How to Make Tanning Lotion

While the sunblock you purchase will protect you against harmful UVA and UVB rays, it has some characteristics that you may find rather unpleasant. Homemade tanning lotion has properties that are rather lacking in commercial lotions. Apply a layer over your regular sunscreen if you have sensitive skin for a wonderful scent and excellent moisturizing properties. Read on to learn how to make tanning lotion.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 3 Black Tea Bags
• 1/4 Cup Lanolin
• Blender
• 1/4 Cup Sesame Oil
• 1/2 Tsp. Coconut Oil
• Plastic Bottle
• Lotion
• Jojoba Oil
• Wooden Spoon
• Cocoa Powder
• Lanoliin
• Sunblock
• Avocado Oil
• Blender
• Walnut Oil
• Black Tea Bags
• Sesame Oil
• Coconut Oil
• Loofah
• Shallow Bowl

Mix a Basic Natural Protection Cream

1. Measure out 3 tbsp. of sesame oil, 1 tbsp. of unrefined jojoba oil, 1 tbsp. of avocado oil, and 1 tbsp. of walnut oil into a shallow bowl.

2. Stir with a wooden spoon.

3. Pour into a plastic squirt bottle for lotion and store.

Create a Bronzing Cream

4. Choose a creamy moisturizing body lotion with a pleasing scent. Some of the most popular scents for tanning creams include coconut and vanilla.

5. Mix pure cocoa powder into the lotion until you have reached your desired shade.

6. Test your lotion on your arm by smoothing on a small amount. Keep in mind that your lotion will look darker in the bottle than it will on your skin and you can add extra cocoa powder for desired darkness.

7. Add a small amount of sunblock to protect your skin from some harmful rays. Confirm that the sunblock filters UVA rays, which can cause up to 90 percent of skin damage.

Make a Super Moisturizing Tanning Lotion

8. Heat three-quarters of a cup of water on the stove until it boils.

9. Add three black tea bags to the water and allow to steep for 20 minutes.

10. Pour one-quarter of a cup of lanolin, one-quarter of a cup of coconut oil and one-quarter of a cup of the brewed tea into a blender.

11. Mix the tanning cream base on low speed. Once blended, add the remaining tea into the blender.

12. Blend the mixture again and uncover it.

13. Add a half tsp. of coconut oil into the cream and stir.

14. Pour the mixture into a squeeze bottle.

Prepare Your Skin for Application

15. Take a shower to clean your skin of oil and sweat, which can affect application.

16. Scrub your skin lightly with an exfoliating scrub or with a loofah. Removing dead skin cells will result in a more even application of tanning lotion or sunless tanner.

17. Be sure to dry your skin thoroughly prior to applying lotion.
    

Tips & Warnings

• If you store tanning lotions in your refrigerator, they will last about three weeks. Label yours with the expiration date for safety.
• If you burn easily, you should apply a commercial sunblock as a base coat beneath any moisturizing tanning creams.