10 Best Tanning Bed Lotions for Tattoos That Protect and Enhance Your Ink

You want to protect your ink while getting your glow on, and we have you taken care of. Our top 10 list features tanning bed lotions that are specifically formulated to preserve tattoos while delivering deep, dark tans. From ultra-hydrating formulas infused with nourishing ingredients like coconut milk and cocoa butter to powerful accelerators packed with melanin stimulators, these lotions will have you looking bronzed and beautiful in no time. Whether you prefer a tropical scent or an odor-blocking formula, there's a lotion on this list that will suit your needs. Keep exploring to find the perfect match for your tattoos and tanning goals.

Key Takeaways

• Look for tanning lotions specifically formulated with tattoo and color fade protectors to prolong the life and vibrancy of ink
• Choose lotions with dark tanning activators and melanin stimulators to accelerate the tanning process while preserving tattoos
• Opt for lotions with intense hydrating ingredients like coconut milk, butter, and cocoa oil to keep skin soft and supple
• Consider lotions suitable for both indoor and outdoor tanning for versatility
• Be aware that some high-potency lotions may cause streaking or uneven application if not applied carefully

Tanning Paradise Black Coconut Love Ultra Hydrating Dark Tanning Lotion, 13.5oz

For those looking to protect their tattoos while achieving a deep, dark tan, Tanning Paradise's Black Coconut Love Ultra Hydrating Dark Tanning Lotion is an excellent choice. We love that it's formulated with tattoo and color fade protectors to prolong the life and vibrancy of your ink.

Plus, the dark tanning activators and melanin stimulators work together to accelerate your tanning process, delivering golden results without any DHA or bronzing agents.

We're impressed by how quickly this lotion works, with customers noticing a difference in their skin tone after just the first couple of uses. The ultra-tan activator promotes even, long-lasting color, while the coconut milk, butter, and cocoa oil provide intense hydration for soft, supple skin.

Best For: Tanners looking to protect tattoos while achieving a deep, dark tan without DHA or bronzers.

Pros:

• Tattoo and color fade protectors prolong the life and vibrancy of ink
• Dark tanning activators and melanin stimulators accelerate the tanning process
• Ultra-hydrating formula with coconut milk, butter, and cocoa oil for soft, supple skin

Cons:

• May not be suitable for those who prefer gradual, subtle tanning results
• Some users may find the scent of the lotion too strong or overpowering
• The lotion may feel greasy or heavy on the skin for some individuals

That's What Sea Said Tanning Lotion Accelerator for Indoor & Outdoor Tanning

Sun worshippers seeking a rich, dark tan while protecting their tattoos will adore That's What Sea Said Tanning Lotion Accelerator. It's formulated to help you achieve that glowing golden bronze faster, thanks to a proprietary blend of tyrosines that stimulate melanin production. We love that it actively works to prevent tattoo fading, so you can tan confidently knowing your ink will stay vibrant.

This lotion isn't just about the tan, though—it's enriched with nourishing ingredients like aloe vera, coconut, and passionfruit to keep your skin hydrated, smooth, and supple. Those botanical extracts are like a tall drink of water for your skin, helping to ward off wrinkles and signs of aging.

The non-greasy formula applies like a dream and smells like a tropical vacation.

Best For: Sun worshippers seeking a rich, dark tan while protecting their tattoos and keeping skin hydrated.

Pros:

• Formulated with tyrosines to stimulate melanin production for faster, darker tanning
• Enriched with aloe vera, coconut, and passionfruit to lock in moisture and prevent aging
• Actively works to protect tattoos from fading, allowing for confident tanning

Cons:

• May not be suitable for those with very sensitive skin
• Could be too heavy or greasy for some preferences
• Scent may be too strong or tropical for certain individuals

Onyx Tattoo Tanning Lotion with Fade Protection (6.76 FL/OZ)

Tattoo enthusiasts looking to protect their body art while achieving a gorgeous, deep tan will appreciate Onyx Tattoo Tanning Lotion with Fade Protection. We love that this 6.76 fl oz lotion is designed for both women and men, delivering vibrant tattoo protection and enhancing ink colors.

It's perfect for indoor and outdoor tanning, with a powerful blend of tan-magnifying ingredients that combat water loss and preserve your tattoos.

The delightful papaya bliss fragrance is a treat, and customers rave about the noticeable darker tan they achieve. Just be sure to rub it in thoroughly to avoid orange splotches!

With regular use, you'll enjoy an intense, long-lasting tan while keeping your tattoos looking fresh and vibrant. It's a win-win for tanning and tattoo protection.

Best For: Tanning enthusiasts with tattoos who want to protect their ink while achieving a deep, long-lasting tan.

Pros:

• Preserves tattoo colors and blacks while enhancing the overall tan
• Delightful papaya bliss fragrance that customers enjoy
• Suitable for both indoor and outdoor tanning, providing versatility

Cons:

• May cause orange splotches if not rubbed in thoroughly
• Some customers may find the fragrance too strong or overpowering
• The lotion may not provide sufficient hydration for those with very dry skin

200X Dark Black Bronzer Tanning & Sunless Self Tanner Lotion

Those with fair skin looking to achieve a deep, dark tan will appreciate the powerful 200X Dark Black Bronzer Tanning & Sunless Self Tanner Lotion's DHA-packed formula. Its skin-nourishing ingredients like silicone, CoQ10, walnut, and macadamia oils soften and rejuvenate your skin while providing a gorgeous bronze glow.

We love that it can be used at home, the beach, or the tanning salon for versatility.

The 13.5 oz bottle offers great value for the long-lasting results it delivers. Just be sure to wipe your hands after applying to avoid staining, and take care to apply evenly for a streak-free finish.

While dramatically effective, especially for the fair-skinned, some users did experience uneven application, so a little extra attention during application is wise.

Best For: Fair-skinned individuals seeking a powerful, deep, dark tanning lotion for use at home, the beach, or tanning salons.

Pros:

• High DHA levels for dramatic, long-lasting tanning results
• Nourishing ingredients like silicone, CoQ10, walnut, and macadamia oils for soft, glowing skin
• Odor-blocking properties prevent unpleasant post-tanning smell

Cons:

• May cause streaking or uneven application if not applied carefully
• Can stain hands if not wiped off promptly after application
• Some users experienced difficulty achieving even results

Tanning Paradise Black Coconut Love Tanning Lotion, 13.5oz

Tanning enthusiasts looking to achieve a tropical tan while protecting their tattoos will love Tanning Paradise Black Coconut Love Tanning Lotion's unique blend of dark tanning activators, skin hydrators, and tattoo fade protectors.

We're impressed by how quickly this lotion delivers golden results, with customers noticing a difference in their skin tone after just the first couple of uses. The formula's multiple tan intensifiers and melanin stimulators work together to accelerate the tanning process, giving you an even, long-lasting color in as little as five tanning sessions.

And don't worry about your tattoos fading – the lotion's tattoo and color fade protector helps prolong the life and radiance of your ink. Plus, with coconut milk, butter, and cocoa oil, your skin will feel deeply hydrated and firmer, reducing the appearance of cellulite.

Best For: Tanning enthusiasts looking to achieve a deep, golden tan while hydrating and protecting their skin and tattoos.

Pros:

• Dark tanning activators and melanin stimulators deliver quick, even, long-lasting color
• Coconut and cocoa ingredients provide intense skin hydration and firmness
• Tattoo and color fade protector prolongs the life and vibrancy of tattoos

Cons:

• May not be suitable for those with very fair skin or who burn easily
• Lotion format may feel greasy or sticky for some users
• Scent may be too strong or tropical for personal preference

Onyx Tattoo Tanning Lotion with Fade Protection & Color Booster (6.76 FL/OZ)

Enthusiasts seeking an intense, long-lasting tan while preserving their vibrant body art will appreciate Onyx Tattoo Tanning Lotion's fade protection and color-boosting formula. This unisex lotion, packed in a 6.76 fl oz bottle, is designed to combat transepidermal water loss and hydrate your skin with peach extract.

We love how it enhances tattoo colors and blacks, making them pop and look freshly inked.

To achieve the best results, apply the lotion 30 minutes before tanning and rub it in thoroughly to avoid orange splotches. The delightful papaya bliss fragrance is a bonus, making your tanning experience even more enjoyable.

While some customers have expressed concerns about orange splotches, consistent and proper application can help you achieve a stunning, tattoo-protecting tan.

Best For: Tanning enthusiasts looking to protect and enhance their tattoos while achieving a deep, long-lasting tan.

Pros:

• Preserves and enhances tattoo colors and blacks
• Hydrates skin with peach extract
• Delightful papaya bliss fragrance

Cons:

• May cause orange splotches if not applied thoroughly
• Some users may find the scent too strong
• Relatively small bottle size for the price

Ed Hardy Coconut Kisses Golden Tanning Lotion, 13.5 oz

Tattoo lovers, your skin will adore Ed Hardy's Coconut Kisses Golden Tanning Lotion, loaded with coconut milk and oil for deep hydration and a tattoo fade protector to keep your ink vibrant.

This dreamy lotion not only smells like a tropical paradise, but it's also packed with tanning enhancers like quad tyrosine blend, melanobronze, melactiva, and nouritan to boost melanin production and give you a darker, longer-lasting tan.

Plus, the body fit ingredient helps reduce the appearance of cellulite and promotes firmness, so you'll look and feel amazing from head to toe.

And the best part? It's cruelty-free, gluten-free, mineral oil-free, and DHA-free, making it perfect for all skin types. Trust us, your tattoos will thank you for using this luxurious lotion.

Best For: Tattoo enthusiasts looking for a hydrating, tattoo-protecting tanning lotion that enhances and prolongs their tan.

Pros:

• Coconut milk, oil, and cocoa butter provide deep hydration for soft, smooth skin
• Quad tyrosine blend, melanobronze, melactiva, and nouritan boost melanin production for a darker, longer-lasting tan
• Tattoo and color fade protector helps maintain vibrant tattoos

Cons:

• May not be suitable for those sensitive to fragrance or coconut-derived ingredients
• Does not contain sunscreen, so additional sun protection may be needed
• Higher price point compared to some other tanning lotions

Millennium Tanning Solid Black Special Reserve 200X Tanning Lotion, 13.5 oz

For those seeking an ultra-rich black bronzing formula that's ideal for maintaining tattoo vibrancy, we've found Millennium Tanning's Solid Black Special Reserve 200X to be a top choice. Users rave about its ability to help them achieve that coveted dark summer glow, even through harsh Midwestern winters.

We love that it applies sparingly and works into the skin completely, minimizing the risk of breakouts or streaking. And the best part? You can enjoy a day in the sun without worrying about painful burns.

While some users noticed minimal differences compared to the 100X formula, many reported a dramatic improvement in their tan when switching from 50X to 100X. So if you're looking for a top-performing tanning lotion that protects your ink, give this one a try!

Best For: Those seeking an ultra-rich black bronzing formula to achieve a dark summer glow while protecting tattoos.

Pros:

• Helps maintain tan even through harsh winters
• Allows for enjoying the sun without painful burns
• Applies sparingly and works into skin completely, minimizing breakouts and streaking

Cons:

• Minimal difference noticed compared to 100X formula, apart from scent
• Requires washing palms and around fingernails after applying to avoid staining
• May not provide significant additional benefits for those already using 100X or higher formulas

That's What Sea Said Tanning Lotion Accelerator

Those who want to achieve a rich, dark tan while actively protecting their tattoos will find That's What Sea Said Tanning Lotion Accelerator to be an ideal choice. It's formulated with a proprietary blend of tyrosines to stimulate melanin production, helping you get that glowing golden bronze faster.

We love that it's been developed with dermatological experts and undergone stringent quality checks to verify it meets the highest safety standards for both outdoor and tanning bed use.

Not only does it work to preserve the vibrancy of your ink, but it's also enriched with nourishing ingredients like aloe vera, coconut, and passionfruit that lock in moisture for smooth, supple skin.

The non-greasy formula applies seamlessly and features a light, pleasant coconut scent that won't stain your clothes or sheets.

Best For: Those seeking a fast-acting tanning lotion that protects tattoos and deeply hydrates skin.

Pros:

• Proprietary blend of tyrosines stimulates melanin production for faster, darker tanning results
• Actively works to prevent tattoo fading, allowing you to tan confidently while preserving ink vibrancy
• Enriched with nourishing botanical extracts like aloe vera, coconut, and passionfruit for smooth, supple skin

Cons:

• May not be suitable for those with sensitive skin or allergies to certain ingredients
• Some users may find the coconut scent too strong or overpowering
• The accelerated tanning effects might lead to uneven results if not applied carefully and evenly

Devoted Creations White 2 Bronze Ink Tattoo Protecting Tanning Lotion (8.5 oz)

Devoted Creations White 2 Bronze Ink is the ideal tanning bed lotion for anyone looking to maintain vibrant tattoos while achieving a deep, dark tan. It's formulated with tattoo and color fade technology to protect your ink from fading, keeping it looking fresh and vibrant. The lotion also softens your skin, making it feel silky smooth.

We love the blue cypress fragrance, which is a pleasant scent that's not overpowering. However, we found that the lotion can be difficult to apply due to its thick, sticky consistency. It may also leave white residue on your skin after application, which can be annoying.

While it didn't help us achieve a darker tan, it's still a cost-effective option compared to salon prices. Just be sure to use it with high-power tanning equipment for the best results.

Best For: Tattoo enthusiasts looking to protect their ink while tanning and soften their skin with a pleasant fragrance.

Pros:

• Protects tattoos from fading
• Softens skin for a silky smooth feel
• Pleasant blue cypress fragrance

Cons:

• Difficult to apply due to thick, sticky consistency
• May leave white residue on skin after application
• Doesn't significantly help achieve a darker tan

Factors to Consider When Choosing Tanning Bed Lotion for Tattoos

When you're searching for the perfect tanning bed lotion to protect your tattoos, there are a few key factors to keep in mind.

You'll want to look for a lotion that offers strong tattoo fade protection, while also keeping your skin hydrated and nourished.

Consider the tanning intensity you're aiming for, and make sure the lotion's ingredients are of high quality, easy to apply, and have a pleasant scent that won't overpower your senses.

Tattoo Fade Protection

Preserving the vibrancy and longevity of your tattoos is a key factor when choosing a tanning bed lotion if you're an avid tanner with ink. You want a product that'll keep your tattoos looking as fresh as the day you got them, right?

Some tanning lotions come with special tattoo fade protection ingredients, like UV filters and melanin stimulators, that work hard to maintain your tattoo's color and design.

Certain botanical extracts and vitamins in these lotions can also nourish and strengthen your skin, giving your tattoos an extra layer of protection from fading. However, not all tanning lotions are created equal when it comes to tattoo protection, so it's essential to do your homework and read those product labels and reviews carefully.

Investing in a tattoo-specific tanning lotion can make a world of difference in keeping your ink vibrant and true to its original form, even with regular tanning sessions. If you want to keep your tattoos looking their best, don't overlook the importance of tattoo fade protection in your tanning lotion choice.

Skin Hydration

Locking in moisture is a key factor when selecting a tanning bed lotion if you're sporting tattoos. You'll want to keep your skin hydrated to prevent dryness, irritation, and premature fading of your ink. Look for lotions that contain moisturizing ingredients like aloe vera, coconut oil, and shea butter, which help keep your skin supple and nourished during the tanning process.

Dehydrated skin is more prone to tattoo fading, so opt for tanning lotions that provide deep, long-lasting hydration. Humectants like glycerin are also beneficial, as they draw moisture into the skin and help maintain a healthy, hydrated complexion.

Tanning Intensity

In addition to keeping your skin hydrated, you'll want to factor in the tanning intensity of your chosen lotion to achieve your desired skin tone while protecting your tattoos. Tanning lotions come in a range of intensities, from mild formulas for gradual color to potent bronzers that deliver deep, dramatic results.

If you've got sensitive skin or fresh ink, opting for a gentler lotion with fewer active ingredients can help you avoid irritation and premature fading. On the other hand, if you're looking to amp up your glow and have a solid base tan, a higher intensity formula might be just the ticket.

Ultimately, the right level of intensity for you'll depend on your individual skin type, current tan level, and personal tanning goals. Consider consulting with a tanning pro or doing a patch test to find that perfect balance. With a little experimentation and the right lotion, you'll be rocking a flawless, tattoo-friendly tan in no time. Just remember, slow and steady wins the race when it comes to building color and keeping your ink vibrant.

Ingredient Quality

Ingredient quality is key when selecting the perfect tanning bed lotion to keep your tattoos looking their best while achieving a gorgeous, even glow. You want to prioritize formulas that contain nourishing, tattoo-friendly ingredients like coconut oil, cocoa butter, and botanical extracts. These skin-loving components help keep your ink vibrant and your skin healthy, hydrated, and happy.

On the flip side, steer clear of any harsh chemicals like parabens, sulfates, or mineral oils that can potentially irritate your skin or cause your tattoos to fade prematurely. Instead, look for lotions that feature fade protectors specifically designed to preserve the longevity and brilliance of your body art.

When you're scanning those ingredient lists, also keep an eye out for melanin stimulators like tyrosine and melanobronze. These powerhouse ingredients enhance and prolong your tan, ensuring you get the most out of every tanning session. Ultimately, the purity and quality of the ingredients directly impact the effectiveness and safety of your tanning results, so choose wisely! Your tattoos will thank you for being a savvy, ingredient-conscious shopper.

Application and Scent

Once you've found a lotion with high-quality ingredients, consider the application experience and scent to guarantee it's a delight to use. You'll want a non-greasy, smooth formula that glides on effortlessly and distributes evenly, ensuring your tattoos get the protection they need without any hassle. Pay attention to the fragrance too, as you don't want a lotion with an overpowering or unpleasant scent that lingers on your skin.

Opt for lotions that absorb quickly, leaving your skin feeling soft and nourished without any sticky or heavy residue. This is especially important if you plan on getting dressed or hopping into bed shortly after application. You'll also want to steer clear of lotions that leave stains on your clothes or sheets, as that can be a real headache.

When it comes to tattoo care, avoid lotions with harsh chemicals that can irritate your skin. Your ink is precious, and you want to keep it looking vibrant and healthy. By choosing a lotion with a pleasant application experience and scent, you'll be more likely to use it consistently, keeping your tattoos protected and radiant.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Should I Wait to Tan After Getting a New Tattoo?

You should wait at least 4-6 weeks before tanning after getting a new tattoo. This allows your skin to heal properly and reduces the risk of fading or damaging your fresh ink.

Can I Use Regular Tanning Lotion on My Tattoos?

You shouldn't use regular tanning lotion on your tattoos. It's like putting cooking oil on a masterpiece! Opt for tattoo-friendly lotions that are specially formulated to protect and enhance your ink while tanning.

Will Tanning Cause My Tattoos to Fade or Change Color?

Yes, tanning can cause your tattoos to fade or change color over time. UV rays from the sun or tanning beds break down the ink pigments, leading to premature aging and discoloration of your tattoos.

Are There Any Ingredients in Tanning Lotions That Can Harm Tattoos?

So, you want to keep your tattoos vibrant while tanning? Watch out for lotions with alcohol and fragrances – they'll dry out your skin faster than a desert! Stick to natural, tattoo-friendly ingredients instead.

How Often Should I Apply Tattoo-Protecting Tanning Lotion While Tanning?

You should apply tattoo-protecting tanning lotion every time you tan. It's best to reapply the lotion every 30-60 minutes during your tanning session to guarantee your ink stays vibrant and protected from UV rays.