Tanning Lotion and Tanning Oils

Outdoor Tanning

Tanning lotion and tanning oils moisturize and help keep skin soft and supple when tanning outside. These lotions typically contain mineral oil or other essential exotic oils which nourish the skin and promote tan development. The oils in tanning lotion form millions of tiny prisms that scatter, refract, and reflect the sun's rays making skin look sexy and smooth.

Outdoor tanning lotion can be purchased with little to no SPF protection. These lotions are meant to promote tanning and therefore do little to block the sun's rays. Tanning lotions are not intended to be worn throughout the day, instead a short outdoor 'tanning session' is all they're useful for; afterwards cover-up with a high SPF sunscreen or sunblock.

Tanning lotion containing mineral oil or other exotic oils should not be used for indoor tanning. These oils damage the acrylic of the tanning beds, leaving it frosted or cracked; because of this many tanning salons ban the use of lotions containing mineral oil.