Spray Tanning Vs. UV Tanning

Having glowing skin is a one-of-a-kind feeling that can increase one’s confidence and help them feel like they can take on the world (if you know, you know!). Although the confidence boost that tanning creates is a great feeling, tanning shouldn’t just be about getting glowing skin. As spray tan artists, we understand the dangerous effects that UV tanning can have on our health. This is why we are such advocates for choosing sunless tanning to protect the health of the skin! It’s not just about the physical appearance of a tan, it’s about skincare. Most of us tend to only think of skincare as facials and anti-aging products that we use to prevent wrinkles and keep our facial skin looking youthful. It shouldn’t be forgotten that our skin is the largest organ of our bodies, so we have to take care of all of it; body and face. What many people may not realize is that their anti-aging creams aren’t doing as much for them as staying out of the sun and wearing SPF would! This is because harmful UV rays from the sun are the number one cause of aging skin, including hyperpigmentation and wrinkles. Those of us that want to keep a young, healthy glow from the inside out, know that sunless tanning is the preferred form of tanning when we want to have a little extra color to the skin. Not to mention, you can achieve a fresh bronze glow in as little as 20-30 minutes! Sunless tanning appointments are quick, efficient and can still provide a natural looking bronze. As we like to say, the best spray tan is the one that doesn't look like a spray tan. 

If you’re still on the fence on whether or not it’s beneficial for you to give up your UV tanning for spray tanning, here’s a little comparison list when it comes to choosing a sunless glow over a UV tan:

Spray Tanning

Spray tanning is done with a sunless solution that uses the active ingredient dihydroxyacetone (DHA) to produce a chemical reaction with the amino acids on the surface of the skin to create a browning effect that replicates a natural tan. Spray tans typically last 7-10 days and will be shed with the natural exfoliation of the top layer of the skin. Many sunless solutions contain ingredients that are meant to benefit the skin health overall, such as hyaluronic acid and sunflower seed oil that adds additional hydration to the skin. This additional hydration helps reduce the signs of aging, such as formation of wrinkles and since the tan is produced without harmful UV exposure, hyperpigmentation on the skin is also reduced. Lastly, there is no sun damage involved in spray tanning, therefore this form of tanning does not increase the risk of skin cancer.

UV Tanning

We’ve all seen the advertisements for the thousands of skincare product lines that promote products that help reduce the signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles. However, what consumers may not understand is that the harmful effects of UV tanning increase these signs of aging. The more time that is spent unprotected in the sun or in UV tanning beds will increase these signs of aging that we try so hard to reverse with face creams and serums. Another sign of aging that can be increased through sun exposure is hyperpigmentation. Many of us refer to hyperpigmentation that we see on the skin as we age as “age spots.” This hyperpigmentation is increased from tanning in the sun, especially on areas with delicate skin, such as the face, chest and hands. Although most of us want to drink from the fountain of youth so we can look young forever, aging skin isn’t even the most worrisome result from UV tanning. UV tanning dramatically increases the risk of skin cancer, some of which can be deadly. For naturally darker skin tones, UV tanning can be especially dangerous because skin cancer spots are not as easily spotted and tend to not be diagnosed early on.

There’s a reason that spray tanning has grown into a billion dollar industry. Many of us recognize the increased risk that sun damage poses for our health. Although there is still a lot of stigma surrounding spray tanning for producing an “orange” look, those of us in the industry know how far sunless tanning technology has come from the days of Paris Hilton strolling around Hollywood with her orange spray tan. Qualified, certified and skilled spray tan artists understand how to use sunless science to customize spray tans to each individual client’s skin type in order to produce a natural looking tan. 

If you’re interested in boosting your sunless knowledge and want to get spray tan certified, we have just what you need at Spray Tan Class! Visit our website for more details on all of our course offerings to jumpstart and progress your business.

Xoxo,

Kelly