Why sunless spray tan is becoming the go-to alternative to UV tanning
In recent years, more and more people are opting for a sunless spray tan over UV tanning. Among other reasons, spray tanning is widely considered to be safer.
By 2035, the spray tanning industry should be worth $0.6 billion a year (source: Business Research Insights). However, UV tanning still holds a few advantages. Choosing one of these methods will depend on your needs and sensibilities.
How Does a Sunless Spray Tan Work?
Choosing the right tanning product isn't only about how dark you want to go. It's also about how the product interacts with your skin and how long it stays on.
A sunless spray tan involves applying a fine mist of DHA onto the skin. The DHA is a plant-derived, colorless sugar that interacts with skin cells to create a darkening effect. The tan tends to develop within 6-8 hours and can last up to 10 days.
Tanning beds emit UV radiation that stimulates melanin production in your skin. These tans last longer and may provide a more natural bronze look over time.
Spray Tan vs. UV Tanning: Which Is Better?
As mentioned above, both spray tanning and UV tanning have pros and cons. Here are a few key categories that you'll need to keep in mind.
1. Health and Safety
As a UV-free tanning method, spray tanning is the safer option of the two. The DHA used in these sprays is FDA-approved, but you still don't want it getting in your eyes. At the same time, potential risks of UV tanning include:
- Skin cancer
- Premature aging
- Weakened immune system
- Sunburn
2. Appearance
Beyond being a safe tanning alternative, spray tans are a great option for last-minute glow-ups. Newer sprays offer a wide variety of undertones and shades, allowing for a natural and customizable look.
UV tanning creates a more gradual tan, which takes multiple sessions to achieve. That said, many people believe the results are more authentic.
3. Accessibility
The cost of spray tanning can vary widely from one salon to another. This mostly depends on how long you want to maintain your tan for. You can also invest in a complete spray tan starter kit collection as a DIY option.
Tanning bed packages are often sold as bundles or monthly memberships. For frequent users, this can make them more cost-effective over time.
4. Convenience
One of the main benefits of spray tanning is the speed of the procedure. The whole thing takes about 15 minutes, and there's no need for multiple sessions. That said, you'll need to avoid showering or sweating for the next several hours.
UV tanning sessions take up to 20 minutes, but developing a prominent tan will require several sessions. You may need to spread these sessions over weeks.
5. Compatibility
As far as spray tan advantages go, it's worth noting that this procedure is safe for all skin types. However, UV tanning beds can cause pigmentation issues or exacerbate some skin conditions. They're not safe for people with:
- Very fair skin
- A history of sunburns
- Predisposition to skin cancer
This Is How to Tan Responsibly
The bottom line: investing in a sunless spray tan comes with several important advantages over UV tanning. This approach is particularly useful for short-term turnarounds that don't involve risking the health of your skin.
Keep reading our lifestyle-related content for more advice on spray tanning!
This article was prepared by an independent contributor which helps us continue delivering quality content to our audiences.