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Advice

The Best Tan Accelerators for a Perfect Golden Glow

The Best Tan Accelerators for a Perfect Golden Glow
Alice Macfarlane
Beauty Writer1 year ago
View Alice Macfarlane's profile

A tan accelerator is an easy way to improve your golden glow no matter whether you're at home or abroad.

If you're not a huge fan of fake tan or hate the look it gives 4 days into application, you will love the effects of a tan accelerator. We're here to give you all the advice you need to nail that natural glow without an inch of self-tanner in sight.

Our Picks of the Best Tan Accelerators

  1. Revolution Tanning Rapid Tan Accelerator SPF20
  2. Comfort Zone Sun Soul Cream Gel Tan Maximiser 
  3. Piz Buin Tan and Protect Spray SPF 15
  4. Bali Body Watermelon Tanning Oil SPF15
  5. Lancaster Sun Tan Maximizer After Sun Lotion
  6. Dr. Russo After Sun Body Repair Tan Maximizer 

How does tan accelerator work?

If you struggle to get a natural tan to your skin whilst sunbathing, a tan accelerator will be perfect for you. Although they feel like super luxurious moisturisers, they do a lot more than simply hydrate the skin.

Tan accelerators work by speeding up the skin's natural tanning process so that you get a bronze glow much quicker than usual. Packed with ingredients that encourage your skin cells to produce melanin (the compound responsible for tanning), they are brilliant to use on all skin tones. If you are fair and struggle to tan they can help speed up the process, or have a deeper skin tone, they can add a gorgeous bronze depth.

It's worth noting that tan accelerators do not replace sunscreens, and that you must always use an SPF while you're both in and out of the sun.

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Why should I use a tan accelerator?

Unlike fake tans, tan accelerators do not cause streaks or make your skin appear orange because they contain no colour or DHA pigment.

They are packed with moisture-loving ingredients that help to hydrate the skin as it tans, so that you minimise the risk of dehydration, peeling and flaking.

When should I use a tan accelerator?

Tan accelerators should be applied 2-4 weeks before heading into the sun to really give your skin chance to build up its melanin production. Because they're super moisturising, they can replace your normal body cream during the summer months without any additional fuss or steps needed. Of course, if you don't want to give up your daily body lotion, just use over the top once it has absorbed.

Which are the Best Tan Accelerators for a Golden Glow?

Discover which tan accelerators will give you that healthy, bronzed goddess glow and keep your skin hydrated as well.

    Shop all tanning on LOOKFANTASTIC.

    Alice Macfarlane
    Beauty Writer
    View Alice Macfarlane's profile
    As someone with an affinity for all things beauty, discovering fantastic new products is my not-so-secret obsession. Over the years I've tried and tested a mountains worth of creams, serums and cleansers, finding some of my favourite 'holy-grail' products along the way. However, I'm always on the lookout for more ways to nourish my hair, perfect my dewy base, or enhance my skincare routine. Working as a beauty blogger for over 3 years, I've been lucky enough to collaborate personally with lots of amazing beauty brands including Christian Dior, The Body Shop and Dermalogica. I've used the Dermalogica special cleansing gel religiously since I first got it and their products are some of my ultimate skincare faves. When it comes to cosmetics, NARS Sheer Glow foundation is definitely my go-to - I live for a light, glowy base!
    lfint