Do you feel your skin is looking dull and dry? Cold winter weather can wreak havoc on your skin, especially when you are aging or do little to take care of your skin. But that doesn’t mean you have to spend the rest of your life wishing you could look sexier.
In most cases, a good tan is all you need to look gorgeous and win praises from your friends and family.
While there are plenty of tanning methods and products available, not all of them are safe in the long run. The best tanning products contain safe and quality ingredients. That will ensure that there is no permanent damage to your skin.
A beautiful tan can revitalize dull skin and make you ready to dazzle on an important event or your next beach vacation without looking dull.
The most popular methods of tanning include self-tanning, sun tanning, and bed tanning. Each one of these methods offers unique benefits but also comes with drawbacks. We will review each of these to determine whether they are safe or harmful for your skin.
We will also shed light on the pros and cons of each of these tanning methods. That will help us determine the best tanning technique that poses the least risks to your skin.
Let’s start with sun tanning.
Sun Tanning
One of the oldest forms of tanning, sun tanning is an easy and affordable way to add some color to your toned legs, arms, and entire body. Some people also prefer sun tanning because receiving good amounts of sunlight can stimulate Vitamin D production.
However, is it safe to let nature do its work for tanning your face, neck, and other sensitive areas?
Dermatologists and beauty stylists believe getting too much sunlight increases your UV exposure, making you vulnerable to sunburn. Both men and women who need a deep tan usually soak up the sun for hours or have to spend an entire day at the beach to get the desired results. But, the longer you sit, the more susceptible you become to many skin ailments, including skin cancer.
Pros and Cons
Here are some pros and cons of natural or sun tanning.
Pros
Provides Nutrients
While sun tanning may not be the safest method available, lying down in the sun can help you absorb Vitamin D. That will improve our organs’ natural capabilities to absorb calcium, iron, and minerals. Vitamin D deficiency can sometimes lead to softened bones, cancer, and other heart diseases. When you spend some time out in the sun, you get a healthy dose of essential nutrients.
Improves Self-Confidence
Tanning is a great way to feel good about yourself. Since sun tanning is easy, you don’t have to go to an expensive salon or invest in tanning sprays and lotions for flaunting your bronze body.
Cons
Here are some cons of prolonged sun tanning.
Accelerated Aging
UV rays can speed up the skin’s aging process, which means you may notice premature aging signs. Don’t be surprised to notice wrinkles and aging spots after getting frequent sunbaths because too much sun exposure can be bad for youthful skin.
Damaged Eyes
Eye problems such as conjunctivitis and cataracts are common among sun tanning enthusiasts. People, especially seniors, should protect their eyes from excessive UV exposure while sun tanning. You can wear protective goggles for this purpose.
Increased Cancer Risk
Among other adverse effects of prolonged sun tanning, skin cancer is the most lethal outcome. That’s why stylists and doctors recommend avoiding a sun tanning session if you have a skin condition.
Itchy and Dry Skin
If you have sensitive skin, sun tanning can make your skin itchy and dry. In most cases, frequent sun tanning will speed up the aging process of your skin, making you look older.
Bed Tanning
Most of us know bed tanning as indoor tanning or booth tanning. While this tanning option is safer compared to sun tanning, getting a bed tan can be expensive. It’s safe because a reputed tanning salon will limit your tanning session to twenty or twenty-five minutes for limiting your UV exposure. Most salons will recommend you avoid tanning more than once in a 48-hour period to prevent sunburn.
However, getting a bed tan means you expose your body to concentration radiation. Tanning beds emit UVA rays that penetrate a deeper skin layer to cause permanent damage. Getting frequent bed tans means you are increasing your chance of getting more wrinkles and an uneven skin tone in the future. Some people also experience skin sagging and skin discoloration due to excessive bed tanning.
Pros and Cons
Here are some pros and cons of Bed Tanning.
Pros
Even and Smooth Tan
Regardless of how safe or dangerous bed tanning can be for everyone, you can expect a smooth and even tan. That’s not always the case with sun tanning because the intensity of the sun’s UV radiation varies throughout the day. If you visit a tanning booth or a salon, a tanning professional can help you get your desired results. There won’t be any blotchy or patchy spots because the UV radiation is the same for all areas of the body.
Treatment for Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a medical condition in which skin cells grow rapidly, resulting in bumpy red patches. While many practicing dermatologists recommend Psoriasis patients to use tanning beds, many view the tanning technique as a last resort for some patients. If your dermatologist approves, you can choose a tanning bed for not just getting a smooth tan but also treating Psoriasis if you don’t have access to light therapy.
Vitamin D
The UV rays hit your skin directly when you are in a tanning bed. That means getting a bed tan can help your skin to start the production of Vitamin D. This vitamin plays a crucial role in regulating phosphorus and calcium levels in the body.
Cons
Melanoma
This deadly type of skin cancer is highly prevalent among people in the U.S. Tanning beds utilize UV radiation, which is the main cause of Melanoma. Regular exposure to tanning beds can increase your risks of contracting this cancer, especially if you are between twenty-five to twenty-nine years of age.
Risks of Overexposure to UV
Overexposure can lead to skin rashes, nausea, and itchy skin. Getting frequent bed tans can sometimes lead to premature wrinkling and speed up the formation of aging spots.
Lack of Trained Staff
Only certified and trained professionals should operate tanning beds. Unfortunately, not all states follow strict regulations. According to a study published in the American Academy of Dermatology, at least 70 percent of the surveyed tanning operators had no or little training in the correct use of tanning beds.
That means a tanning bed operator at your local tanning booth may not know how to administer the first treatment in case you need immediate treatment. In most cases, overexposure and wrong UV dosage can occur, leading to skin burns and skin irritation.
Self Tanning
Self-tanning is one of the most reliable and safest methods for achieving a dreamy and glowy tan. You can find a plethora of products on the market, ranging from oils to mousse. However, results depend on the kind of product you choose, the brand, and the aftercare maintenance.
Self-tanners can give you a natural-looking tan within a couple of hours. You don’t have to spend hours in the sun or expose your skin to the harmful effects of a tanning bed for getting your desired color.
You can experiment with a few products according to your skin tone before you settle on the best tanner. Remember to prepare your skin before a self-tanning session by exfoliating and moisturizing your skin. Don’t apply any self-tanning product without hydrating your skin because dry spots can result in patches or blotches.
You also need a mitt or an applicator to apply the product for an even application. Some women like using their hands, but you will end up flaunting your tanned body with orange-colored palms. While the method is called self-tanning, having someone to help you apply the tanner on your back can help you get a great tan on your entire body. Follow some important tips like wearing loose clothing and avoiding a shower for at least six hours before you wash the self-tanner. Most people wear a bathing suit or going all-natural for their tanning session.
Pros and Cons of Self- Tanning
Pros
Hydrates your Skin
Unlike tanning beds and sun tanning, self-tanning products won’t leave your skin craving for moisture. That’s because exposure to UV rays under the sun or a tanning bed strips natural oils and moisture from our skin. Apart from safety and convenient application, a great thing about self-tanners is that you will never get a nasty burn or scaly and flaky-looking skin after a tan. Hence, no skin dehydration and no pesky pimples after you get a self-tan.
If you buy a premium-quality self-tanning product, the natural and soothing agents of the product will hydrate your skin while delivering a fantastic bronzed result. Avoid spending your hard-earned money on cheap and synthetic self-tanning formulas that can damage your skin.
Promoting Skin Health
Another amazing benefit of self-tanning is that there is no harmful UV exposure involved in the process. Even if you use a good quality sun block lotion for a sun tanning session, lying in the sun for long hours can affect your skin. If you want to prevent your skin from itchiness, redness, and burning sensations, self-tanning is the best option.
Long-Lasting Tan
Not too long ago, tanning lotions could only provide results for up to a few hours. Not only did they smell funny, but they also left stains on the clothes, making self-tanning a messy affair. Fast forward to today, and you get a long-lasting tan that smells natural and doesn’t stain your clothes. That’s because most of today’s self-tanning products feature natural ingredients.
Convenient Application
Buying a reliable self-tanning product from a trusted brand means you don’t have to worry about the application. All you need to do is enjoy an exfoliation bathtub or a shower to prepare your skin. Follow the instructions on the product’s label for application. , you start applying the product from your toes and feet as you work your way up to your upper body and the face.
Remember to leave your elbows and hands for last. That’s because most products have a stronger effect on these areas. Once you are done, check the product’s label again to wait for a certain time before you can take a shower or remove your tan.
Cons
Like any other tanning treatment, self-tanning also comes with a few shortcomings. Here are some cons of getting a self-tan.
While self-tanners are relatively safer and more effective for attaining a tan, they pose a couple of risks. Some cheap formulas with DHA can penetrate the skin to cause damaging reactions. However, modern manufacturers are turning to plant-based DHA for their self-tanning products.
You should also remember that while self-tanners offer a perfect faux-glow to your skin, they don’t shield you from UV rays. Don’t consider your fake tan to act as a barrier between your skin and UV rays. That’s why top dermatologists avoid the usage of sunblock or overexposure to the sun after a self-tanning routine.
Self-Tanning, Sun Tanning, and Bed Tanning: Which one is the Best Tanning Method?
After reviewing the pros and cons of the different tanning methods, it’s easy to see why self-tanning is a safer option for obtaining a fake tan. That’s because self-tanning products do not expose your body to harmful UV rays or lead to itchiness or dryness like tanning beds.
Thanks to the benefits, ease of use, and long-lasting tanning results, self-tanners are now the go-to tanning treatment for celebrities, stylists, and ordinary consumers.
How to Buy the Best Self-Tanning Products
When searching for the best self-tanning products online, you should consider the features, ingredients, and reputation of the brand before buying a self-tanner. While many self-tanning product brands claim to manufacture the best and safest tanning formula, many of them rely on strong chemicals and agents to deliver instant tanning results.
There aren’t too many brands like Blue Saint that offer an incredible variety of self-tanning options. You can buy the best tanning foam and tanning drops online from Blue Saint without worrying about any side effects.
Let’s check out the amazing self-tanning solutions from Blue Saint, which guarantee excellent tanning results.
Instant Body Self-Tanning Foam
If you are looking for a luxurious but simple way to tan your beach body, this incredible tanning formula from Blue Saint is just what you need. The plant-based ingredients of the foam ensure safe and natural results. The Italian probiotics guarantee a tan so natural that your friends will have a hard time recognizing that it’s fake. Thanks to its fast-drying results, you can turn to this solution when you need a quick but warm glow within just a couple of hours!
Face Self-Tanning Drops
Another fabulous creation from Blue Saints, the self-tanning drops make tanning super-easy for people who are always on the go. The exclusive formula guarantees instant results without any smell or harsh ingredients to shield your skin while giving a perfect tan.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know self-tanning is not only safer for our skin but is also more convenient, we choose self-tanning as the best tanning treatment. Whenever you are up for a quick self-tanning session, choose wonderful and reliable products from Blue Saints to achieve your desired tan without harmful UV exposure and side effects that come with other tanning methods.
Sources
https://www.womenio.com/620/the-pros-and-cons-of-sunless-tanning
https://www.selftanning.com/category/self-tanning-tips/
https://healthfully.com/pros-cons-tanning-beds-2476.html
https://www.leaf.tv/3859209/pros-cons-of-using-a-tanning-bed/
https://www.fda.gov/radiation-emitting-products/tanning/risks-tanning
https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/beauty-hair/a27297/how-to-get-the-best-safe-tan/
