Spray tans vs sunbeds?

Spray tanning has become the ever more requested option in the last 10 years due to the increase in melanoma and unsightly skin pigmentation from too much sun exposure.
women on a sunbed tanning machine

We are all aware of the damaging effects of the sun but we still want that sun-kissed glow or as close to the real thing as possible.

As most ‘tan-orexics’ will tell you, being bronzed can solve a multitude of sins including helping you appear slimmer, giving you a clearer looking complexion and masking unsightly cellulite. Above all else, ‘tanned’ goes with absolutely any outfit!

Where tans start to fall foul to bad press is when you drift from the realms of natural sun-kissed glow to the ‘oops you’ve been tangoed’ look.

Fortunately, due to the rise in sales of fake tan in more recent years, manufacturers have invested more time into producing more ‘natural looks’ when it comes to ‘faking it’. Beauty professionals are able to give you a choice of colours that can range from lightly bronzed to a deep Caribbean glow.

Not only are manufacturers tackling the colour, they are making changes to the smell, development time and texture to give you the ultimate choice in how you tan.


Your Guide To Achieving A Professional Tan

Before tanning:
  • Wax or shave no less than 24 hours beforehand
  • Exfoliate your skin 24 hours beforehand
  • Avoid putting on moisturiser or perfumes on the day of the tan
    Wipe off deodorant before your tan
After tanning:
  • Avoid showering until the recommended development time has past
  • Wear loose dark clothing in the meantime
  • Do not get hot and sweaty until the development time has past

A professionally applied spray tan will usually last between 3-7 days and light exfoliation is recommended after day 3 to make sure your tan fades evenly.