More Than Color

Good tanning care is not just about developing color. It is also about taking care of the skin you are tanning.

Tanning lotions, moisturizers and aftercare products are often discussed as if they all do the same thing. They do not.

Some products are designed to moisturize and condition the skin. Some contain cosmetic bronzers. Some are designed specifically for indoor tanning. Others are simply everyday body lotions.

Understanding the difference helps you make better choices for your skin.

Start With the Skin

Why hydration matters.

The outermost layer of your skin is called the stratum corneum.

Although it is extremely thin, it performs an important job. It helps keep water inside the skin while helping protect the body from the outside environment.

Skin scientists commonly evaluate this barrier by measuring skin water content and something called transepidermal water loss, often shortened to TEWL.

Higher water loss can be associated with a weaker or drier skin barrier. Moisturizers can help improve surface hydration and reduce the amount of water that escapes from the skin.

That does not mean every lotion performs equally or that lotion eliminates the effects of UV exposure. It does show why moisturization is a real part of skin care rather than simply a cosmetic extra.

Product Choice

Why we recommend products designed for tanning.

There is no official FDA category called “certified salon-grade tanning lotion.” That phrase should not be confused with a government certification.

What does matter is choosing a properly labeled product formulated for its intended purpose and following the manufacturer’s directions.

The FDA recognizes tanning preparations as cosmetic products that may provide effects such as moisturizing, conditioning or cosmetic color while tanning.

For that reason, we recommend professional products specifically formulated for indoor tanning rather than improvised products or oils that were never designed for that environment.

An Important Distinction

Tanning lotion is not automatically sunscreen.

This is one of the most important things to understand about tanning products.

A lotion can moisturize, condition the skin or provide cosmetic tanning effects without providing protection from ultraviolet radiation.

The FDA requires tanning preparations that do not contain sunscreen to clearly disclose that they do not protect against sunburn.

The Visible Difference

Moisturized skin simply looks and feels better.

Dry skin can become rough, flaky or tight. Maintaining adequate moisture helps the surface of the skin remain softer and smoother.

This is one reason we look at tanning care as an ongoing routine rather than something you only think about during the few minutes you are in the tanning suite.

Consistent moisturizing can help support the skin barrier and improve how the skin feels and appears between sessions.

Separating Fact From Marketing

What tanning lotion does not do.

We believe customers should understand both the benefits and the limitations of the products they use.

A moisturizer or tanning lotion should not be presented as something that:

• Makes UV exposure completely safe
• Prevents all UV-related skin damage
• Eliminates the risk of skin aging
• Eliminates skin-cancer risk
• Functions as sunscreen unless it is specifically formulated and labeled as sunscreen

UV exposure has known risks, and the FDA advises consumers to understand those risks and carefully follow tanning equipment and product instructions.

Review FDA tanning information

One More Distinction

Drinking water and moisturizing your skin are not the same thing.

Staying adequately hydrated is part of general health. But when dermatologists and skin researchers discuss hydration of the outer skin barrier, much of the evidence concerns water retention within the skin and the effect of topical moisturizers.

In other words, drinking an extra bottle of water before tanning should not be treated as a replacement for a consistent topical skin-care routine.

The BTS Approach

Tan intentionally. Care for your skin consistently.

We carry professional tanning and skin-care products because what you put on your skin matters.

The goal is not to convince you that a lotion magically removes the risks associated with tanning. It does not.

The goal is to help you understand how proper skin care, moisturization, product selection and consistent aftercare fit into a better overall tanning routine.

If you are unsure which lotion or moisturizer makes sense for your skin or the service you use, ask us. We would rather explain the differences than have you choose a product based only on the bottle.