Are ‘Hot Action’ Lotions Really Burning You? Nope—Here’s the Real Reason They Tingle & Boost Your Tan!
You’ve just slathered on a hot action or tingle lotion, hopped into your tanning bed, and suddenly—BAM! Your skin feels like it’s hosting a bonfire. Is this normal? Is your skin actually on fire? Should you call for backup?
Take a deep breath, because the answer is no, you’re not burning—but your skin is getting a little science lesson in circulation. Let’s break down what’s really happening and why these lotions can help level up your tan.
🔥 What’s the Deal with Tingle Lotions?
Hot action lotions (aka tingle lotions) contain special ingredients that increase blood flow to the skin, bringing more oxygen to the surface. Why does this matter? Because oxygen helps stimulate melanin production, which is key to developing a deeper, darker tan.
🚀 Key ingredients that bring the heat:
✅ Benzyl Nicotinate or Methyl Nicotinate – Expands blood vessels, increasing circulation (hello, warmth and redness!).
✅ Capsaicin – The same compound that makes spicy food feel hot—it stimulates your skin, giving that fiery sensation.
✅ Menthol (in some formulas) – Can create a cooling and tingling effect at the same time.
Wait… So My Skin Isn’t Actually Burning?
Nope! That tingle sensation isn’t burning your skin—it’s just a reaction to the increased circulation. Your skin might turn red for a short time, but this isn’t damage—it’s enhanced blood flow doing its thing.
Think of it like this:
🔥 Spicy food makes your mouth tingle, but it doesn’t actually burn you.
🔥 Tingle lotions make your skin feel hot, but they don’t actually damage it.
It’s all temporary, and once the lotion fades, so does the redness and warmth. Your skin is fine, and your tan is getting a boost!
Why Use a Tingle Lotion?
Aside from making you feel like a human jalapeño (in the best way possible), tingle lotions actually enhance your tan by:
✔️ Boosting melanin production for a darker, longer-lasting color.
✔️ Helping break tanning plateaus if your skin isn’t darkening as much as before.
✔️ Speeding up results—great for experienced tanners looking for a deeper glow.
Who Should (& Shouldn’t) Use Tingle Lotions?
👑 Perfect for:
✅ Experienced tanners who want to maximize their results.
✅ People who have hit a tanning plateau and need an extra boost.
✅ Those who love the warm, energized feeling (because it’s a vibe).
🚫 Maybe skip it if:
❌ You’re a tanning newbie—start slow and build up first!
❌ You have super-sensitive skin (patch test first to be safe).
❌ You plan to be in public right after—nobody wants to look like a tomato at brunch.
Pro Tips for Using Tingle Lotions Like a Pro
🔥 Apply evenly – Patchy application = patchy redness (not cute).
🔥 Wash your hands immediately – Unless you want to accidentally rub your eyes and regret all life choices.
🔥 Avoid your face – Unless the “freshly sunburned” look is what you’re going for.
🔥 Don’t shower right after – The tingle effect can last a few hours, and heat (like from a hot shower) can reactivate it.
Final Thoughts: Bring the Heat or Keep It Cool?
Tingle lotions aren’t for everyone, but for those who love intense color and a little spice in their tanning routine, they’re a game-changer. If you can handle the heat, these lotions can help maximize your tan and take your glow to the next level.
So, are hot action lotions really burning you? Nope. But are they helping your skin work harder to develop a deeper tan? Absolutely.