Which is Safer - Tanning Beds or Spray Tans

Most people consider bronze or golden-colored dark skin as a mark of eternal beauty. Men and women around the world try various techniques to maintain a perfect complexion. Sun bath is among the most popular tanning techniques that have been prevalent since ages. Though the sun rays are considered beneficial for the skin, prolonged exposure can lead to numerous skin problems and diseases.

Medical science has therefore, innovated sunless tanning methods that can protect you from harmful UV rays and present a beautiful tanned complexion. The most popular amongst sunless tanning methods are tanning beds and spray-on tan products.

Tanning Beds - Pros and Cons



Tanning beds are beds that are designed to replicate the effect of sunbath. When you lie on the bed, the tanning bed can emit ultraviolet rays in a controlled atmosphere. The therapist controls the level of UVA and UVB rays depending on the skin tone and type. These rays present a multitude of effects on your skin, and present a beautiful tanned skin as per your skin color. The UV rays emitted by these beds are also proven to increase the vitamin D levels in the body to some extent.

However, the Government authorities claim that a person who undertakes therapy in a tanning bed increases the chances of the exposure to cancer.Studies have revealed that the incidences of melanoma (skin cancer) among patients using tan beds are higher than normal sunbath. The use of these beds also reduces the skin elasticity thereby, resulting in the appearance of wrinkles. Excessive amount of UV rays can also cause eye problems, and decrease body immunity.

Spray tans- Pros and Cons

Spray tans tend to darken the skin on a temporary basis. The main advantage of this product is that you can obtain perfect tanning without spending hours under the sun. Moreover, the artificial colors used in the spray-on products do not harm the skin or leave a stain on your clothes. They provide even and natural coverage on the skin within a short period. In fact, the latest spray-on tans dry quickly within 15 minutes to enhance your facial glow and improve complexion.

Tanning Beds vs Spray Tans

Both tanning beds and spray-on tans provide a darker skin tone almost instantaneously. However, tan beds involve risk of skin damage, or appearance of skin wrinkles and fine lines at a very early stage. The spray-on tan scores a level above tanning beds as the federal authorities have approved the chemicals used in sprays as a safe product for the skin.
The tanning beds provide a long-term effect while spray-tan provide short-term effects. The color from the sprays last for a few days and starts fading away as dead skin cells shed off.
Thus, the spray-on tan that are applied as a layer over the skin are typically safer and skin-friendly than the tanning beds.