Tanning Lingo Unveiled; What is a Bronzer, Intensfier, Maximizer, Tingle & More

Bronzer, Intensifier, 10x, Tingle; what does it mean? Understanding tanning terminology is the first step in getting a wicked, LASTING tan!

Bronzer - A bronzer is basically a self tanner. If you use a bronzer you'll get an "instant" tan look. Bronzers generally last three to five days, depending on their strength...

2x, 3x, 10x, etc - The number you see on the bottle means the amount of bronzer or tingle factor the lotion has in it. The higher the number, the more the product contains. I suggest starting low and working your way up.

Tingle - Tingle means that your skin will literally have a tingling sensation. Tingle is caused by Benzly Nicatinate found in the lotion. This ingredient is designed to increase capillary blood circulation and give you a slightly reddish ("flushed") look. Tingle is not dangerous at all, but have caution. Tingle can cause a burning sensation that many people do not like. If you're interested in trying a tingle lotion you should start out with a very mild one and apply just a little and do a skin patch test.

Maximizer - A maximizer is designed to provide your skin with moisture. A moisturized tan is a healthy tan.

Intensifer - Many people who buy my tanning lotions on eBay seem to confuse Maximizer with Intensifier. An Intensifier is a Maximizer but it also contains vitamins. The vitamins are to make your tan last longer.

Moisturizer - Another common mistake is people buying a moisturizer to tan with. Moisturizers come in the same bottles as lotions but they are not intended to be used as tanning lotions. Moisturizers are for after-tanning use. If you want to tan with a moisturizer then you need to get a good Maximizer.

Exfoliant - An exfoliant is to be used when bathing - preferably prior to tanning. It removed dead skin so you can get a healthy even tan.

Things You Should Never Tan With

Now that you know the different terminology, here's some things you should avoid using, especially if you are indoor tanning:

Baby Oil - Baby Oil destroys tanning beds and doesn't provide any protection against UV rays! Baby Oil will destroy any indoor bed. It seeps into the acrylic sheet that you lie on and begins breaking it down eventually causing cloudiness and cracks.

Corner Store Lotions- Never buy one of those lotions from your grocery store or drug store. Just like with the baby oil, they destroy indoor beds and often times they are junkie. If you compare the ingredients in a bottle of corner store lotion to a bottle of name brand lotion you will see a huge difference in quality.