When deciding where to start working on your indoor tan, there may be certain factors you’ll want to consider before buying any kind of package or membership. Shopping around before committing to anything could save you a lot of money and regret. A lot of places have trial plans or one-time fees to see how you like their beds so if it isn’t costing you much or anything at all, take advantage of any trial offers you can to make the most informed choice possible.

Price

Usually a main deciding factor for most people paying for an indoor tan is the price. Finding a salon that offers the best deals can be tricky. Different salons can offer varying pricing methods so it isn’t always easy to compare price points versus sessions provided. Asking for a detailed breakdown of every package they offer, or perhaps even a printout, can help you when determining which salon will be more affordable for you.

Convenience

Driving or walking to your tanning salon can become a chore if it’s too far away to access easily. Finding a salon close to your home or work, or perhaps even in your gym, could save you a lot of traveling time. Some gyms offer tanning packages at excellent prices with a membership, so this may be a great option for you if you’re a member of a gym with tanning beds.

Knowing how busy a certain salon can get is also a very important factor when choosing the right place. Certain seasons or different times of day can get exceptionally busy, so being aware that you might have to wait for a bed or make appointments in advance is something you should know before making that salon your place to tan.

Quality

The quality of the bed and bulbs can differ widely from salon to salon. Some beds have weaker bulbs, which may be perfect for you if you have fair skin that’s prone to burning, but usually you’ll want high efficiency bulbs that are replaced in a decent amount of time. Ask questions about equipment when you’re scoping out your new tanning spot and determine how well maintained their beds are.

Sanitation

The cleanliness of your salon is something you should keep in mind. If the inside of the salon itself looks dirty, that right there may be something to think about. By law, the beds should be cleaned after every use, so even though UV rays kill most bacteria, ensuring the beds are properly disinfected will keep you safe and worry-free while tanning.

Knowledgeable Staff

The fees you’re paying to tan in a salon or spa are also going towards paying for the level of service you’re receiving from the staff. Not only should they be friendly and approachable, they should be able to address all the tanning questions and concerns you have. When starting at a new salon the staff should be asking for your appropriate history such as susceptibility to burns and possible medication that can be affected by UV exposure. They should also be providing proper equipment and lotion information if needed and be able to provide advice on time exposure and tanning frequency.

Getting the best tan is highly dependent on where you choose to do it. Finding a salon that has the right price, location, equipment, and staff will have a huge effect on your overall tanning experience. Don’t be afraid to shop around before deciding that any one salon is right for you.

Any salon you go into, the technician will definitely tell you that moist skin tans best and lotions accelerates the tanning process. Lotion will make your tan look better and will help you tan evenly while protecting you from unwanted rays. Without a doubt, indoor tanning lotion is something you should be using when you tan, but the type of lotion to use is something you’ll need to determine.

Understanding the Ingredients

Tanning lotions may have all kinds of additional ingredients or added perfumes and moisturizers, but there are a few more important things to be watching for when picking the right lotion. The main idea is to keep your skin moist, but some lotions will get your skin to continue tanning even once you’ve left the tanning booth.

Tyrosine is an amino acid that stimulates melanin production and can be found in many brands of tanning lotions. It helps you tan faster and is considered a tan accelerator. Vitamin E will help fight premature aging while Aloe Vera or cocoa butter will help in keeping your skin well moisturized. Some lotions may contain copper which reduce the appearance of scars and other blemishes on your skin.

What Not to Use

While top of the line salon quality lotions may optimize your tan to its full potential, you don’t have to use the most expensive product out there to get a beautiful tan. However, there are some tanning products you should avoid. Tanning oil, for instance, is not meant for indoor tanning. Not only is it messy, but it blocks the UV rays from reaching you and can be hard to clean off a lay down style bed. Tanning beds and bulbs are expensive and sensitive equipment so while using an everyday body moisturizer can help your tan, sticking to an indoor specific lotion will protect the bed and give you the best results. Using an indoor lotion for bed and booth tanning is always your best bet.

After Care Lotion

Most salons will sell after care tanning lotions that you use after your session to give your tan a boost or even a continuous tanning effect. If you chose not to use an after tanning lotion, using regular body lotion will still go a long way in helping you maintain your tan by moisturizing and slowing the exfoliation process.

Knowing your skin tone can help you when choosing the right lotion. Most salon technicians can assist you in determining the correct range of products to be choosing from. Price may be a factor in your decision, but there is usually a variety of lotion types for all skin tones in each price range. If you’re unsure of the best product for you, some salons will also offer either free samples, or a sample for a small fee. Once you decide on your lotion of choice, you’ll be on your way to a golden shine.