The top tanning oils in 2023 help speed along the tanning process, helping you make the most of your time on vacation or in a tanning bed. There are plenty of products to choose from, and choosing wisely might seem like a daunting task. Like a nourishing tanning oil - we’ve got you covered. Continue reading to see the things you should think about before you make a purchase.
Tanning is the darkening of the skin caused by ultraviolet light. This can cause damage to the skin and premature aging. Tanning is the visible result of your skin attempting to protect itself from damage. However, when used in conjunction with sunscreen, and plenty of aftercare, tanning oil can simply make you look fabulous. We recommend spending less time in the sun when using tanning oil and alternating days using only sunscreen.
Things to Consider Before Purchasing Tanning Oil
Water-resistant
Look for a tanning oil that is resistant to water. This is especially important if you plan on working on your tan at the beach. Tanning oils will have different amounts of water resistance. To find out the specifics of the tanning oil you are interested in, you may need to contact the company that makes the product.
Fake tan
Some tanning oils not only help you achieve a natural tan but also include a fake tan to give you an instant tan before the natural tanning process begins. This allows you to have a tanned bikini body while you are on holiday and not only when you return home.
When using a fake tanning product, you may want to use gloves. This is because the pigment can build between your fingers if you are using your hands to apply it. Look for a product that includes latex gloves.
Consider the shade of tan the tanning oil provides. Someone with pale skin would look odd with fake tan meant for people with darker skin.
Nourishing ingredients
Most tanning oils do not offer any SPF protection, and tanning in the sun can cause UV damage, premature aging, and dry skin. Ensure your tanning oil is full of nourishing ingredients like antioxidants to limit the damage caused by sunbathing.
SPF protection
As mentioned previously, most tanning oils do not offer any SPF protection. However, some tanning oils do. It will be a small amount of protection but it is better than nothing, and it is a wise feature to look for. Some studies show that this protection is negligible because the oil increases the power of damaging UV rays. For this reason, you should also apply sunscreen.
Scent
Tanning oil is available with different fragrances. If you have a specific fragrance in mind, you can search for a tanning oil based on the kind of scent you want. If you do not search for a specific fragrance, you should expect to find tropical smelling products that smell like coconut or pineapple for example.
Application
The application of tanning oil is usually through a spray applicator. Consider the durability of the applicator, and how much pressure you need to apply for a substantial amount of tanning oil to be released.
The application should be easy, provide a steady flow, and create a light layer that you can choose to build upon if you wish to.
Glitter infused
If you want to look like a tanned god or goddess at the beach, you may want to look for glitter-infused tanning oil. Glitter will reflect the light, which will make scars, wrinkles, and stretch marks a little less noticeable.
Coconut oil
Tanning oil containing coconut oil will become clumpy when left in cool temperatures. However, it will revert to a liquid state when it has warmed up. Coconut oil is a great natural substance for rebuilding the outer layer of skin and locking in moisture. It also has a natural SPF of between four and five.
Quantity
Tanning oil has an expiry date, and most tanning oils do not work as well after three years of life. For this reason, it may be better to purchase several individual bottles with different expiry dates, instead of one large bottle. This depends on how much product you intend to use. If you will use a large bottle within a couple of years, you may get a better deal, buying more in one go.
Tanning oil cost
Consider the cost of the tanning oil. Look at the price per ounce as well as the price for a whole bottle to ensure you get the best deal possible. You can purchase a bottle of tanning oil for as little as $7 and as much as $70.
