Tanning Creams Explained

If you are looking for a way to enhance your tan and get a deeper, darker and longer-lasting colour, you might want to consider using a tanning cream. Tanning creams are products that you apply on your skin before or after using a sunbed or sunbathing. They can help you achieve your desired tan faster and more effectively.

But not all tanning creams are the same. There are different types of tanning creams that have different effects on your skin and your tan. In this post, we will explain the differences between three of the most popular types of tanning creams: accelerators, bronzers and tinglers.

What are Accelerators?

Accelerators are tanning creams that speed up your skin’s natural melanin production. Melanin is the pigment that gives your skin its colour and protects it from UV rays. By increasing melanin production, accelerators help you develop a base tan faster and more evenly.

Accelerators are suitable for beginners who want to build a natural tan gradually. They usually do not contain any artificial colourants or bronzers, so they do not stain your skin or clothes. They also often have moisturizing ingredients that nourish and hydrate your skin while tanning.

Our Top Accelerators 

What are Bronzers?

Bronzers are tanning creams that add an instant boost of colour to your skin. They contain artificial colourants or natural ingredients that stain your skin temporarily. They can help you achieve a darker tan without exposing yourself to more UV rays.

Bronzers come in different levels of intensity, from mild to extreme. They also come in different forms, such as DHA, natural, and cosmetic bronzers.

DHA bronzers use dihydroxyacetone (DHA), a colour additive that reacts with the dead cells on your skin’s surface to create a brown tint. DHA bronzers can take several hours to fully develop and last a few days before fading away.

Natural bronzers use ingredients like caramel, walnut shell extract or henna to give your skin a warm glow. Natural bronzers work immediately but wash off easily with soap and water.

Cosmetic bronzers use pigments like iron oxide or mica to give your skin an instant shimmer or sparkle. Cosmetic bronzers wash off with water but can rub off on clothes or towels.

Bronzers are suitable for intermediate to advanced tanners who want to enhance their existing tan or create an illusion of one. They can also help even out any uneven areas or cover up any imperfections on your skin.

Our Top Bronzers

What are Tingle Creams?

Tingle Creams are tanning creams that create an intense sensation on your skin when applied. They stimulate blood flow and oxygen supply to your skin cells, increasing melanin production and enhancing your tan.

Tinglers usually contain ingredients like methyl nicotinate, benzyl nicotinate or capsicum (pepper extract) that cause a hot, tingling or burning feeling on your skin. This feeling can last for up to an hour after application.

Tingle Creams are suitable for experienced tanners who have reached a plateau in their tanning process and want to break through it with a deeper tan. They can also help improve blood circulation and metabolism in your body.

However, Tingle Creams are not for everyone. Some people may find them too uncomfortable or irritating for their skin type. Tingle Creams can also cause redness, swelling or itching on sensitive areas.

Our Top Tingle Creams

Still Got Questions?

We are here to help! You can message us using the button below. We will run through a skin type assessment with you when you visit iSunn and our salon team can recommend products to help you maximise your tan.