Mineral Oil actually strips your tan! Whether it is a natural tan or a sunless tan, products that contain mineral oil are a big no no! Many beauty products contain mineral oil so it is best to buy products that are paraben-free and do not have mineral oil. Look for products that use coconut and cocoa butter as these are great for your skin and won't strip your tan. Moisturize daily, especially after tanning.
This means that a lotion by one brand may have a higher number (21x v 35x) of bronzers on the bottle but because they are on two completely different scales they can NOT be compared on that scale. Only lotions made by the same brand can be compared. Also, Certain lotions will contain DHA. DHA is a sugar cane extract reacts chemically with the amino acids in the skin, which are part of the protein containing keratin layer on the skin surface. Various amino acids react differently to DHA, producing different tones of coloration from yellow to brown which can be noticeable depending on the product that you are using, especially if it is not a major brand name lotion. Some lotions have a very high amount of DHA which may not be suitable to start out with for you with a certain skin type. If the DHA level is clearly too dark for your skin you can still use a product with DHA but simply on a lower level until you build your base tan. Zoom Tan associates will be able to help you select your lotions and provide you with recommendations from our trusted lotion brands.
Most people who are interested in purchasing a bronzing lotion think that there is only one form of bronzer. In reality, there are multiple kinds of bronzing technologies.
• Natural and Immediate Bronzers
Natural and Immediate Bronzers
This technology uses natural based extracts to provide immediate color to the skin that lasts one-to-two days. Examples of natural bronzers are walnut oil, walnut shell extract, caramel, henna, carrot oil, banana or black tea extract. These natural extracts are considered immediate bronzers because they add additional color to the skin, much like a cosmetic make-up.
• Delayed Bronzers
This technology uses the self-tanning agent, DHA, to increase dark color. DHA is a sugar cane extract that chemically darkens the protein in the skin, the more DHA used the darker the shade of brown. The color typically lasts for four-to-seven days and is seen within two-to-four hours after application. Hand washing is required with the use of DHA tanning lotions.
• Melanin Enhancing Bronzers
These bronzers break tradition with an advantageous twist of true sunless, self tanner based on enhancement of melanin biosynthesis. These are streak free and do not wash off because the color is the natural tan of the skin but at the darkest tone possible. When melanin enhancing bronzers are used alone or with natural bronzers (without DHA), they take longer but produce a darker more natural color. These bronzers are designed to be low maintenance.
An intensifier/accelerator features ingredients known to enhance the skin's ability to retain moisture and promote dark, long lasting color without the use of added bronzers.
• Cooling ProductsCooling products contain special skin cooling ingredients like menthol. These ingredients counteract the heat of the tanning bed by drawing warmth away from the skin leaving, the tanner with a cooling sensation during and immediately after tanning.
• Tingle LotionsA tingle product contains a stimulant ingredient, such as benzyl nicotinate, which stimulates and increases microcirculation of the skin for greater, more intense tanning results. Tingle products are available in a range of intensities from Tingle 2 to Tingle 70. First time users should start with the lowest tingle and work their way up to stronger tingles when they are comfortable. Tingle products should not be used on the face and testing a small area before application is mandatory. If a tingle product is used on the face it can cause permanent bruising on the face due to ruptured blood vessels so make sure to always be aware when using this product.
Tan extenders are a great way to prolong the life of your tan! Extenders should be used right after tanning and after bathing. You may have your favorite skin scare products at home, but a tan extender is made especially for tanning and has special ingredients your other beauty products have. Tan extenders and tanning lotion go hand in hand, a lot like shampoo and conditioner. Tan extenders condition the skin for better tanning results and provide nutrients and vitamins your skin craves. All of this comes together to lock in your bronze glow.