The debate goes on…is sunless tanning better than sunbed tanning? Are tanning sprays safer than tanning beds? Here we give you a quick analysis of each type of tanning. This will help you decide what is better. Remember, every coin has two sides. Nothing comes with only pros or only cons. Your choice of tanning also depends on your skin type, your lifestyle, and your personal preference.
Sunbed tanning
Process:
Sunbeds are equipped with high-quality bulbs that emit UV A and UV B radiation. They are designed in a manner that you can lie down comfortably, stretching your whole body. Many salons also harbor standing tanning booths that allow you to tan while standing.
As the tanning session starts, the bulbs begin to emit UV radiation, which penetrates your skin. Depending on your skin type, you can lie inside the bed for a minute or a couple of minutes in the first session. The technicians will gradually increase the time in the next sessions.
The radiation triggers the production of melanin in the skin. Melanin is a pigment responsible for giving skin color. The more melanin in skin, the more it has color. So, the ultimate aim of a tanning bed is to stimulate the production of melanin in your skin.
You must strip down to your undergarments to get a good tan. Some people like to go nude. However, please cover your private parts, as they are too delicate to tan. Wearing special eye goggles is a must to safeguard eyes from the destructive effects of UV rays. Reputable tanning salons provide these special goggles.
Duration:
It takes a minute or two to tan inside a bed in the first session. In the second session, you may be asked to lie for 2-5 minutes. In the next sessions, the time increases to upto 10-15 minutes. Time duration depends on the skin type. Dermatologists recommend not spending more than 15 minutes inside a tanning bed, lest your skin may get damaged or burned.
Fading of tan:
When you tan through UV rays, your color lasts longer because it is a natural tan. This is unlike artificial tan produced by tanning products. UV rays penetrate deeply into the skin and stimulate melanin production. Your color stays for 15 days without you having to visit a salon. Darker tan stays for 30 days or more.
How long your tan stays also depend on how healthy your skin is and its type.
Cost:
The cost of tanning inside a sunbed varies. It depends on the type of tanning bed, the reputation of the tanning salon, the location, and other such factors. However, sunbed tanning proves to be more cost-effective than spray tanning as a general overview. Moreover, you need not visit the salon frequently to refresh your tan, as tanning through UV rays lasts longer. It again saves you money.
Post-tanning care:
Tanning through UV radiation is natural tanning, which means you get the color through your skin’s natural melanin production. So, this type of tan won’t wash away when you shower. You need not wait for 7-8 hours to shower after tanning like you must after a spray tan. However, keep your skin well-moisturized and avoid going out in the sun immediately after a tan, lest you may go a shade darker!
Level of harm to skin:
Tanning beds cause more harm to the skin, again for the same reason that they use UV radiation, which penetrates deep into the skin. It can trigger skin damage, premature skin aging, and even cancer. That’s why experts advise not to tan frequently under UV radiation.
Sunless tanning
Process:
Sunless tanning is done through tanning products, which contain Dihydroxyacetone (DHA), responsible for coloring the skin. This type of tan does not go deep into your skin. It stays on the outermost surface. DHA reacts with amino acids on the epidermis (outer layer) and produces color.
The tanning technicians prepare a tanning tent. You step inside the tent and strip down to your undergarments or go nude. The technician uses state-of-the-art spray machines to spray the color all over you.
Tanning in Coral Springs can be done within the comforts of your home. You can call the mobile services wherein tanning experts visit your place to give you a beautiful spray tan.
Duration:
It takes 15-20 minutes for the whole session.
Fading of tan:
Spray tan fades faster, as the color is only on your outer surface of skin. According to experts, skin sheds its outer layer in a couple of weeks to a month’s time. The time increases with age. Also, it depends on the skin health and skin care. But dead cells accumulate every day.
A typical tan can last from 5 to 10 days. This is because the build-up of dead cells begins to fade away your color. As the skin sheds its layer, your tan goes away completely.
Cost:
Sunless tan is costlier than a sunbed tan. Moreover, spray tans do not last longer, so you must tan more frequently.
Make sure you are at the best salon that uses high quality tanning solutions. Search for “best tanning salon near me” to find a prestigious salon near you.
Post-tanning care:
Sunless tan requires a lot of post-tanning care. You cannot shower for 7-8 hours after tanning. You must wear loose clothes on the day you tan. Keep your skin moisturized. Avoid going out in the sun. A little tan may still wash away when you shower after 8 hours. Also, it is better to avoid swimming pools, as the water contains contaminants that can alter the color of your tan and make you look weird.
Level of harm to skin:
Sunless method of tanning is safer than sunbed tanning, say experts. You are not exposed to UV radiation in this method. The tanning product tans only the uppermost layer of your skin. Eventually, the product gets scrubbed off with natural skin cell regeneration or when you exfoliate. So, there is negligible harm to the skin.
So, guys and gals, what is better? Tanning through sunbed or spray product? It is for you to decide.
