Unlike sunscreen or what is commonly calle suntan lotion, indoor tanning lotion is designed to amplify the effects of ultraviolet rather than block them. This is usually accomplished by using ingredients that promote the production of melanin (including using actual melanin as an ingredient) or by increasing the blood flow to the skin, thereby increasing the amount of melanin that is brought to the top layers of the skin. Indoor tanning lotions contain no sunscreen and offer no protection from the sun.