What is the best tanning bed lotion for sensitive skin

I love tanning, and I’ve recently discovered the best tanning lotion on the planet.

My middle daughter, working on her tan.

Tanning Lotion Review

I love tanning, and I’ve recently discovered the best tanning lotion on the planet. Okay, that might be an unfounded claim, as I haven’t actually tried every tanning lotion on the market. I have, however, tried scores of different tanning lotions over the years, with mixed results.

Some gave me the dreaded orange hue, some resulted in a streaked tan, and some barely provided any color at all. I wanted an indoor tanning lotion with a great bronzer effect that would also keep my skin soft and moist.

One day when I was visiting my favorite tanning bed, I noticed that one of the workers had an amazing tan, so I asked her what tanning lotion she used. She told me that she uses Solid Black tanning lotion, so I just had to give it a try.

I’m glad I did! It’s definitely the best indoor tanning lotion I’ve ever used, by far. Solid Black tanning lotion contains some powerful bronzers. I don’t know how the manufacturers do it, but the color I get is awesome, and it lasts for days, even when used as sunless tanning. I’ve found, however, that I get the best results when I combine sunless tanning with visits to the bronzer tanning bed. I just started working on my tan two days ago, and I already have a nice tan! Part of my tan is “real,” and part of it is “fake.”

How to Get a Fast Tan With the Right Tanning Lotion

The night before I began my annual tanning rituals, I shaved and exfoliated. If possible, shave your legs with water only. Creams and lotions can leave a residue on your skin that might inhibit or streak your tanning lotion. If you have to use a shaving cream, be sure to remove it completely. Of course, the exfoliating process will help with this. Shave first, then exfoliate. I don’t usually use expensive exfoliate scrubs. Instead, I use table salt and a damp washcloth. It works great, and it’s super cheap.

The next afternoon, it was hot and sunny here, so I tanned on my deck for about an hour, without any type of lotion or oil. This is a trick I learned from a professional pageant tanner. She explained to me that dry skin will soak up sunless tanning lotions better, and from my experience, this has held true. That hour I spent in the real sun definitely enhanced my sunless tanning by making my tanning lotion more effective.

Later that afternoon, I slathered on the Solid Black tanning lotion and stood in front of a fan until it was completely dry. I put on some loose-fitting clothes and drove a couple of blocks to my favorite tanning salon. I spent 16 minutes in the bronzer bed—eight minutes per side. The next day, I used more of my favorite lotion and visited the bronzer tanning bed again. Within a couple of hours, my new tan was obvious.

It's almost beach time!

Closing Thoughts

I fully believe that Solid Black is the best indoor tanning lotion. The bronzer is great, and in fact, I think it includes several bronzers. Also, because it’s a silicone tanning lotion, it glides on easily, and it keeps your skin moist and supple.

It’s not exactly cheap, however. But I’ve found that with sunless tanning, you often get what you pay for in the way of tanning products. Believe me—I’ve tried lots of cheap tanning lotions, and I wasn’t satisfied with their results, even after numerous applications. Of course, “cheap” is a relative term. Compared to some uber-expensive products, Solid Black is considered a discount tanning lotion.

Even if you have a base tan, or even if you already have a dark tan, it’s a good idea to use an indoor tanning lotion occasionally. The moisturizers will help maintain your tan, and a sunless tanning product with a bronzer can even out your complexion. As tanning season and my tanning continue, I’ll use a bronzer about once a week or so.

I already told you that Solid Black tanning lotion is rich in moisturizers, but allow me to explain what else it has. It contains walnut seed oil, pecan seed oil, carrot seed oil, and oleracea fruit oil. All these oils will give your skin that extra glow and take your tan to the next level. The product also contains extracts from camellia, banana, apple, and melon, so it has a nice fragrance—unlike some other brands of indoor tanning lotion. To me, some of the discount tanning lotion brands have an unpleasant smell. I swear by this lotion, and if your skin reacts to it as mine does, you’ll be hooked. You’ll never want to use another tanning product or bronzer! This really is the best indoor tanning lotion I’ve ever used.

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and does not substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, and/or dietary advice from a licensed health professional. Drugs, supplements, and natural remedies may have dangerous side effects. If pregnant or nursing, consult with a qualified provider on an individual basis. Seek immediate help if you are experiencing a medical emergency.

© 2012 Holle Abee

Mic on April 22, 2020:

Is the solid black 100x only for indoor use strictly? I'm never to saloons but lots on my balcony sunbathing.... It it ok/safe to use solid black for outdoors sunbathing?

Big daddy o on February 04, 2014:

Is it possible to spray tan your skin solid black?

Teylina on April 08, 2012:

Great product review. I grew up on beaches, no lotion except after showering, and I always tanned perfectly. Still do after decades and my skin is still good (surprise!). As I've become older, the sun now more potent I've occasionally thought about using tanning beds and lotions. My daughter is a die-hard for it. I've never seen a lotion that did as well as the sun. But I'm terrified of a fake look, streaks, etc. Your instructions and review make this something I might really try. Thank You!! Thanks, too, to drbj--honey, you nailed it again!

jenubouka on March 18, 2012:

I am in! I am in my early thirties and do miss the sun kissed look, but sadly gave up on the old school sun sizzling oil bath due to the wrinkle factor. I love, love your product review Habee! This lotion is worth it plus all the money one will save on anti-wrinkle cream if they used the actual rays of the sun. Heading on over to Amazon.....

Angela Blair from Central Texas on March 17, 2012:

Great info Habee as my skin is so dry now and damaged from sun exposure for years when I was outside working. I don't attempt to tan as I used to but even old skin looks better with a bit of color so am delighted to have this info on Solid Black for both indoor and outdoor. Thanks for sharing this info. Best/Sis

drbj and sherry from south Florida on March 17, 2012:

Solid Black must be good, Holle, because with the list of ingredients you mentioned, it sounds like something delicious enough - almost - to eat!

MaryBeth Walz from Maine on March 17, 2012:

Habee, I'm a red head - I'd just settle for a good beige color!

Carolee Samuda from Jamaica on March 17, 2012:

I think I need a tan! Just kidding of course but I had no idea these things were so expensive! I have the best tanning solution Holle, come to Jamaica!

Dr Pandula from Norway on March 17, 2012:

Thanks for the advice. It's a very informative hub and could use the tips very soon!

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