Tanning in the Sun vs. Spray Tanning - What You Need to Know about Tanning in the Pacific Northwest

Pale is never a good look, but tanning in Washington can be a bit worrisome with it being a hot spot for melanoma. Washington has the sixth-highest rate of melanoma among the 50 states, with approximately 200 people dying of melanoma per year. Luckily, there are sunless tanning options, such as a spray tan, that can create the perfect glow

Sun Tan vs. Spray Tanning

Sun tanning requires being outside, often during key hours and often with lotions and sunblock. It also requires that the person doing the tanning position him or herself appropriately and turn at designated intervals to receive an even amount of sun on each side. 

Depending on the color desired, sun tanning can take anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours per day. Unfortunately, with sun tanning there is the risk of going accidentally getting too much sun, getting sunburned and increasing the likelihood of melanoma.

Spray tanning involves applying a tanning solution that provides the skin with color. It is often applied as a spray or mist and only takes a few minutes to apply and a couple of minutes to create a visibly darker tone.

Why Spray Tanning is the Better, More Reliable Option

Skin cancer: With spray tanning, there is no sunlight involved, and without the sun damage there is a significantly less likely that melanoma will develop on the skin. Nationwide, melanoma is diagnosed every eight minutes and there is one death per hour due to the disease. 

Safe ingredients: The main ingredient in spray tanning sprays and mists is dihydroxyacetone, or DHA, for short. While there have been rumors that it can cause cancer, those were proven false in recent years.

It is quicker: Unlike sun tanning, spray tanning can be completed within minutes and won’t take up an entire day, nor does it have to be done during certain hours. 

More color control: With spray tanning, color can be gradually added to obtain the desired finished look without the risk of going too dark.

There is more than one way to spray tan: It can be applied in a booth using multiple nozzles or jets that apply the tanning solution, using an airbrush or air gun or, of course, from a spray bottle. Desert Sun tanning salons in Washington offer the first options. 

Convenience: Fortunately, science found a better way to tan that is more reliable and convenient. You will definitely want to keep these “top secret” tips about spray tanning in mind as you consider an affordable spray tan in Tacoma.”

For a safe tanning experience in Washington, visit one of our Desert Sun locations.