If you enjoy using sunbeds, you will already be familiar with the satisfying feeling of watching your tan develop. Many regular sunbed users are always looking for ways to achieve their desired results more quickly, deeply, and with longer-lasting effects. One of the most popular options in achieving this is a tanning accelerator.
These lotions are designed to work with your skin and the UV light in the sunbed. They encourage faster melanin production, ensuring your skin is nourished so that your tan appears more even and lasts longer.
But are tanning accelerators something you should be using each time? In this blog, we will explain what they are, what they do, how they can help you get more from your sunbed sessions, and why so many people choose to use them.
What Is a Tanning Accelerator?
A tanning accelerator is a lotion designed to speed up and enhance the tanning process when you use a sunbed. They work by stimulating melanin production in your skin, which is the pigment that gives you a tan. Essentially, the more efficiently your skin produces melanin, the quicker and deeper your tan will develop.
Most accelerators contain key ingredients like tyrosine, which is a natural amino acid that supports melanin activity. They are also very rich in moisturisers, such as aloe vera, shea butter, and essential oils, which help to keep your skin hydrated and soft while tanning. Hydration is really important with tanning, because well-moisturised skin tans more evenly and holds colour for longer.
How Do Tanning Accelerators Work?
Tanning accelerators don’t just sit on the surface of your skin. They are designed to work with your body while you tan on a sunbed. When the UV light hits your skin, it triggers melanin activity, and then the accelerator provides an extra boost to that process.
Here’s what happens when you use one:
- Faster colour development: Its active ingredients prepare your skin to respond to UV light more quickly, so your tan will show sooner.
- Deeper tanning results: By increasing melanin activity, accelerators help you achieve a richer and darker glow.
- Skin protection during tanning: Hydrating formulas reduce the drying effect of UV light, keeping your skin comfortable throughout the tanning session.
- Better after-tan results: Because your skin stays nourished, your colour lasts longer and will fade more evenly.
You should think of them as a partner to your sunbed. They help your skin work harder while staying in better condition.
Do You Need a Tanning Accelerator
on a Sunbed?
The short answer is no. You don’t have to use a tanning accelerator when you use a sunbed; your skin will still tan without one. However, regular sunbed users find that an accelerator will improve their overall results.
Why people choose them:
- Quicker, visible results, especially in the early stages of tanning
- A deeper, more even tan that looks natural
- Extra skin hydration that prevents dryness and peeling after a sunbed session
Put simply, tanning accelerators aren’t absolutely essential, but they are highly effective for enhancing your results.
Benefits of Using a Tanning Accelerator
Using a tanning accelerator is less about whether you can still tan without one and more about the quality of the results you get when you use one. Experienced sunbed users will often notice three main differences once they make them a part of their tanning routine:
- A smoother, more professional finish: Your skin will feel conditioned, resulting in a tan that develops with an even tone, looking polished rather than patchy.
- Skin that feels well-cared for: Regular tanning sessions can leave your skin feeling tight or dry. Accelerators add a layer of care, keeping your skin soft and healthy even after repeated sessions.
- A glow that lasts: The colour not only comes through quicker, it also stays visible for much longer with less fading between sessions.
These benefits combined are what make tanning accelerators less of a luxury and more of a smart choice for anyone who regularly uses sunbeds.
When Should You Use
a Tanning Accelerator?
Tanning accelerators will be most effective when they become a consistent part of your sunbed routine. If you use tanning beds frequently and want to build and maintain a consistent glow, adding an accelerator will help you achieve better results in less time.
They can also be particularly helpful if you have naturally dry skin, as the moisturising formulas will help to prevent any skin tightness or peeling. For fairer skin types, accelerators can support a gentler, more even colour as you gradually build up your tan.
If you only use sunbeds occasionally to top up your tan, an accelerator may not feel essential. However, many tanners will still choose to use an accelerator to help them avoid dryness and keep their colour looking smoother for longer.
Tips for Getting the Best Results
A tanning accelerator will work best when your skin is properly prepared and cared for. To get the most out of them, we recommend you keep the following things in mind:
- Exfoliate first: Exfoliating will remove any dead skin cells, allowing your tan to develop evenly and last longer.
- Apply evenly: Use a generous amount of accelerator to create an even layer before your session to avoid patchiness.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water before and after tanning to keep your skin supple and glowing.
- Moisturise after: Use a nourishing aftercare lotion to lock in colour, prevent skin dryness, and extend the life of your tan.
By following these simple steps, you will help your accelerator perform at its best, resulting in a deeper, more even tan that will last between sessions. If you want to learn more about how to use tanning accelerators, check out our previous post.
Final Thoughts on Tanning Accelerators
Tanning accelerators are not something you must use on a sunbed, but they do make a real difference to your results. They help your skin tan more quickly, give a deeper and more even colour, and keep your skin hydrated so your glow lasts longer.
For anyone who uses sunbeds regularly, an accelerator is one of the simplest ways to get more from each session. It supports your skin during tanning and helps you maintain a healthy, smooth finish after.
If you want to learn about getting the most out of your tanning sessions, check out our other guides including why am I not tanning on a sunbed? and can you use a tanning oil in a sunbed?
At The Sunshine Co, we can guide you towards the best tanning accelerators for your skin type and tanning goals. Visit your nearest location today and see how the right product can take your results further.
