Treat Your Skin with the Tan It Deserves

Spring is here, and summer is approaching quicker than ever, which means it’s time to start seeking the best way to get some nice bronze skin with little to no damage. Before choosing an option for tanning, it’s best to know what different tanning methods are all about and what you'll be getting yourself into! Here is our handy-dandy guide to tanning, perfect for the San Diegan who loves sporting that healthy glow.

Sun Tans

Laying out in your backyard or the beach when the sun is beaming is a great option if you're looking for a natural tan! Not only is it easy, but it's convenient and budget-friendly. All you need is a good sunblock (with around 30-50 SPF) and a comfortable place to lay outside. This is also a great way to absorb the vitamin D your body needs to maintain your muscles and bones. Not having a healthy amount of vitamin D can affect your health negatively, leading to issues like cancer, high blood pressure, or kidney disease. 

However, outdoor tanning comes with cons. Overexposing yourself to the sun is horrible for your skin and dangerous to your health. Not only does it speed up the process of aging, but it can also cause age spots, and skin discoloration, and lead to deadly skin cancer. The process of outdoor tanning takes longer than any other option, so it gets pretty boring to achieve the perfect tan. Falling asleep in hopes of waking up to a great tan is probably the worst thing you could do. If you can, it’s probably best to avoid outdoor tanning for long periods of time because it could damage your skin.

Spray Tans

Spray tans are instant and customizable; they are also the safest option. The process of spray tans is fast, unlike tanning outside. You can adjust how dark you want your tan to be without streakiness. It's always better to get a spray tan at a salon to avoid any mishaps. Not only do spray tan salons provide you with a beautiful tan, but they also decrease your risk of skin cancer and keep your skin as youthful as ever! Of course, even with a spray tan, you should still apply a high SPF when spending the day outdoors. 

While there are not too many risks associated with a spray tan, studies have shown that an active ingredient in most spray tan formulas, dihydroxyacetone (DHA), can cause damage to your DNA. This can happen through inhalation, so make sure to either hold your breath during your sessions or take proper precautions with protective goggles, nose plugs, and possibly mouth gear (ask if your salon carries them!). Of course, because of this, you will want to take spray tans in small doses.

Sunless Revolution in Gaslamp offers special prices for new clients for a $35 custom spray tan or an automated spray tan for $39. For more information and to book an appointment, visit their website at Sunless Revolution.

Tanning Beds

Laying in a tanning bed is similar to laying out in the sun, but it takes less time and is less harsh on your skin. Tanning beds are also great for when you want to get a nice warm tan in the middle of winter! With tanning beds, your risk of getting burned decreases as you are only in the bed for a few minutes. Just be sure to use the protective goggles typically offered at salons (if they aren’t offered, invest in your own!).

However, you do run into the biggest problem: UV rays. No matter how long you are under those bulbs, the UV rays in the beds are terrible for your skin and cause genetic mutations that lead to different kinds of skin cancer. It’s also the best way to turn your skin into the texture of beef jerky. 

Self-Tanning Lotions

Tanning lotions are a great way to get a tan if you love the do-it-yourself route. All you have to do is apply the lotion to your body as you would any other lotion. No sunlight or harmful UV rays are needed!

There are a lot of downsides to using self-tanners, though. They stain your palms, leave your skin sticky, and can rub off easily on your clothes and bed sheets. There is also a learning curve. Applying self-tanning lotions the first time may come out streaky, so you have to learn how to apply it evenly. You also may miss spots and you won't notice until it's too late! Most lotions take a few hours to show up fully on your skin. Lotions definitely require careful application and patience. Also, like spray tan formulas, most self-tanning lotions contain DHA, so use the products in moderation.

LORAC SelfTANtalizer Body Bronzing Gradual Self-Tanner is a great product if you choose the self-tanning route. The highly-rated product comes with a washable mitt that helps you achieve an even application. Available at LORAC for $34. 

Here are Some Other Articles Related to Your Search:

7 Easy to Follow Tips to a Bikini Body

7 Useful Self-Tanning Tips From The Experts