Spray tan vs. UV tanning: what to know before you choose
A spray tan darkens the outer layer of your skin with a cosmetic solution and involves no ultraviolet (UV) light. UV tanning, in a bed or booth, works by exposing your skin to UV rays, the same kind of radiation in sunlight that causes sunburn and is linked to skin cancer. If you want color without UV exposure, a spray tan or other sunless product is the option that avoids it. Neither one protects you from the sun.
Here's how each works and what to consider.
How a spray tan works
Most spray tan solutions use an ingredient called dihydroxyacetone (DHA). It reacts with the outermost layer of your skin and turns it darker over several hours. Because that outer layer naturally sheds, the color fades as your skin renews itself. In most cases a spray tan lasts around a week, depending on your skin, the solution, and how you care for it.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allows DHA in products applied to the outside of the skin, but not on the lips, around the eyes, or on the inside of the nose and mouth. Ask the salon what protection it provides for your eyes, nose, and lips during a spray, and whether the room is well ventilated. If you have allergies, asthma, or sensitive skin, mention it before your session.
How UV tanning works
Tanning beds and booths use lamps that give off UV light. Your skin responds to UV exposure by producing more pigment, which is what makes it darker. That response is also a sign of skin damage.
The FDA requires sunlamp products to carry a warning that they shouldn't be used by people under 18, and the World Health Organization's cancer research agency classifies UV tanning devices as a cause of cancer in humans. If you choose UV tanning, the salon should explain how it sets your exposure time, give you protective eyewear, and ask about your skin type and any medications that make your skin more sensitive to light. Florida also has its own rules for tanning facilities, including rules for minors, so ask the salon about them.
Does a tan protect you from sunburn?
No. A spray tan gives almost no sun protection, so you still need sunscreen, shade, and protective clothing outdoors. A tan from UV exposure isn't a reliable shield either. Don't count on a "base tan" before a beach trip or vacation; plan on sunscreen and shade instead.
Here in New Smyrna Beach you're likely to get plenty of sun just by living your life, so this matters year-round.
How the two compare
| | Spray tan | UV tanning |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | DHA colors the skin's outer layer | UV light triggers pigment production |
| UV exposure | None | Yes |
| Time to see color | Develops over several hours | Builds over repeated sessions |
| How long it lasts | Usually around a week | Fades over time as skin renews |
| Sun protection | Almost none | Not reliable |
| Main things to ask about | Eye, nose, and lip protection; ventilation; ingredients | Exposure times; eyewear; skin type; medications |
Other sunless options
Spray tans aren't the only way to get color without UV. Self-tanning lotions, mousses, and drops use DHA too. They're cheaper and you can apply them at home, though getting even coverage takes practice. Some people use a professional spray before an event and a lotion at home in between.
Who should talk to a doctor first
Talk to a doctor or dermatologist before tanning if you have a history of skin cancer, many moles, very fair skin that burns easily, a skin condition, or you take medications that increase sensitivity to light. Pregnant people should ask their doctor before using tanning products or services. This site doesn't give medical advice.
Questions to ask any salon
- What are your safety guidelines, and how do you decide session times?
- What eye protection do you provide?
- What's in your spray solution, and how do you protect my eyes, nose, and lips?
- How is the spray room ventilated?
- How do you clean equipment and booths between customers?
- What should I do to prepare, and what should I avoid afterward?
A good salon will answer these readily.
If you choose a spray tan
Preparation makes a big difference in how even and long-lasting a spray tan looks. Our guide on how to prepare for a spray tan covers exfoliating, what to wear, and aftercare. For more tanning and sun safety information, visit the Beachside Tanning home page.