An outdoor tanning lotion is something that you massage on your skin so when you go outdoors, the heat from the sun doesn’t dry your skin. Such a lotion helps to speedup the process of tanning and also keeps your skin healthy and moisturised all the time. 

All tanning lotions comprise of a formula made from ingredients such as Melanin, L-tyrosine, tea tree oil, copper and green tea. These help in the tanning process and they are mixed in varying proportions in every cream. 

Outdoor tanning lotion is popular for many reasons and often preferred by fair skinned people, though you can even be more specific and opt for a tanning lotion for fair skin. These lotions are enriched with ingredients that accelerate sun tanning while moisturizing the skin. When it comes to choosing the best outdoor tanning lotion, you can get confused between multiple options. We hope the guide below will help you choose the best out there!

Types of Outdoor Tanning Lotions 

There are mainly two types of outdoor tanning lotions: 

• Accelerators 
• Bronzers 

While bronzers makes use of bronzing agents to give you a dark golden glow on the areas of application, accelerators use natural ingredients to trigger the tanning process so that you get a deep, dark tan that lasts for a longer duration. You can find also products that come with a bronzer as well as an accelerator. 

What are some reasons to consider outdoor tanning? 

Indoor tanning can be expensive and more often than not, ineffectual. Moreover, getting a tan that looks and feels natural is a hard bargain with indoor tanning. In fact, outdoor tanning comes with its own set of benefits as well as risks. Exposure to the sun is an effective way to absorb Vitamin D. As per studies, tanning outdoors contributes to better mental health and is a great way to boost your mood. 

Many people prefer a golden tan to pale skin. Evenly tanned skin is regarded as a sign of good health. Outdoor tanning also reduces the chances of sunburn. Once you have a base tan all over your body, it is less likely that you will get sunburned. Outdoor tanning is also known to dry out acne and thus, is recommended for people with acne-prone skin. 

Listed below are Reviews of Top 10 Outdoor Tanning Lotions:

1. Ed Hardy Coconut Kisses Golden Tanning Lotion 

The Coconut Kisses Golden Tanning Lotion from Ed Hardy is one of the best products that you can get your hands on. The tanning lotion moisturizes and nourishes your skin to make you look like a tropical diva. The product is rich in coconut fruit extract, coconut oil, cocoa extract, aloe leaf juice, and other essential ingredients which intensify tanning to bring the gorgeous, golden glow while replenishing your skin with intense moisture.  

The best part about this tanning lotion is that it accelerates tanning process by simulating melanin formation, without the use of bronzing agents. You may also use the lotion on your tattoos and keep them from fading as you bask in the sun. Stay refreshed for hours, soaked in the dreamy fragrance of coconut paradise with the Ed Hardy Coconut Kisses Golden Tanning Lotion. 

2. Millennium Tanning New Paint It Black 50X

The Millennium Tanning New Paint It Black 50X features unique auto darkening tan technology that works 50x than any usual tanner to give you a dark goddess-like tan. The tanning lotion comes with extreme silicone emulsion blend that works to make your skin smooth, supple and soft as silk. And be rest assured, the product lives up to its claims. It enhances the tanning process to give you the desired bronze outlook. Besides the features mentioned, the lotion also speeds up skin-firming to ensure you look like a prima donna just back from the tropics. 

The product is ideal for all ages as it does not contain any harsh ingredients or tanning agents that are potentially harmful for the skin. Additionally, it has a balanced consistency; something that is neither too runny nor super thinks. Not to mention, that the product has a delicious scent of fresh cotton blossoms that lasts longer than any other tanning lotions. 

3. Australian Gold SPF 15 Spray Gel Sunscreen with Instant Bronzer 

Want to avoid the hassle of applying a tanning lotion? How about a spray that brings on the beach glow instantly? The Australian Gold SPF 15 Spray Gel Sunscreen with Instant Bronzer is for you. Soak your skin in the rich formula of the spray tanner that not only protects the skin from the sun but also hydrates and moisturizes it. The product gives you the benefits of a tanning lotion are a spray gel that is easy to use and super convenient to carry around. 

With the Australian Gold SPF 15 Spray Gel, you can get a rich golden tan any time you want. Enriched with Kakadu Plum Vitamin C, the gel enhances the production of collagen. The product also contains tea tree oil, one of the best natural antioxidants that cleanses the skin gently and smoothes it out. Ingredients such as olive fruit oil and sunflower seed oil combined with Aloe Vera hydrates the skin from within. Also, you will love the smell of luscious cocoa dreams. Apply it 15 minutes before exposing yourself to the sun. Other reasons to love this product is that it is cruelty free, dye free, gluten and alcohol free, and PABA free. 

4. Hawaiian Tropic Dark Tanning Oil 

The Hawaiian Tropic Dark Tanning Oil is the perfect way to pamper your skin in the most natural way. What you find inside this bottle is meant to work like magic. The oil is a blend of essential natural oils and antioxidants. The product, indeed, lives up to its claims- it gives you a smooth, polished skin that is soaked in moisture, a dark, radiant tan which lasts long, and comes with the smell of the coconuts. 

On application, the product works quickly to give you an intense, dark tan while conditioning your skin like a dream. It is also rich in vitamin A, C and E which aids in reducing counteracting free radicals. The product also comes with SPF 6 which is a low SPF and so you must reapply the product to avoid having sunburn. Being an oil, it is rather greasy. Therefore, it is not an ideal option for the ones looking for something matte in tanning lotions and oils.

Check Out: Best Tingle Tanning Lotions

 5. Australian Gold, Cheeky Brown Accelerator Dark Natural Bronzers 

The Australian Gold, Cheeky Brown Accelerator Dark Natural Bronzer is an all-in-one tanning lotion that may be used indoors as well as outdoors. It is arguably the best tanning lotion among its likes. The product comprises a nourishing blend of Caramel, Henna, and Beta Carotene that work to bring on the dark bronzed hue immediately.

While the lotion may be on the pricier side, the product is worth every dime. The lotion is also infused with herbal moisturizing ingredients like purple sweet potato and wheat sprout. There herbal ingredients also lock the moisture into the skin, making it feel moisturized for long hours. To top it off, you get Cocoa Dreams scent in the bottle that gives you a refreshed feel for the entire day. 

6. Beach Life Indoor/ Outdoor Intensifiers 

Utilizing natural ingredients like coconut milk, coconut oil and seaweed, this intensifier by Beach Life brings the best of tanning lotions under its umbrella. If you are looking for a subtle tan, this is the product for you. The combination of coconut milk and coconut oil helps hydrating stretchy skin and induces a dark golden glow when applied. The seaweed helps flushing toxins out of the body resulting in a healthier glow from within. 

Moreover, the lotion contains Vitamin A and C, passion fruit extracts and hibiscus extracts, ruling out the possibility of skin damage due to free radicals while making the skin elastic. You can also use this on your tattoos before stepping into the sun as it ensure prolonged life and radiance of your tattoos. 

7. Somewhere on the Beach, Indoor, Outdoor, Instant Dark Tanning Lotion 

Somewhere on the Beach Instant Dark Tanning Lotion is your retreat to the tropics captured in a bottle. It is one of the best products for indoor as well as outdoor use. However, it is best used with a sunscreen as and when your go lounging in the sun since it does not contain any SPF. Nevertheless, the tanning lotion brings on a lustrous, dark tan without the user of harsh tanning accelerators. 

The lotion is rich in ingredients like walnut oil and coconut that hydrates the skin, making it smooth and elastic. And don’t underestimate the lotion’s anti-aging properties! With advanced matrixyl synthe 6, the lotion works best to reduce wrinkles and fine lines to make the skin look youthful again. Besides, the lotion comprises aloe leaf juice that not only hydrates but soothes the skin and green tea leaf extract which is an excellent antioxidant. 

8. OrganicGOLD Virgin Coconut Best Outdoor Sun Tanning Oil 

Achieving the perfect golden tan is seldom easy. But getting a gleaming glow is made simpler with OrganicGOLD Virgin Coconut Best Outdoor Sun Tanning Oil. Unlike other tanning oils, this product is quite matte and is easily absorbed into the skin. It’s amazing how it gives you a non-greasy yet moisturized feel for long hours. The key ingredient here is virgin coconut oil, the benefits of which are no secret. The lotion is also infused with medium chain fatty acids that are known for their antimicrobial properties. Additionally, it helps in reducing inflammation and keeps the skin feeling soft. 

One among the natural ingredients that stimulates the tanning process is coffee. Coffee, not only lets on a golden, tanned hue when applied but it also makes the skin firm and adds to the glow. Some other natural ingredients that the lotion utilizes are chamomile, cacao and lavender. While chamomile and lavender promotes regeneration of skin tissues for better appearance, cacao is well known for preventing premature skin discoloration. If you are looking forward to a beachy day, this tanning oil comes handy.

9. Tropical Sands All Naturals Dark Tanning Oil 

The Tropical Sands All Natural Dark Tanning Oil is designed to suit all skin types. If you want to look like the tanned beach babes, you should definitely get your hands on this one. Meant for indoor as well as outdoor use, all naturals’ dark tanning oil is best for individuals who are on a budget. Despite being one of the cheapest options on the list, the tanning oil gives out wondrous results. 

Ditch those random tanning oils and lotions containing gobs of hazardous chemicals. Go natural with the Tropical Sands Natural Tanning Oil. Unlike many other tanning oils and lotions that use mineral oils, the All Naturals Oil by Tropical Sands is free from mineral oil and other harmful chemicals of its likes. The oil induces a dark, rich tan minus the unpleasant oily feel on the skin. The product does not contain any emulsifiers, or parabens. For people who prefer using fragrance-free products, this one is an ideal choice. The Tropical Sands All Natural Dark Tanning Oil is also biodegradable and eco-friendly. It is safe to use for kids and pets. 

10. Maui Babe Browning Lotion 

Rooted in Maui, Hawaii, the lotion is gaining popularity among people who like a rich, golden tan all-round the year. You will be fascinated to know that the lotion is made from secret Hawaiian formula that triggers sun tanning and yields a tan that looks purely natural. The good thing about this lotion is that it is suitable for all skin types. Although the lotion is a bit greasy, but for the results, it is worth the money spent. 

Maui Babe Browning Lotion has a delightful chocolaty smell with just a hint of coffee. For some, the product may seem to be overpriced as there are myriad substitutes available at a lower price point. Overall, the Maui Babe Browning Lotion is worth a try. It is cruelty-free and has a shelf life of 5 years. 

Can I use Indoor tanning lotion for tanning outdoors?

Not all, you may use some of them only if you read the instructions on the label of the lotion. The reason being indoor tanning lotion don’t make the lotion keeping in mind the exposure to harmful sun rays like UV rays and so they can even cause your sunburns as Indoor tanning lotions don’t have any SPF protection. 

How does outdoor tanner work? 

Who does not love a great, golden tan? Well getting dark, tanned skin needs no hard work. You just need to be wise with your choice of tanning lotions. 

Tanning lotions not only accelerate the tanning process to bring on a halo-like golden glow, but they are also known to improve skin conditions. You might just have a ball on the beach, soaking under the sun but it isn’t great for your skin. Individuals with tattoos must be careful enough to use a lotion, as the ink fades away. This is when you need an outdoor tanner. 

Outdoor tanners often come with an accelerator or maximize to ensure instant tanning, a bronzer to enhance the glow, and moisturizing ingredients such as coconut oil and Aloe Vera extracts. Natural tanning lotions use essential ingredients to boost the production of melanin and yield the desired tan look. 

Why you should consider Outdoor Tanning?

Sun is a great source of energy but prolonged exposure to sun rays can be harmful and so no matter what your purpose is: whether it is to tan your body or just soak the sun. You should always use a lotion that protects your skin. When it comes to tanning, here are some of the reasons to consider outdoor tanning:

1. Soaking Sun Rays can give you a lot of Vitamin D
2. If you suffer from acne issues, the heat from the sun can help you dry out that acne spot
3. When you use an outdoor tanning lotion, there is a low risk of any sunburn and you speed up the process of tanning. 
4. We have always heard that UV rays aren’t good but not always, There has been studies where exposure to UV rays has shown positive effects. 
5. When you get a tan over you, the skin texture changes and in some cases. It even boosts confidence of individuals.

HOW TO USE OUTDOOR TANNING LOTION?

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You need to follow a proper procedure to be able to get the maximum result of using the tanning lotion. Now the interesting part is that in order to get the best results, you may have mix the outdoor tanning lotion with two other lotions:

Step 1: The day you are about to get a tan. Apple a pre-tanning lotion just after you wake up. A pre-tanning lotion basically prepares your skin by moisturizing and exfoliating your skin. It smoothens the skin and helps the skin absorb the main tanning lotion. You can follow this process an hour before for better results.

Step 2: Once you are out to get a tan. This is the time to apply the outdoor tanning lotion. Make sure you have applied the tanning lotion evenly across all the skin are of your body exposed to the Sun. Better choose a lotion that has an SPF level and if it doesn’t then you need to mix that cream with a sunscreen that has SPF. SPF is a factor that determines the protection from sun rays.

Step 3: Once you have finished getting the tan outdoors. It’s time to apply the after-tanning lotion. What this does is that it hydrates your skin as your skin becomes dry after prolonged exposure to sun rays. An after-tanning lotion will moisturize your dry skin and make it look toned. You can also use aloe-vera extract as a natural alternative to after-tanning lotion.   

What is your skin type for tanning?

It is important for you to know your skin type before application of any type of lotion or cream on your skin. As per FDA(Food and Drug Administration), skin has been put in 6 different categories. Learn here more. We have put down a breif for every skin type:

• Type I:
• Pale White, burns but doesn’t tan
• Type II: White to Light Beige, burns and tans a little
• Type III: Beige, burns and tans gradually
• Type IV: Light Brown, burns a little and tans well
• Type V: Moderate Brown, doesn’t really burns and tans well
• Type VI: Dark Brown or Black, doesn’t burn and tans a lot

How Does Using an Outdoor Tanning Lotion Benefit me?

Outdoor tanning lotions that are available in the market are a blend of different ingredients. They claim to come with a varied set of benefits. Some of the common benefits of using an outdoor tanner are listed below: 

• Instant Tanning: Outdoor tanning lotions come with accelerators that speed up the tanning process to give you the desired results in minimum time. 
• Moisturized Skin: Outdoor tanning lotions are rich in natural moisturizers such as almond oil, coconut oil and Aloe Vera extracts that help keeping the skin nourished as you step into the sun. Moisturizing the skin is necessary as to ensure that it does not get damaged in the process of tanning. 
• Soft and supple skin: Many of such outdoor tanners come with anti-aging ingredients that make the skin look youthful and rule out wrinkles and fine lines to reveal a firmer skin. These lotions work towards making the skin softer and more elastic. 
• Making the tan last: Moisturizing the skin with a tanning lotion not only helps the skin tan faster but they also deepen the tan. Therefore, you can cherish a dark, tanned skin longer. 
• Less odor: Outdoor lotions come in a variety of fragrances which keeps bad odor at bay. 

Conclusion

Now you must be very clear about all the best outdoor tanning lotions available. We have tried to cover every aspect related to tanning outdoors. We wish you get a wonderful tan whenever you are out and hopefully let us know in the comments as to what other purposes do you tan for. We are always looking for the best tanning lotions and will keep updating the list regularly whenever we have tried and loved some product.