When it comes to sunbeds, you wish to find ways of speeding up the tanning process. If you’re looking to get a darker tan, you may have seen some products that claim to make your skin darker with just one use. These products are called “tan accelerators.”
It makes you look so much better as if you’ve spent the week at a beach, plus you tan a lot faster. But do tan accelerators work in sunbeds? Some say they don’t work at all or get mixed results. Let’s find out if these products do what they say on the tin.
Yes, tan accelerators do work on sunbeds and if you’re already a regular sunbed user, you’ll know that getting the perfect tan is not easy. The most popular solution for faster results is using a tan accelerator on sunbeds. Thankfully, getting the results you need will require a few simple steps and the right product.
What is a Tan Accelerator?
Tan Accelerators are a type of tanning lotion designed to speed up the tanning process. They are creams that you can apply to your skin before tanning. They work by speeding up the tanning process, meaning you can get a more profound and longer-lasting tan using a sunbed.
These products contain chemicals that react with the skin, causing it to produce more melanin to protect itself from sun damage. Because this extra layer of protection blocks UV radiation from penetrating as far into your skin’s surface, you can get a more profound and longer-lasting tan.
While some people use these products alongside their regular tanning routine, others prefer to use them exclusively as part of their accelerated tanning regime. You can also apply them after any time spent in the sun so that you get that deep, dark-brown color without having to stay out all day long; perfect if you’ve got errands to run or just want an early night.
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What Are the Ingredients of Tan Accelerators?
The ingredients of tan accelerators are not that different from those of sunscreens. Most contain chemicals that absorb UV rays and convert them into heat.
Some of the most common ones include:
1. Dihydroxyacetone (DHA)
The main ingredient in Tan Accelerators is Dihydroxyacetone (DHA). DHA is a sugar that reacts with amino acids on your skin to produce a brown color when exposed to UV light. This ingredient is used in many sunless tanners, except it is more concentrated in a tan accelerator than in a regular self-tanner. It works best with other ingredients like octocrylene and Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate (EHMC).
However, because they are applied to the skin in a much higher concentration than the sunless tanning solutions that contain DHA, they can cause irritation and redness in some people. Some products may also have other ingredients, such as fragrance, although this is not always the case.
2. AHA’s (alpha hydroxy acids)
These exfoliate dead skin cells from the top layer of your skin and make it easier for colorants to penetrate your pores.
3. BHA’s (beta hydroxy acids)
They prefer deeper layers of skin, so they are sometimes used alongside AHAs as part of a two-step process for achieving an even tan.
4. Proteins
These help moisturize and hydrate the skin while increasing collagen production, plumping fine lines and wrinkles over time. Some tanning products contain protein extracts such as wheat germ extract or soy protein isolate, which provide an instant boost without causing irritation. However, this type isn’t recommended if you have allergies since those who do often react negatively after exposure due to their high allergenic potential.
Leave them out entirely if you don’t want any extra hydration effects. What matters most here is getting rid of dead cells quickly, so it doesn’t matter whether they’re left untreated anyway since they will still get treated through normal usage.
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5. Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
This water-soluble compound converts UV rays into heat that triggers the melanin production process in the skin. It’s also a powerful antioxidant and can reduce inflammation, hyperpigmentation, and redness.
6. N-acetyl glucosamine
This is another water-soluble compound that converts UV rays into heat, triggering the melanin production process in the skin. Like niacinamide, NAG has anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidant and moisturizing properties. It’s also an effective hyaluronic acid booster that helps hydrate the skin for more extended periods than with simple moisturizers alone.
7. Octocrylene
This chemical sunscreen ingredient absorbs UVA and UVB rays before releasing them into the sunlight again as heat energy instead of letting them penetrate your skin. This ingredient prevents your skin from burning in the sunbeds, which can help you get an even deeper tan than usual.
8. Erythrulose
Erythrulose also makes up part of these products. It acts as an accelerator and gives off an orange glow when combined with DHA.
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How Do Tan Accelerators Work?
Tan Accelerators work by speeding up the tanning process, increasing the amount of melanin in the skin and allowing your body to absorb more UV rays. They are applied directly to your skin before exposure to a sunbed or sunlamp and can have an immediate effect on darkening your tan.
To use a tan accelerator, you should apply it to your skin before you go into the sunbed. If you are using a spray tan accelerator, you will want to spray it onto your skin and let it dry for about 10 minutes before going in.
If you are using a self-tanning accelerator that needs to be applied with a mitt, follow the bottle instructions carefully. It would be best if you gently rubbed the lotion into your skin so that it absorbs evenly and adequately.
The critical thing here is timing: if you do not apply your self-tanning products sufficiently ahead of time (e.g., at least 20 minutes beforehand), they may not be able to provide adequate protection against UV rays while they continue their work of transforming your natural coloration into something more exotic and exciting.
Should I Use Tan Accelerator on Sunbed?
Many people think using a tan accelerator will make the UV rays more intense and cause them to burn, but it’s the opposite; using one allows you to get your tan faster. The answer is yes; a tan accelerator can work on a sunbed. To get a great tan, it’s important to know how and when to use a tan accelerator.
You need to apply it before you go in for your session. Then once you’re done with the session, remove any excess and wash off any remaining product from your hands so that it doesn’t stain anything when you leave.
However, using tan accelerators on a sunbed depends on your skin type and the type of sunbed. If you have sensitive or dry skin, it is better not to use a tan accelerator on a sunbed. You should also refrain from using it if you have eczema or psoriasis, as it can worsen your skin.
If you want to get a deeper tan, then it is advisable to use a tan accelerator on a sunbed. However, remember that this will only give you a superficial layer of color, not a deep tan. Your skin will be dark for a few days, but the color will fade away in time.
How to Use a Sunbed Tanning Accelerator
To use a sunbed tan accelerator, apply a thin product layer to your body before entering the tanning booth. The accelerator will absorb your skin and react with UV light to create a deeper tan.
When UV rays hit your skin, they trigger an enzyme called tyrosinase that produces melanin (the pigment responsible for tanning). A chemical in the accelerator then reacts with this melanin to accelerate its formation, creating a more intense shade of brown faster than it would normally develop on its own.
If you want to use a tan accelerator on a sunbed, make sure that the product is suitable for use with UV rays as they are likely to increase the chances of burning.
When applying a tan accelerator in the sunbed, you need to make sure that:
- You use it before your first session with the sunbed. This way, you can ensure that your skin absorbs all of the product before exposure begins.
- You apply it evenly to all exposing areas of your body during each session. If there are any areas where there is more exposed skin than others (for example, if you have more hair on your legs), then this means that those areas will absorb more of their respective spray or gel than other parts of your body will do so as well; which could cause unevenness.
Conclusion
So, do tan accelerators work in sunbeds? Absolutely, but it would be best if you were careful about your use. Some products are more effective than others, so make sure you choose wisely by reading the reviews on each product before buying it. You don’t want to waste your money on something that doesn’t work or has side effects like skin irritation or redness.
The best advice is to talk to your doctor before you start using a tan accelerator on sunbeds. Many factors affect how your skin will react, and there is no easy way of telling if you’re going to be sensitive or not. However, if you are feeling adventurous, then go ahead and give it a try.
