for some customers, the unpleasant smell could be a touch off-putting.

Coola Organic Sunless Tanning Lotion

This all-natural sunless tanning lotion tightens, tones, and tans skin for summertime use. The pina colada-scented, transfer-resistant lotion creates a subtle, streak-free glow. Caffeine and hydrating shea butter are also included in the Ecocert-certified recipe to make skin appear smoother and firmer. To those who prefer somewhat strong-smelling goods, its tropical scent is amazing. Although it can be challenging to apply uniformly, this tanning lotion is nonetheless effective.

Australian Gold Gradual Sunless Lotion

The Australian Gold Gradual Sunless Lotion’s specifically formulated tanning mix results in a lovely tan. It produces a gorgeous tan without causing the typical UV and solar damage to the skin that occurs with a tan that is obtained organically. To create the ideal natural bronze tint, the product is enhanced with a combination of DHA and erythrulose, caramel, black walnut, and DermaDark bronzers. Its Fade-Defy Technology combines vitamin C-rich kakadu plum with skin-moisturizing shea butter to keep color vibrant for an extended period of time. While caffeine gives you energy, a combination of chamomile extract and vitamin B moisturizes and softens your skin.

VITA LIBERATA Advanced Organics Fabulous Self-Tanning Gradual Tan Lotion

You can use VITA LIBERATA’s Fabulous Gradual Self-Tanning Lotion as a daily moisturizer. It hydrates and moisturizes your skin while giving it a beautiful color. Aloe vera extracts that are 100% organic are added to the tanner to restore sun damage and calm and soothe the skin. This formula’s ingredients—natural silk, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin—restore skin health and fight and prevent indications of aging. Shea butter, papaya, and witch hazel, which are antimicrobial components, form a barrier to safeguard the skin from UV radiation.  It is suitable for all skin tones, even sensitive skin, due to its soft formulation.

Although people who prefer tanned skin don’t always agree with each other, spending lengthy hours in the sun and exposing your skin to UV rays can be your worst nightmare. Our selection of the top 12 self-tanning creams above will alter your life if you enjoy being outside in the sun but detest UV rays.

How Long Does it Take to Tan?

If you are planning a day out in the sun, one of the questions that might come to your mind is how long does it take to tan? While a lot of factors can influence tanning time, such as skin type, sunscreen application, and intensity of sunlight, this article will give you a comprehensive guide on what to expect.

Factors That Affect Tanning Time

Skin Type

The amount of melanin in your skin determines your skin type. People with fair skin usually have less melanin and, therefore, burn easily. On the other hand, people with darker skin have more melanin and can tolerate more extended periods of sun exposure.

Sunscreen Application

Sunscreen protects the skin from harmful UV rays and reduces the risk of sunburn and skin damage. However, applying sunscreen can delay the tanning process or prevent it altogether.

Intensity of Sunlight

The sun’s intensity varies depending on the time of day, location, and season. During peak hours, when the sun is high in the sky, the UV rays are stronger and can lead to sunburn and skin damage.

How long does it take to tan outside?

The time it takes to tan outside depends on several factors. Here’s a general guideline based on skin types:

Fair Skin (Type I and II)

If you have very fair or light skin that burns easily and rarely tans, you should exercise caution when spending time in the sun. It may take as little as 10 to 30 minutes of unprotected sun exposure to start getting a sunburn. For tanning, it’s best to limit your sun exposure and use sunscreen with a high SPF. Tanning can take several hours over multiple days.

Light to Medium Skin (Type III and IV)

Individuals with light to medium skin can typically tolerate more sun exposure than fair-skinned people before burning. It may take around 20 to 45 minutes to start developing a tan, and you can gradually increase your time in the sun to deepen your tan.

Olive to Dark Skin (Type V and VI)

People with olive or dark skin have more melanin, which provides natural protection against the sun. They can spend longer periods in the sun without burning. It may take 45 minutes to 2 hours or more to start tanning, depending on the skin type.

In fact, the time it takes to tan can also vary based on the time of day and geographical location. Sunlight is generally strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If you’re tanning earlier or later in the day, it may take longer to achieve a tan.

How to Estimate your tanning time

To determine how long it will take to tan, you need to consider your skin type, the intensity of sunlight, and your sunscreen application. Once you have these factors in mind, you can use the following steps to estimate your tanning time:

  • Start by spending 10-15 minutes in the sun without sunscreen.
  • Check your skin after the initial exposure. If your skin turns red or starts to feel tender, you may have been in the sun for too long.
  • If there are no signs of burning, stay in the sun for an additional 10-15 minutes.
  • Repeat the process for several days and gradually increase your time in the sun, but don’t exceed two hours per day.

How to tan faster

If you want to achieve a quicker tan, it can help you minimize sun exposure and reduce potential harm from UV rays. However, it’s important to note that getting a “base tan” does not lower the risk of sunburn or skin damage. Furthermore, it’s advisable to avoid sunless tanning pills as they are deemed unsafe by both the Mayo Clinic and the Food and Drug Administration. Follow these tips to achieve a tan more efficiently:

  • Tanning is most effective when the sun’s UVB rays are at their strongest, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. 
  • Exfoliating your skin before tanning can help remove dead skin cells and create a smoother surface for tanning
  • Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to areas that you want to protect, like your face, and reapply it every two hours.
  • To ensure an even tan, rotate and flip your body regularly. This helps to expose all areas of your skin to the sun. Avoid staying in one position for too long.
  • Consume beta-carotene-rich foods like carrots for a natural skin darkening effect, and add lycopene-rich options such as tomatoes, tomato paste, and watermelon to enhance UV ray protection (but remember to use SPF as well).

Tanning Beds vs. Natural Sunlight

Tanning beds have gained popularity due to their convenience and accessibility. However, they differ from natural sunlight in several ways. Here’s how they compare:

Tanning Time

Tanning beds use UV light to simulate sunlight and stimulate melanin production. This means that you can achieve a tan faster than you would in natural sunlight.

Skin Damage

While tanning beds offer quicker results, they can also be more harmful to the skin. The intensity of UV rays emitted by tanning beds is higher than that of natural sunlight, making them more likely to cause skin damage.

Safety Precautions

Regardless of whether you choose to tan naturally or use a tanning bed, it is crucial to take safety precautions. Always wear sunscreen and limit your exposure time to avoid damaging your skin.

FAQs

  1. Can I tan without the sun? Yes, you can achieve a tan without the sun by using self-tanning products such as lotions, sprays, and creams. These products contain DHA, which reacts with the skin’s surface to produce a temporary tan.
  2. How long does it take to see results from self-tanners? Results from self-tanners may vary depending on the product and individual skin type. However, most products start to show results within a few hours to a day after application.
  3. Is it possible to tan in the shade? While shade provides some protection from UV rays, it is still possible to tan. However, it may take longer than tanning in direct sunlight.
  4. Can I use tanning oils instead of sunscreen? No, tanning oils do not provide adequate protection against UV rays. Instead, they enhance the tanning process by attracting more sunlight to the skin. It is still crucial to apply sunscreen before applying tanning oil to prevent damage to the skin.
  5. Can I tan in a swimming pool or beach? Yes, it is possible to get a tan while swimming in a pool or relaxing at the beach. However, be sure to apply waterproof sunscreen and reapply after each swim to maintain protection.