Can you Use Indoor Tanning Lotion Outside?

Are you wondering if you could utilize your indoor tanning lotion outdoors? In this article, we will explain answer to this query!

It’s not uncommon to see people dying to get themselves a tanned look. Tanned skin can boost your confidence, reduce the appearance of cellulite and wrinkles, and help hide the appearance of scars and other skin imperfections. To achieve this, people either select indoor tanning lotions or go outside in the sun for a natural tan with the help of SPF (Sun Protection Factor) tanning creams.

But the question that more and more people are asking is: Can you use indoor tanning lotion outside? Let’s find out the answer to that question with justification.

What is Tanning Lotion?

Tanning lotion is a product that is applied to your skin before you spend time in the sun. The lotion has accelerators that amplify the effects UV rays have on your skin. As a result, your skin becomes darker much quicker when you are exposed to direct UV rays.

There are many different types of tanning lotions on the market like outdoor tanning lotions, indoor tanning lotions or self-tanners, spray tan, and lotions that are specifically developed to be used in sun beds. Tanning lotions are developed to suit different skin types including sensitive skin, flaky skin, dry skin, and oily skin.

Tanning lotions usually contain SPF ingredients that keep your skin from burning or becoming damaged when exposed to direct sunlight. In contrast, tanning accelerators boost melanin production in your skin so you can become darker in less time. The SPF of these lotions is much lower than the SPF protection you will get from outdoor sunscreen but is still low enough to allow you to get that desired tan.

These lotions can also include other ingredients that can help nourish, hydrate, and protect your skin so you can prevent dry skin and get that desirable healthy glow. 

What is the Difference Between Indoor and Outdoor Tanning Lotion?

There are a few differences between indoor and outdoor tanning lotions, including the ingredients, effects, and level of protection offered. The most significant difference is that outdoor lotions usually include SPF to protect your skin from UV rays while most indoor lotions don’t offer much UV protection. 

Indoor tanning lotions also contain an element called Bronzer, or a bronzing agent, which gives your skin a tanned look. The more bronzer in your lotion, the darker skin tone you can achieve.

Indoor tanning lotions are also packed with certain ointments, enhancers, and essential oils, that help the production of melanin. The melanocytes are activated which in turn signals increased melanin production which enhances a subtle tanned look.

Outdoor tanning lotions can contain nutrients and moisturize the skin. However, unlike bronzers, these tanning accelerator lotions are designed to amplify UV rays so you will get a tanned look quicker, acting as a natural bronzer. 

Indoor tanning bed lotions also contain tanning accelerators but these lotions usually offer much higher SPF protection since there is an increased risk of developing skin cancer with this type of tanning. These lotions also offer much more hydration because indoor tanning beds tend to dry your skin out. 

Related: The 7 Best Self Tanners for Pale Skin

Can You Use Indoor Tanning Lotion Outside?

You can use indoor tanning lotion outside, but it is not recommended. Indoor tanning products usually don’t offer much SPF to protect your skin from harmful UV rays and can leave your skin vulnerable to sunburn or sun damage.

Indoor and outdoor tanning lotions possess different ingredients. One may have a higher concentration of bronzer in it and the other may have more SPF. The nature of the ingredients is classified according to the environment one is exposed to.

Indoor tanning is carried out in a controlled environment, where UV rays are directed within the tanning bed.

On the other hand, outdoor tanning is done under the complete exposure of the natural UVA and UVB rays.

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. Most indoor tanning lotions are devoid of this factor because the indoor environment doesn’t necessarily require protection against sunburn.

Outdoor tanning lotions contain different levels of SPF, depending on your preference.

If you are looking forward to using any indoor tanning lotion outside then you should have an insight into the SPF mentioned on the label. What percentage of sun protection does it provide? If the SPF is higher, it will act as a better sunburn repellent.

Indoor tanning lotions also have another contrasting element with respect to outdoor tanning lotions. The former possesses the quality of enhancing the UV rays instead of blocking them. This is done to provide the maximum tanned look, while outdoor tanning lotions with a certain level of SPF offer protection against UVA and UVB rays. If you do decide to use indoor tanning lotion outside then be aware of the risks. If used outside, indoor tanning lotions may increase the risk of skin cancer because of their amplifying effect on UV rays.

Mixing Tanning Lotions can Somewhat Serve the Purpose!

You can mix up suitable proportions of both the lotions to get an ample tanned look. 

However, mixing tanning lotions isn’t the best idea. This is because some tanning lotions just don’t blend well. The mixture you produce might also not offer enough UV blocking benefits and can leave your skin vulnerable.

It is much better to simply get an indoor tanning lotion for indoor use or for winter time and to stick to an outdoor tanning lotion with a high SPF level for outside. 

Whether you opt for mixing the lotions or not, you need to keep your skin moisturized.

Both indoor and outdoor tanning lotions come with elements to hydrate your skin and avoid excessive dryness. Thus, look for a tanning formula that is filled with moisturizing nutrients. This will help your skin in the long run as it will reduce premature aging and wrinkles.

Best Sellers: Indoor Tanning Lotions 

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Final Note

Always look for a reliable tanning lotion that is jam-packed with essential oils, nutrients, and minerals. It is also best to use an advanced tanning lotion indoors and get a more suitable tanning lotion for outdoor adventures since indoor lotions won’t offer enough sun protection. 

Avoid using lotions that have a high percentage of chemicals and parabens. This will make your skin dry, cracked, and scaly, ultimately leading to detrimental impacts on your beloved skin.

Put only certified tanning lotions into the cart!

We hope that this guide will help you find the best tanning products so you can get the desired tan without putting your skin at risk. If you are also in the market for other great quality skincare products then take a look at some of our other guides on The Beauty Marvel. With help from our site, you can stay healthy and beautiful.