Sterling
Reference Library
Lotions
By: Mr.
Bill Fechter, Director of Research and Development, Body
Chemistry Lotions
Lotions, Gels,
Oils.....something for everyone!
Lotions:
80% of all tanners have a skin type that will benefit from the use of
lotions. These people will tan darker, and hold their tans
longer, with the use of a lotion.
Oils: As used for indoor tanning, these
do not have a mineral oil base. People with extra dry skin may
like an oil better than a lotion. Outdoor tanning oils should not be used on a tanning bed the mineral oils will
"craze" the acrylic causing it to cloud up.
Gels: Usually for people with naturally
moist skin. Given the right skin type - a gel can produce an
excellent tan, with wonderful skin care benefits.
Categories: Traditional, Hot-Action, Bronzers and
Combination Products
Traditional: Includes tanning lotions
that were, in the past, classified under a variety of
descriptions, including accelerator, intensifier and amplifier.
All are similar in that they provide ingredients that will, with
regular use, speed the tanning process by providing the skin with
what it needs.
Hot Action: Has all the benefits of a
traditional product with one additional feature. These lotions
increase the circulation of blood in the upper layers of the skin
with the goal being to speed the tanning process. Will they work
for your customer, and what strength of hot action should they
use? First have them try a sample of a moderate hot action lotion
on their legs and judge the results. If results are good, sample
a slightly hotter action product in the same way.
Bronzers: Typically a lotion with
DHA(Dihydroxyacetone), the active ingredient in sunless tanning
products. Tanning effect takes place overnight and will last for
a few days. A few lotions use other "bronzing" agents
with different characteristics. Ask your distributor for guidance
on the amount of DHA found in a particular lotion, or about
lotions with other bronzing ingredients.
Combination Products: Some
lotions have both a hot action plus a bronzing effect. The amount
of each can be very different, so check with your distributor for
guidance on a particular product.
Key Ingredients to
look for in a Lotion
There are as many
ingredients and combinations of ingredients as there are
products. The latest ingredient that is stirring up interest is
Hemp Seed oil ( THC free-not to be confused with the illegal
substance). This is used to provide the tanner with an extra
level of moisturizing. Tyrosine, Unipertan, and Macadamia Nut Oil
are other common ingredients.
So Many Choices!
Which One to Buy?
Make informed decisions
for your customers. Select a variety of key ingredients in
appealing packaging and offer a variable range of prices.
1) 80% of your
customers will prefer a lotion, the other 20% will prefer oils or
gels. Buy your inventory accordingly.
2) Pick a product with one or more of the above key ingredients.
3) Pick eye appealing packaging.
4) Pick a retail price range that your customers can afford. High
dollar lotions in your neighborhood may be slow sellers.
Remember a lotion
is a lotion is a lotion, except for those small key ingredients.
And lets face it, a manufacturer would not mass produce and sell
a tanning lotion if it didn't work. So don't get fooled by those
big corporate ads. Your customers don't see those ads. Those ads
are directed at you, the salon owner. Select for your customers a
lotion, with the key ingredients, in an appealing package and
reasonably priced.
Your customers trust your opinion. What you stock and what you
recommend is what they will buy.
For additional information on lotions feel free to contact Bill at Indiana Tanning Supply
Indiana
Tanning Supply
Manufacturer
of Body Chemistry Tanning Lotions
(800)
522-8708
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