Accelerator/Maximizers

Difference in accelerator, intensifier, bronzer, and maximizer when using tanning lotions

The best way to explain this is to use California Tan's definition of what an accelerator is and what a maximizer is. First, accelerators and intensifiers are the same product.

In the Cal Tan Product Line lotions are broken up into steps, step 1 accelerators, step 2 maximizers, and step 3 after tan products.

Step 1

California Tan Step One products are formulated for beginning tanners with little or no existing tan.

"Each product delivers essential moisture and nutrients to the skin to help you develop a rich, golden-brown base tan. Unique to all Step One products is our exclusive Vitatan® 2000 tanning technology, which helps jump-start the tanning process.

Step One products are available in a range of scientifically-based formulas, ranging from classic lotions to bronzers." - www.caltan.com

Step 2

"Many tanners experience the "Tanning Plateau," a point when they have developed a base tan but can't seem to get any darker.When you are unable to advance your tan, California Tan recommends using a Step Two product. Each scientifically based formulation is designed to optimize UV-response to help you achieve your darkest tan possible.

Exclusive TRF2000 and CuO2 tanning technologies are unique to our Step Two formulations and help advance tan development for darker, richer color.

Step Two products are available in classic, bronzing, Hot Action® and cooling formulas." - www.caltan.com

Bronzers

"A natural tan can take 24-48 hours to develop and show a tanned appearance. Many people do not want to wait so long to see their tanning results. Products that include a bronzer supplement a tan with a light self-tanner to deliver color in 2 to 3 hours while your natural tan develops." www.caltan.com

Also, bronzers are broken down into two key types cosmetic and self tanners. Cosmetic bronzers are what makes a tanning lotion browns, they instantly make your skin darker. They will wash off the first time you take a shower after you tan. Self tanners also help you to become tanner, they take 2-3 hours to develop and they color will last 3 to 5 days. You must be careful when applying self tanners, they can cause to have streaky tan and have orange palms. I personally don't recommend these to tanners just starting out.

Hot Action Lotions or Tingle Lotions

Formulated for advanced tanners, the reddening and heating sensation of Hot Action or Tingle increases micro-circulation in the skin for greater tanning results.

Hot Action is available in a range of intensity, varying from lotion to lotion and depending on the company. Every company has their own scale for rating the hotness of a lotion, Cal Tan uses 1 - 12 and Swedish Beauty uses 1 - 40. Hot Action is not recommended for sensitive-skin tanners. We suggest you conduct a spot test prior to using a product that contains Hot Action. www.caltan.com

After I tell people about the tingling sensation associated with these lotions, most people ask why would anyone use those. Tingle lotions work like this, when your skin gets hot blood is carried to the skin faster to help it cool itself. Blood carries oxygen which is needed to help the tanning process. They do help the tanning process when you have reached your tanning plateau.

Cooling Lotions

"Cooling products are for clients who like to feel a cooling sensation on the skin during and immediately after tanning. Cooling products contain special ingredients that help counteract the heat of a tanning bed by drawing warmth away from the skin." www.caltan.com

Cooling lotion actually work a little like tingles but in a different way. By cooling your skin down blood is drawn to the surface to help warm it up. But for most people the cooling factor is not noticed very well and therefore really doesn't help the tanning process.

Notice - This is just one company's definition of what their products do. Always talk to a reputable salon before purchasing a lotion, they can recommend something for you. Also, always try the lotion in a sample size before committing to bottle.

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