A spray tan is the best solution to the need for an immediate glow. But, how long does it last? Is there a better option when considering duration, as this is a priority?
This will be broken down in this guide: lifespan of spray tan, factors affecting it, and in-depth tanning beds as a long-lasting option for those who don’t want to keep repeating the process.
How Long Does a Spray Tan Really Last?
After applying the spray-onto your skin, a spray tan will last for a good 5 to 10 days. However, the duration solely depends upon the skin type, prep routine and aftercare.
It develops since the dihydroxyacetone in the spray interacts with your skin surface. In particular, the uppermost cells are darkened. The colour fades rather readily, as these cells are generally lost.
Dry skin tends to lose a tan faster, so it’s necessary to keep skin moisturised. All the right prep you would do, like exfoliation, before the spray tanning session, would make a solid base for the application.
Application and the maintenance of the tan while avoiding long hot showers will extend tan life. Unfortunately, intensive workout schedules, swimming, or exfoliation will fasten fading. Spray tans are able to provide an instant colour, however, due to it being short-lived, applying it frequently is necessary.
Alternate Ways to Tan
Keeping a more prolonged tan is better achieved by using sunbeds. For that reason, while artificial tans impact the top layers, sunbeds stimulate the production of melanin, resulting in a deeper tan that immediately looks more natural.
It leads to a deeper pigmentation because of the UV rays that actually stimulate the production of melanin. Melanin leads to a tan longer lasting than a regular tan. The fade-out would also look more natural since the colour was produced in the deeper layers of the skin.
Fake tans require frequent reapplications, whereas tanning beds allow the users to maintain their bronzed glow with fewer sessions by adjusting exposure time and frequency to match their tanning goals.
Spray Tan vs. Tanning Bed Costs
Spray tanning will require several top-ups every week because the results need to be maintained. With prices ranging between £20 and £50 in session, the cost soon adds up.
With tanning beds, customers can build and keep their tan with fewer sessions. Moreover, almost all salons give membership options, pay per minute rates, or bulk session discounts, making it an economical long-term option.
Reasons Why Tanning Beds Are More Convenient
Convenience is one of the main advantages of tanning beds. Unlike being sprayed with tan and then waiting for it to dry, then the aftercare, tanning beds simply provide it in a nutshell.
Scheduling appointments wouldn’t even be necessary since there are a lot of salons that cater to walk-ins. Minutes is all it takes, and there’s no waiting for a colour to develop. While fake tans can become undone through external factors like water and sweat and maybe a little friction of clothing, a tan from a bed can be maintained without special precautions.
Accelerator Creams for Faster Tanning
Tanning accelerators are the add-on to your routine if tanners worry about the harmful effects of indoor sunbathing but are still looking for the maximum results. These products work in a special way to stimulate melanin production, which means the tanning process will be faster. Your skin will feel more hydrated.
The use of a tanning accelerator of superior quality brings in a much darker and permanent tan, using fewer tanning sessions. It first absorbs a smaller UV dose and at the same time benefits from tanning beds.
Sunbed Tanning Benefits
A longer-lasting tan can easily be achieved through limited tanning. Controlled exposure to UV light generates vitamin D, a key ingredient for a person’s well being, mood, and bone health. Some studies are finding that certain skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema are improved using UV light in limited amounts.
When to Prefer a Spray Tan
It is an option that is free from commitment for when a person needs a tan for a special occasion. Perfect for last-minute plans when there is no time for creating a natural tan. Certain medications such as antibiotics or acne treatments tend to heighten the sensitivity of skin to UV rays, thus increasing the chances of skin irritation.
If you’re taking medication that affects your skin’s sensitivity, it’s probably the easiest way to go. One-time tan, where you don’t need to continue maintenance.
Perfect for people who prefer a short-term tan since the colour fades within a week, making it not such a good choice for people who want to have their tan throughout the year. For a long-lasting bronzed look, tanning beds still prove to be the best option, which is realistic in terms of cost.
How to Tan and Keep the Glow
Always wear protective eyewear, follow recommended time of exposure to avoid overexposure, and last but not least, follow a regimen of moisturising in order to soak up the rays and in turn keep the skin from becoming too dry, thus, preventing fading of the tan.
Hydrated skin will retain colour without fading from excessive exfoliation, giving uneven fading. Lots of fluids will hydrate the skin and give it a good appearance and elasticity to the skin itself.
Which Tanning Method is Right for You?
Spray tanning can do the trick, but it is just a temporary fix: it requires a lot of upkeep and already fades after a few days. For something longer-lasting and cost-effective, sunbeds are the better option for convenience.
Tanning beds stimulate the production of melanin and create a beautiful bronze colour formed deep into the skin, lasting for weeks and flexible tanning sessions offer great skin-bronzing benefits, while at the same time improving skin. Want to attain that long-lasting tan without hassle? Visit The Sunshine Co. today, and find your nearest salon.
