It is odd how most people with a light skin complexion often opt for a darker skin tone. This sounds quite impossible. However, science has made this entirely possible. There have been vast technological advancements in achieving this. The most recent and widely used tanning process is the use of tanning beds and tanning sprays.
Tanning beds are popular for maintaining a nice tan for a long time. However, they do not offer vast benefits compared to their potential risks. Nonetheless, spray tanning will offer the consumer more benefits than potential risks.
UV Tanning vs. Spray Tanning
UV tanning is done on a tanning bed. This bed emits ultraviolet radiation that helps in toning your skin color. They darken your skin and give it a beautiful and shining look. Tanning beds often vary in intensity. They can be either vertical or horizontal. However, tanning beds are not without their demerits.
On the other hand, spray tanning involves dihydroxyacetone for darkening your complexion. This chemical is certified and safe for perpetual skin use. Similar to tanning beds, spray tanning has its shortcomings too.
Pros of UV tanning
UV tanning is a perfect alternative to sun tanning. Tanning beds use UV radiation to darken your skin color by activating the melanin in the skin. Tanning beds offer a more even tan that lasts throughout the season. They are easy to customize based on frequency and time. The result is an even, long-lasting tan.
UV tanning has been associated with increased Vitamin D absorption; Vitamin D helps fight heart diseases and cancer and enhances one’s immune system. Its deficiency can lead to increased cardiovascular risk.
Tanning beds offer the same benefits as the sun but in a controlled environment. They are available throughout the year, regardless of the season. If you like sunbathing during summer, a tanning bed could be your best alternative during winter. UV tanning will improve the appearance of your skin.
Exposure to sunlight has been linked to an elevated mood and improved energy. However, a tanning bed is a perfect alternative to sunbathing. A tanning bed enhances mood and relaxation; you can enjoy music with your headphones. It is a wonderful and irresistible experience.
Tanning beds offer a remedy for skin problems like dermatitis and psoriasis. Most people with these conditions can be treated using a medically certified tanning bed. However, self-treatment is not recommended. You should always follow your doctor’s prescriptions.
Cons of UV tanning
The use of tanning beds is likely to cause sunburn. People with light skin are the most vulnerable in this case. They are highly discouraged from using tanning beds as they can burn. Sunburns not only look bad in sight but are also painful. Tanning beds can cause your skin to itch, especially if you are allergic to UV radiation.
Exposure to excess UV rays leads to premature aging. Tanning beds can make the skin lose its elasticity. This results in skin wrinkling and looking older than you are. People with fairly light skin are discouraged from using a tanning bed.
Increased risk of skin cancer due to UV rays exposure. UV rays destroy the DNA of your skin cells. This damage causes the skin to grow abnormally and develop malignant growths. Prolonged use of tanning beds eventually leads to skin cancer. It can also lead to a deteriorating immune system leaving you vulnerable to infectious diseases.
Pros of Spray Tanning
Spray tanning is the most appropriate approach for achieving beautiful-looking skin instantly. Spray tanning retains the natural look of your skin by ensuring even coverage on your skin. It is constant and time-saving. You can also determine how dark you want to go by spray tanning more or less frequently.
Spray tanning helps you promote your self-image. Caring for your skin retains your skin’s youthful appearance for much longer. This will help you improve your self-confidence amongst your friends or workmates. Spray tanning is an effective method of enhancing your outer beauty and raising your spirits.
Spray tanning is an excellent shade of protection from the sun. It allows your skin to absorb Vitamin D from the sun. Vitamin D is essential as it helps strengthen the immune system in our bodies. In addition, spray tanning guarantees no risk of skin cancer; it does not involve UV rays.
Spray tanning is time effective. It does not require complex undertakings as compared to UV tanning. Spray tanning is fine and has good results if administered in small doses and by observing the correct precautions. In addition, spray tanning is cheaper than a tanning bed.
Spray tanning can be administered anywhere, in your salon or the comfort of your home. It’s entirely customizable, and it also saves you time. Spray tanning provides instant results in as little as 20 minutes. However, this depends on the intensity applied.
Cons of Spray Tanning
The results of spray tanning will only last for a few days, and you’ll be required to spray tan again. Spray tans are made of dihydroxyacetone (DHA). This ingredient makes the dead skin cells darken. However, the skin naturally exfoliates itself with time. The tanned skin will then flake off with dead skin cells.
Spray tanning will last for seven days at most. This will require regular tanning, which in turn, may be costly. However, it is possible to extend the results slightly longer. Moisturizers can extend the lifespan of your newly acquired pigmentation. However, a full body spray tan and these moisturizers can be expensive for many people.
Dihydroxyacetone is approved for external use only. Inhaling the spray can be hazardous to your health, especially to those with asthma.
Conclusion
Sun exposure is harmful in excess but can be beneficial in moderation. Before being involved with any tanning processes, you should be fully aware of the potential risks. This will help you to avoid unseen consequences after skin tanning therapy.