The Ultimate Guide to Indoor Tanning Creams: Which Lotion is Right for Your Skin & Tanning Goals?

If you've ever stood in front of a shelf full of tanning creams wondering which one to choose, you're not alone. With accelerators, bronzers, tanning oils and butters all promising incredible results, it can be difficult to know which product is best for your skin type and desired tan.

At Tan @ HairPlanet, we stock a carefully selected range of premium tanning lotions from 7 Suns and Devoted Creations, each designed to help you achieve the best possible results from your sunbed sessions. Whether you're completely new to indoor tanning or you're looking to take your colour to the next level, there's a lotion that's perfect for you.

Here's everything you need to know before your next tanning session.

Why Use an Indoor Tanning Cream?

Many people assume a sunbed alone is enough, but using a quality tanning lotion can significantly improve your tanning experience.

Indoor tanning lotions are specially formulated to:

• Hydrate the skin for a longer-lasting tan.
• Help your skin tan more efficiently.
• Reduce dryness caused by UV exposure.
• Promote a smoother, healthier-looking complexion.
• Enhance the depth and longevity of your colour.
• Well-moisturised skin tans better than dry skin.

Accelerators – Perfect for Beginners & Building a Natural Tan

If you're new to sunbeds or have fair to medium skin, an accelerator is the perfect place to start.

Accelerators work by conditioning and moisturising the skin while helping maximise your natural tanning potential. They don't contain cosmetic bronzers, meaning your tan develops naturally over time.

Best for:

✔ First-time tanners

✔ Fair to medium skin tones

✔ Building a natural base tan

✔ Sensitive skin

Our Recommended Accelerators

7 Suns Constant Accelerator Butter

A luxurious butter formula packed with nourishing ingredients that deeply moisturise the skin while encouraging a beautifully even natural tan.

Ideal if you want soft, hydrated skin alongside gradual colour development.

7 Suns Pure Charm Gelee Accelerator

A lightweight gelee formula that absorbs quickly without feeling greasy.

Perfect for anyone who prefers a fresh, silky finish while still achieving excellent tanning results.

7 Suns Oxytocin Accelerator Butter

Designed to nourish the skin while encouraging an even, healthy-looking glow.

A fantastic everyday accelerator suitable for regular tanners.

Bronzers – For Faster, Deeper Colour

Once you've developed a base tan, bronzers are a great way to intensify your results.

Bronzers contain ingredients that provide an immediate glow while continuing to develop a darker tan after your session.

They're ideal for experienced tanners who want richer, deeper colour in fewer sessions.

Best for:

✔ Medium to dark skin tones

✔ Regular sunbed users

✔ Holiday preparation

✔ Faster colour development

Our Favourite Bronzers

7 Suns Prom Queen Ultra Dark Bronzer

If you're looking for dramatic colour, this is the lotion to choose.

Its ultra-dark bronzing formula is ideal for confident, experienced tanners wanting maximum intensity.

7 Suns Stardust Glowing Bronzer

As the name suggests, this lotion helps create radiant, glowing skin while enhancing your natural tan.

Ideal if you love luminous, healthy-looking skin.

Tanning Oils – For a Beautiful Golden Glow

Indoor tanning oils are becoming increasingly popular thanks to their luxurious feel and radiant finish.

They help lock moisture into the skin while encouraging a beautifully even tan.

Our Recommendation

7 Suns Gold N Glow Tanning Oil

Perfect for all tanners wanting silky-soft skin and a radiant golden finish.

Its lightweight formula leaves skin glowing without feeling heavy.

Gelee Lotions – Lightweight Yet Powerful

Gelee lotions combine the hydration of a cream with the lightweight feel of a gel.

They absorb quickly, making them ideal if you don't like rich creams.

Our Recommendations

• 7 Suns Pure Charm Gelee Accelerator
• Devoted Creations White 2 Bronze Watermelon Gelee

The Watermelon Gelee offers refreshing hydration with a silky finish while helping maximise your tanning results.

Do You Need a Tingle Cream?

You may have heard experienced tanners talking about tingle lotions.

Tingle creams contain ingredients that temporarily increase blood flow to the skin, creating a warming or tingling sensation. Many experienced users enjoy this effect because it can help them achieve a deeper-looking tan more quickly.

However, they're not suitable for beginners or those with sensitive skin, and it's completely normal if you choose not to use one. At Tan @ HairPlanet, we'll always help you decide whether a tingle lotion is appropriate for your tanning experience and skin type before you try one.

Which Skin Type Matches Each Lotion?

Fair Skin

• Constant Accelerator Butter
• Pure Charm Gelee
• White 2 Bronze Butter

Medium Skin

• Tan Delight Butter
• Oxytocin Accelerator
• Tan Thrill White Bronzer

Olive or Darker Skin

• Prom Queen Ultra Dark Bronzer
• Dopamine Immediate Bronzer
• Stardust Glowing Bronzer
• Bronze Delight Tanning Pudding
• Gold N Glow Tanning Oil

Our Advice

No single tanning cream is the "best" for everyone. The right lotion depends on your skin type, your tanning experience and the results you want to achieve.

If you're unsure which cream to choose, our friendly team at Tan @ HairPlanet is always happy to recommend the perfect lotion for your individual tanning goals. Whether you're looking for your very first natural glow or a rich holiday-ready bronze, we have a premium tanning lotion to help you get the most from every sunbed session.

Visit us in salon to explore our full range of 7 Suns and Devoted Creations tanning creams and discover your new favourite lotion.

At a Glance: Which Lotion is Right for You?