In the competitive world of indoor tanning, success lies not just in the equipment you offer, but also in the products you promote. One of the most underestimated yet powerful tools in any tanning salon’s arsenal is tanning cosmetics. These specially formulated lotions don’t just enhance the tanning process—they also represent a major opportunity for boosting client satisfaction and salon revenue.
Let’s break down the different types of tanning lotions and why it’s crucial to educate your clients and offer the right selection at your salon.
Activators (Also Known as Accelerators)
Purpose: Activators prepare the skin for UV exposure and help speed up the tanning process.
How they work: These lotions hydrate and nourish the skin while stimulating melanin production, the pigment responsible for tanning. Well-moisturized skin tans better and more evenly, reducing the risk of patchiness or dryness.
Ideal for: Beginners or clients with fair skin who are building a base tan.
Intensifiers
Purpose: Similar to activators but often more potent.
How they work: Intensifiers deliver deeper hydration and typically contain more advanced melanin-boosting ingredients. They are usually free of bronzers and are designed to help clients achieve a rich, natural tan over time.
Ideal for: Intermediate tanners who already have a base tan and want to deepen it.
Bronzers (Natural or DHA-Based)
Purpose: Provide immediate or gradually developing color.
How they work: Bronzers are either cosmetic (wash-off) or DHA-based (develop over time and last for several days). They give a darker appearance after just one session, which is especially appealing to clients who want instant results.
Ideal for: Clients preparing for a special event or looking to deepen their tan quickly.
Tingle Bronzers
Purpose: Maximize blood flow and oxygenation to the skin for accelerated tanning.
How they work: These lotions cause a tingling or warming sensation that stimulates circulation and brings more oxygen to the surface of the skin, enhancing melanin production. They often contain bronzers for immediate color.
Important note: Not for beginners—always advise clients about the sensation and recommend a patch test first.
Ideal for: Experienced tanners who want to break through a tanning plateau.
After-Tan Lotions
Purpose: Maintain and extend the life of a tan.
How they work: These lotions are packed with skin-nourishing ingredients like aloe vera, vitamins, and antioxidants. They combat dryness, replenish lost moisture, and help prevent peeling or fading.
Ideal for: Every single client. Post-tanning care is just as important as the session itself.
Why Tanning Lotions Are Essential in Your Salon
Many clients assume that a tanning bed alone will deliver the desired results. However, without the right tanning cosmetics, they are missing out on faster, deeper, and longer-lasting tans. As a salon owner, offering high-quality lotions is about more than just retail—it’s about maximizing the value of every tanning session.
Here’s Why You Should Always Recommend Lotions:
- Better results = happier clients. When clients see faster and more even results, they’re more likely to return and invest in future sessions.
- Moisturized skin tans better. Dry skin reflects UV light, which limits tanning. Lotions ensure the skin absorbs UV rays more effectively.
- Helps differentiate your salon. Offering a curated selection of professional-grade lotions shows that your salon is invested in client care and education.
- Reduces tanning odor. Many lotions include fragrance or odor-neutralizers to counteract the after-tan smell caused by skin reacting to UV exposure.
Retailing Cosmetics: A Major Profit Center
Here’s the bottom line: Selling tanning cosmetics can significantly increase your profit margin. While tanning sessions generate steady income, lotion sales often carry higher markups and can quickly become a major part of your monthly revenue.
By training your staff to confidently recommend the right products for each client’s skin type and tanning goals, you not only enhance the client experience but also unlock a powerful stream of repeat business.
Final Thoughts
Tanning cosmetics are not optional—they are essential. From activators and bronzers to tingle lotions and after-care products, offering a full range of tanning lotions ensures your clients get the best possible results from every visit. And when they see those results, they’ll keep coming back—not just for the beds, but for the products that make all the difference.
Educate. Recommend. Sell. Repeat. That’s the formula for glowing skin—and a thriving tanning salon.
