Tan faster, but without damaging your skin? These 5 tanning accelerators make it possible
Slightly tanned skin always looks fresh and healthy. Self-tanner not your thing? If you don’t want to miss out on a real tan but still want to protect your skin, you can use tanning accelerators.
Affiliate note about our recommendations
This article contains, among other things, product recommendations. We are free from third-party influence when selecting products. For a mediation via our Affiliate links When a purchase or referral is made, we receive a commission from the relevant service provider/online shop, with the help of which we can continue to offer independent journalism.
After a long winter, many of us are fed up with deathly pale skin that accentuates every vein, pimple and deep dark circles under the eyes. A delicate tan immediately makes us look happy, alert and healthy. No wonder we crave the first rays of sunshine in spring. Yes, stop! Excessive UV radiation is not only carcinogenic but also ages the skin. If you’re not a fan of self-tanners and don’t want to miss out on a natural, real tan, you’re in a quandary here.
The best tanning accelerators for tanned skin
Luckily, there is a solution: tanning accelerators. These sun products are enriched with active ingredients that increase our skin’s natural melanin production when it comes into contact with UV radiation. Tanning accelerators enable us to tan our skin beautifully within a very short time – without exposing ourselves to the sun’s radiation for too long. These are my favorites:
#1 Rapid crap Tanning accelerator from The Fox Tan
Australians know how to do it: protect themselves from dangerous UV radiation and still get a summer tan. No wonder Australian brand The Fox Tan has the great one Tanning accelerator from The Fox Tan has released. The more spray you use, the shorter your time in the sun will be. The unique active ingredient complex stimulates our melanin production and gives us a deep, beautiful tan even after short sunbathing.
#2 Intensive tanning gel Tanning accelerator of carrots
The insider tip for an intensive and quick tan? The Intensive tanning gel of carrots. The tan accelerator provides skin with moisture from sesame oil and calendula extract, while the combination of carrot and coconut oil intensifies and accelerates the tan. Important: Do not apply without sunscreen, otherwise you risk sunburn!
#3 Gold Cashmere Balm Sunmaxx tanning accelerator
The Tan Booster Gold Cashmere Balm by Sunmaxx helps us achieve a natural, healthy tan. The UV radiation is optimally absorbed and thanks to the tan-enhancing Pro-Tanning system, melanin production is stimulated. Moisture boosters nourish the skin and protect it from premature aging caused by sun exposure. A delicious orange-vanilla scent gives the cream a summery feeling.
#4 Protection & tan Nivea tanning accelerator
Would you like to get a tan quickly but healthily? Then that is it Protection & tan Nivea sun oil perfect for you. The oil tanning accelerator with pro-melanin extract not only activates the skin’s own melanin production, the skin is also protected with sun protection factor 30 when sunbathing.
#5 Tan & Protect Piz Buin tanning accelerator
The Tanning accelerator Tan & Protect by Piz Buin shortens the time we have to lie in the sun to get a tan. Valuable illumitones ensure an enhanced tanning process for our skin. The oil is quickly absorbed without leaving a sticky feeling and nourishes our skin sustainably. It also protects against dangerous UV rays with a sun protection factor of 15.
What are tanning accelerators?
Tanning accelerators are products used to boost the skin’s tanning process. They contain ingredients that stimulate the production of melanin in the skin – the pigment responsible for tanning. At Contact with UV rays The skin will tan faster than without using such a product.
How do tanning accelerators work?
The exact composition of tanning accelerators can vary depending on the product, but they often contain ingredients such as vitamin E, tyrosine, caffeine, carotene, caramel or other plant extracts. These ingredients stimulate melanin production and thus accelerate skin tanning. Depending on the package instructions, apply the spray, oil or cream thoroughly and extensively to your body before sunbathing. If it does not specifically contain a sun protection factor, then use your sunscreen as usual before sunbathing.
Danger: Tanning accelerators do not offer any protection against UV rays – so they are not a replacement for a sunscreen with a sun protection factor!
What is the difference between self-tanner and tanning accelerator?
A Self-tanner and a tanning accelerator are two different types of products designed to tan the skin. The main difference is that self-tanners provide artificial color, while tanning accelerators stimulate the skin’s production of melanin.
A Self-tanner is a product that triggers a chemical reaction on the surface of the skin to produce a tan. It often contains the active ingredient dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which reacts with the amino acids in the upper layers of the skin and produces a brown color. This is an artificial coloring, not a real tan created by the skin. Applying self-tanner flawlessly for a natural, tanned look takes some practice, but can be used any time of year without exposing yourself to UV rays.
A tanning accelerator, on the other hand, is a product that aims to accelerate the skin’s natural tanning process – without self-tanner. It contains ingredients that stimulate the production of melanin in the skin, the pigment responsible for tanning. Tanning accelerators are usually applied before sunbathing or spending time in the sun and are intended to help achieve a faster and more intense tan. However, you still need to be exposed to UV radiation in order to tan your skin – albeit for a shorter period of time than without tanning accelerators.
Are tanning accelerators dangerous?
Tanning accelerators are generally safe to use when used according to the instructions on the product. As long as they are used responsibly and used in combination with sunscreen, they should not cause any harmful effects.
However, it is important to note that tanning accelerators do not provide complete protection from UV rays. They are not a replacement for Sunscreenif you don’t have a sun protection factor! Overexposure to the sun without adequate protection can lead to sunburn, premature aging and an increased risk of skin cancer.
Apply tanning accelerator correctly
Before tanning, apply the oil, spray or cream according to the package instructions and be sure to add sufficient sun protection factor.
What stimulates the natural tanning of the skin?
There are various substances that can support the natural tanning of the skin. They are therefore used in cosmetics such as tanning accelerators or tanning oils. But dietary supplements can also contain vitamins and active ingredients that intensify natural tanning. We’ll tell you which foods and ingredients can ensure an enhanced tanning effect.
#1 Carotenoids
Carotenoids are natural pigments found in certain fruits and vegetables. You can lightly tan the skin. Foods like carrots, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, spinach and peppers contain high amounts of carotenoids.
#2 Beta carotene
Beta-carotene is a special carotenoid that is converted into vitamin A by the body. It can not only improve skin tan but also protect against sun damage. Foods like carrots, pumpkin, apricots, spinach and mangoes contain high levels of beta-carotene.
#3 Astaxanthin
Astaxanthin is a powerful antioxidant found in algae, crustaceans and salmon. It can help protect skin from sun damage and promote tanning.
#4 Green tea
Green tea contains polyphenols, which have antioxidant properties and can help protect skin from UV damage. Healthy skin can tan better.
#5 Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel and tuna, can help keep skin healthy and promote tanning.
