Tanning bed lotions contain tyrosine, an amino acid that stimulates production of the skin pigment melanin. Tyrosine assists the UVB rays in stimulating melanin production. UVA rays oxidize the melanin, producing color.

Many tanning bed lotions contain Vitamin E. The anti-oxidant effects of Vitamin E, as well as those of tyrosine, work to prevent wrinkles and fine lines, especially on your face.

Copper, another common tanning bed lotion ingredient, works to reduce the visibility of scars and other minor blemishes. (Incidentally, copper also assists tyrosine in the production of important brain chemicals. This could help explain the mild euphoria experienced by regular tanners. Research into the possible anti-depressive applications of the tanning industry continues to this day.)

All tanning bed lotions have a moisturizing element, which magnifies the tanning effects of UVA rays, while counteracting the drying and peeling effects of UVB rays.

As if all this weren’t enough, many tanning bed lotions contain hempseed oil, aloe vera, or any of a number of other nutrients to guard your skin from the relentless ravages of the natural environment.

Different types of tanning bed lotions exist for different purposes. Some are formulated as “tan accelerators” that contain ingredients amplifying the effects of the tyrosine. Others are used mainly as an after-tan to replenish lost moisture.

Be sure to choose one that is suited to your skin tone. If you are light skinned or do not yet have a base tan, choose a Type I or II. For moderate skin tones, choose a Type II, III or IV. For darker skin tones, a Type IV or V should be OK.

Tanning bed lotions come in thousands of scents for your olfactory pleasure. Do you have a thing for cappuccino? Key lime pie? Chocolate? There’s a tanning bed lotion just for you. Your salon should have a full array of products for you to choose from. If you own your own tanning bed, ask your distributor whether they sell tanning bed lotion. Oftentimes they will pass their wholesale discounts on to you, as an incentive to purchase their equipment. For the best deals, however, scour the Internet.