The tanning trend does not seem like it’s going away any time soon. As long as media and popular culture extols bronzed, glowing, and radiant sun-kissed complexion, people will continue to explore and experiment with different methods and products for tanning, whether these are natural procedures or more synthetic alternatives.
Sunbathing
What it is: Of course, the most natural tan would come from the most natural source, and that is sunlight. People who live close to the beach often lay out under the sun, soaking up the rays and working on their tans. Those who do not live close to the water can opt for backyard pools or even just sunbathing in their yard or roof deck.
Cost: Unless you are flying to some beach resort every weekend just for some sunbathing, this is the most cost-effective. If you have a big outdoor area where you can lay out under the sun, sunbathing is free.
Safety: Too much sun exposure can lead to skin cancers, malignant melanoma, wrinkles, spots, and excessive drying. Cancer.org has an in-depth article that discusses the link between Melanoma and sun exposure.
Tan longevity: This natural tan can last a week to 10 days depending on your lifestyle and maintenance.
Tanning beds
What it is: A popular form of sunless tanning, these tanning beds use synthetic UV rays to produce the same skin pigmentation as sunbathing.
Cost: Sessions can range from as low as $20 per session, to as high as $50 per use. There are different levels and intensities of tanning beds available. Usually, tanning salons offer memberships or packages for multiple tanning bed sessions.
Safety: Studies have shown that the UV rays in tanning beds are not much different from natural sunlight as far as potential skin damage is concerned. If you space out your tanning bed visits, don’t spend too much time in the tanning bed and consider using a tanning bed tanning lotion, you should be fine. It is certainly worth noting that the World Health Organization has issued an official statement indicating that tanning beds do contribute to an increased risk in Melanoma.
Tan longevity: Tanning bed results last up to 10 days at most, so maintenance visits are generally necessary.
Spray Tanning
What it is: DHA-based tanning solutions are applied all over the body to produce pigmentation. Most tanning salons offer spray tan booths, and many are now also offering airbrush tanning for more even, controlled results.
Cost: Spray tan sessions cost between $25-$50 per session on the average, while airbrush tanning usually start at $50 per session.
Safety: Spray tan solutions have been approved for external application, however, spray tans have not been approved for safe ingestion. To keep yourself protected, make sure your eyes, nose, mouth, hands are adequately protected while being sprayed or airbrushed. If inhaled, there is the potential for damage to your DNA. The findings are still preliminary, but I just want to keep you informed :-).
Tan longevity: Most spray tanning results usually last about a week, after which it starts to fade and you have to follow up with another session.
Self Tanners
What it is: DIY tanning products such as tan sprays, bronzers, lotions, creams, mousse, gel and other products for achieving tanned, youthful skin.
Cost: Self tanning products can set you back as low as $7-$9, and as high as $70 (many more expensive).
Safety: Arguably the safest because they minimize sun exposure, but self tanners should not be abused or overused.
Tan Longevity: One week is the average time for results. Careful maintenance can prolong the color you achieve.