In short: Indoor tanning lotions move through four cosmetic stages — intensifier (no colour, builds a base), natural bronzer (immediate cosmetic tint), DHA dark bronzer (gradual cosmetic colour) and accelerator (moisture-rich base for every session). This guide explains each stage, how to pick by skin type, and which in-stock lotions we carry in Canada.
The four stages of indoor tanning lotion
1. Intensifier (no bronzer)
Intensifiers contain no colourant. They are the starting point for beginners and fair skin, helping you build a base cosmetically and evenly. In-store we carry the Swedish Beauty Pink Spirit Intensifier (7oz).
2. Natural bronzer
Natural bronzers add an immediate cosmetic tint that washes off later. They are a good next step once you are comfortable with the bed — for example the Swedish Beauty Pink Escape Natural Bronzer (7oz) (in-store).
3. DHA dark bronzer
DHA is a cosmetic colourant that develops a gradual bronze tint over a few hours. Reach for a DHA dark bronzer such as the Swedish Beauty Pink Quartz Dark DHA Bronzer (7oz) or the Australian Gold Deviously Bronze 45x when you want deeper cosmetic colour.
4. Accelerator
Accelerators are moisture-rich bases with little or no colour, designed for use at every session. Try the Australian Gold Accelerator Extreme or the AG 40th Anniversary Dark Tanning Accelerator (with a tattoo-protection formula).
Which stage matches your skin type?
| You are… | Start with | Example |
|---|---|---|
| New / fair skin | Intensifier | Swedish Beauty Pink Spirit |
| Building colour | Natural bronzer | Swedish Beauty Pink Escape |
| Want deeper colour | DHA dark bronzer | Pink Quartz / Deviously Bronze 45x |
| Every session | Accelerator | Accelerator Extreme / 40th Anniversary |
Eyewear: never skip it
Protective eyewear is required in the tanning bed. We stock California Tan Peepers Tanning Goggles (in-store) and classic Tanning Goggles — always protect your eyes during a session.
Shop in-stock tanning lotions
These lotions are in stock and ship Canada-wide (free shipping on qualifying orders):
Featured in this guide but currently in-store only: Swedish Beauty Pink Spirit, Swedish Beauty Pink Escape, and California Tan Peepers goggles. Ask us to hold one for you.
How to apply, step by step
- Exfoliate and dry your skin for an even cosmetic result.
- Apply an even layer just before your session; wash hands after bronzers.
- Wear goggles in the bed.
- With DHA bronzers, let the colour develop for a few hours before showering.
- Follow your salon's session-time guidance.
FAQ
What is the difference between an intensifier and a bronzer?
An intensifier has no colourant and builds a base, while a bronzer adds cosmetic colour — immediately (natural) or gradually (DHA).
How do I go from beginner to dark bronzer?
Move through the stages: intensifier, then natural bronzer, then DHA dark bronzer, using an accelerator at any stage for hydration.
Where can I buy these in Canada?
From Top Nutrition and Fitness in Montréal, shipping Canada-wide with free shipping on qualifying orders.
Keep reading
Résumé en français
Les lotions de bronzage en cabine suivent quatre étapes cosmétiques : intensificateur (sans couleur), bronzant naturel (teinte immédiate), bronzant foncé au DHA (couleur graduelle) et accélérateur (base hydratante pour chaque séance). Choisissez selon votre type de peau et portez toujours des lunettes de protection. Nos lotions en stock se livrent partout au Canada (livraison gratuite sur les commandes admissibles) avec ramassage à Montréal.
