How long before an indoor tanning session should I apply lotion?

This is a very popular question and I'll explain why it's better to apply indoor tanning lotions before tanning. Most indoor tanning lotions have some type of moisturizer in them. Moisturizers help protect your skin because they keep moisture inside your skin that would generally be lost due to the excessive heat inside the tanning bed. Applying lotions before entering the tanning bed at least 15 minutes before tanning allows those moisturizers and vitamins like vitamin E enough time to soak into your skin. If you apply tanning lotion right before entering the tanning bed your skin may not have enough time to soak up all of the moisturizers and UV protection before tanning which can have adverse effects on your skin.