Tanning Beds vs Spray Tans - Comparing Safety, Cost, and Results

Tanning Beds vs Spray Tans: Comparing Safety and Effects

When it comes to getting a tan, two popular options are tanning beds and spray tanning. But many wonder - which method is safer and provides better, more natural looking results? Here we compare and contrast indoor UV tanning and airbrush spray tans.

UV Radiation Exposure

The biggest safety concern with tanning beds is exposure to UV radiation which can cause skin cancer. Spray tans do not use UV light, giving them a significant safety advantage.

Tanning beds emit UVA and UVB rays at much higher levels than the sun. Repeated exposure to these rays greatly increases risk of melanoma and other skin cancers.

Spray tans deposit a cosmetic bronzing solution on the skin and involve no UV radiation. The active ingredient DHA only interacts with dead skin cells to create color and is considered low risk if proper techniques are followed.

Skin Aging and Damage

The UV light from indoor tanning speeds up aging of the skin and can lead to wrinkles, age spots, leathery texture, and sagging. It damages collagen and elastin in the skin over time.

Spray tans do not use UV light so they do not degrade collagen or age the skin. The DHA interacts only superficially with dead skin cells and does not affect living cells or aging.

Eye Damage

Exposure to UV rays from tanning beds also increases risk of eye conditions like cataracts and ocular melanoma. UV light causes significant damage to the cornea and retina.

Again, with no UV rays involved, spray tans pose no risk of eye damage. The tanning solution is carefully applied only to the skin and does not get into the eyes.

Burns

It is easy to get painful burns from overexposure to the intense UV lamps in tanning beds. This intensifies skin cancer risk. Burning is a sign of skin cell and DNA damage.

Spray solution may cause temporary staining of light hair or surfaces but does not burn the skin when applied correctly. There is no risk of burning with airbrush tanning.

Infections

The beds, goggles, and other surfaces in tanning salons can harbor germs that lead to bacterial and fungal skin infections like staph. Cleaning practices in salons are not always reliable.

Proper sanitation of the spray tanning equipment is crucial as well but there is less shared contact with surfaces. Still, bacterial infections are possible if nozzle and hoses are not cleaned.

Odor

That distinctive tanning bed smell comes from the reaction between your skin and the UV rays. This odor can linger for hours or days after a session.

Spray solutions also have a distinctive bronzer scent from the DHA reaction but this fades more quickly. Opting for fragranced formulas can help minimize odor.

Cost

The costs of tanning in a bed tend to add up since sessions are required every few days to maintain color. This is an ongoing expense.

While more expensive up front, a single spray tan application can last 7-10 days or more. This may balance out cost-wise in the long run.

Evenness of Color

With spray tans, there is more margin for error and uneven application leading to streakiness. Reaching all areas equally can be tricky.

The UV rays from tanning beds penetrate evenly all over the body so color develops uniformly. But burns could create irregular patches.

Developing Color

Results from tanning beds are seen immediately after the session ends. Color continues to darken over the next 24 hours.

Spray tan color takes a few hours to develop and fully set. The bronzing effect builds over 8-12 hours.

Fading Color

For tanning beds, color begins fading within a few days as skin cells naturally slough off. Re-application is needed to maintain the tan.

Spray tans tend to fade more evenly over 7-10 days before reapplication is required. Exfoliating speeds fading.

Safety Tips for Tanning Beds

While risks are clearly lower with spray tans, those still opting to use tanning beds should follow these precautions:

Limit Frequency

Only use tanning beds occasionally, 1 or 2 times per month maximum. Frequent exposure to UV light greatly increases cancer risk.

Avoid Burning

Build up tanning time gradually to avoid burning. Start with just a few minutes and slowly increase over multiple sessions.

Wear Protective Eyewear

Always use proper tanning bed goggles during sessions to protect the eyes and sensitive eyelid skin.

Use Moisturizer

Apply an intensive moisturizer after tanning to counteract drying effects and soothe any redness.

Check Facility Cleanliness

Inspect beds, goggles, and lamps in salons for cleanliness. Only go to reputable salons that disinfect equipment properly.

Limit If High-Risk

Those with very fair skin, tattoos, or a family history of skin cancer should avoid tanning beds altogether due to increased risk.

Choosing a Reputable Spray Tan Salon

To ensure the safest, most hygienic spray tanning experience, select an experienced professional tanning salon. Here is what to look for:

Properly Cleaned Equipment

Make sure nozzles, hoses, and other equipment are properly cleaned and disinfected between clients according to state laws.

Proper Ventilation

Well-ventilated rooms prevent inhaling too much spray solution which can cause respiratory irritation for some.

Trained Technicians

See that spray techs are experienced and licensed professionals who were fully trained by the equipment manufacturer.

Quality Solutions

Salons should use top-tier solutions from reputable brands approved for safety and effectiveness.

Cautious Around Eyes/Lips

Tech should take great care when spraying near your face, especially around eyes and lips.

Nose Filters

Salons should provide nose filters to insert during the session to prevent inhalation of solutions.

How to Get Best Spray Tan Results

Following proper preparations before your spray session and taking care of your tan afterward will ensure you achieve the best sun-kissed look:

Exfoliate

Exfoliating thoroughly before removes any dry skin that could create uneven tanning and absorb more color.

Remove Hair

Shaving and hair removal should be done at least 24 hours pre-spray so skin has time to calm down to accept color evenly.

Moisturize

Applying moisturizer daily for several days before creates smooth, hydrated skin for maximum, even color absorption.

Wear Dark, Loose Clothing

Dressed in dark, baggy clothes you don't mind getting stained for optimal coverage during your session.

Barrier Cream

Apply barrier cream to hands, cuticles, elbows, and knees to prevent staining thick skin areas.

Stand Still

Remain still during the session while the tech sprays to prevent unevenness from movement.

Rinse After

Rinse off gently after your spray tan to remove bronzers and allow DHA to fully set in.

Wait Before Dressing

Let skin dry fully for 10 minutes after rinsing to avoid staining your clothes and rubbing off color.

Avoid Moisturizers and Makeup

Do not apply lotion, deodorant, or makeup right after your spray to allow it time to fully set.

Delay Bathing

Wait at least 8 hours before bathing to give your tan time to fully develop. Rinse versus soap.

Moisturize Daily

Apply moisturizer regularly after your spray tan to help maximize and extend your color.

Gently Exfoliate

Lightly exfoliate every few days to remove any tanning buildup and help tan fade evenly.

The Bottom Line

While spray tans take more effort to apply properly, they provide a significantly safer alternative to UV tanning beds for achieving a bronzed glow. Airbrush tans involve no exposure to damaging radiation.

If choosing to still use tanning beds, be aware of cancer risks and take steps to limit burning or overexposure. Ultimately, spray tans generate much less skin, eye, and health damage when applied correctly.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.