Tanning lotion is an important part of tanning. It does not matter if you are tanning in a tanning bed or tanning outdoors. When tanning outdoors make sure that you use a good tanning lotion designed for outdoors, a tanning lotion with a good SPF.
When tanning indoors whether it be a tanning bed or tanning booth, make sure that you use a tanning lotion designed for a tanning bed. You should not use oils in a tanning bed. Make sure that no matter what that you use a tanning lotion, even if it is a cheap tanning lotion.