There’s nothing like a beautiful, bronzed glow to make you feel confident and gorgeous. But how you get that tan matters. Many people wonder which is better for you, a spray tan vs. tanning bed, and the answer comes down to a few powerful statistics.
Let’s learn more about spray tans vs. tanning beds, explore their pros and cons, and determine which one is better for yourself.
Tanning Beds
Tanning beds gained popularity in the 1970s when everyone wanted a beautifully bronzed glow. When most people think of tanning beds, they think of the giant contraptions that you crawl into to get blasted with bright light. While there have been some advancements in the tanning bed industry, this is mostly still the case. Each bed is equipped with UV lights that you bake in for up to 10 minutes, depending on your skin tone.
Tanning Bed Pros
People who are used to tanning in tanning beds might consider some benefits, including:
● Even color
● Quick results
● Simple to take care of
● Increased Vitamin D
● Protecting the skin from sunburn (although there’s evidence to suggest that a “base tan” doesn’t really protect you from sunburn)
● Can help with Seasonal Affective Disorder
● Easy to customize based on the time and frequency that you use the tanning bed
● Long-lasting
In the matchup between spray tan vs. tanning beds, it’s hard to see how tanning beds stack up, especially considering the following disadvantages of tanning beds.
Tanning Bed Cons
While there are some benefits of using a tanning bed, the cons definitely outweigh the pros. The main downfall of tanning beds is that they expose you to dangerous UV rays, which can cause premature aging, wrinkles, sunspots, and skin cancer.
According to The Skin Cancer Foundation, “UVA rays cause tanning, and the shorter wavelengths of UVA also cause sunburn. There is no such thing as a safe or healthy tan. UVA radiation is proven to contribute to the development of skin cancer.” Plus, exposure to UVA and UVB rays is cumulative, which means that while you might not see the effects of sun damage now, exposure increases your skin cancer risk over time.
These are scary things to consider, especially taking into account the fact that more people are diagnosed with skin cancer each year in the U.S. than all other cancers combined. In addition, 19 states have banned the use of tanning beds for minors. According to The National Conference of State Legislatures, “high-risk UV exposure happens more commonly in teens and...overexposure during childhood greatly increases the chances of developing skin cancer later in life.”
Luckily, there’s a better way to get your glow on that doesn’t put your skin and health at risk. Let’s meet the other contender in our spray tan vs. tanning bed debate!
Spray Tans
Spray tans are another way to get that beautifully bronzed glow, but they come at much less of a risk. Rather than having to bake under UV light, spray tans use a special tanning mixture that gets applied all over your body. If you get a custom spray tan, this mixture can be formulated to match your skin tone and desired glow exactly.
Spray Tan Pros
There are many benefits of getting a spray tan, including:
● Increased confidence
● Even color
● Quick
● Lasts for up to 12 days (read our spray tan tips to get the most out of your glow!)
● Instant color
● Decreased appearance of cellulite and other blemishes
● Healthier for your skin
● Finding the perfect color for your unique skin tone
Spray tans are quick, easy, and with the right spray tan care, they can last up to two weeks. It’s no wonder more people are choosing spray tans over tanning beds.
Spray Tan Cons
As with any beauty regime, there are some considerations before you get a spray tan. These might include:
● Possible skin sensitivity. Always try the spray tan solution on a small area of skin before doing your whole body. Your spray tan specialist will have tips if you have sensitive skin!
● Proper pre- and post-tan care. In order to make your tan last as long, maybe even longer than a natural tan, make sure to take care of it.
● Staining, although the color should come off all sheets and clothes.
When compared to the disadvantages of tanning beds (read: increased risk of skin cancer!), these spray tan cons don’t seem nearly as serious in the tanning bed vs. spray tan debate.
Spray Tan vs. Tanning Bed: Who Wins Out?
At the end of the day, it’s clear that spray tans are much better for you than a tanning bed. Tanning beds expose you to UV rays, which can cause premature aging, sunspots, and even skin cancer. On the other hand, spray tans offer an instant glow without any of the dangerous exposure. Walk out of the studio with a beautiful bronzed body and peace of mind knowing that you’re taking care of your skin and health.
Experience the Be Bronze Difference
At Be Bronze Studio, we believe that beautiful skin begins with exceptional skincare, which is why our tans nourish and improve your skin while giving you a mesmerizing glow. Our custom airbrush spray tan solution is loaded with skin-perfecting ingredients, anti-aging botanicals, and other repairing ingredients to support your skin health.