Spray tan or sunbed — why more and more women are choosing the former

How it works — the mechanism behind both methods

Before we get to results, it's worth understanding the mechanism — because it's exactly what explains why the two methods differ so drastically in how they affect the skin.

Visual results — what looks better, and why it depends on several factors

Women who've avoided spray tan until now often had one argument: "it looks fake." And sometimes, in the past, it did. Today's products and spraying techniques have changed that completely. That said, it's fair to admit the visual result of each method is different — and each has its own advantages.

• A sunbed gives many people a result that feels very natural — because it's the outcome of a biological reaction in the body. Skin reacts individually: one woman turns golden, another goes more grey or reddish. Control over the shade is limited.
• Spray tan lets you match the shade to your skin tone — warm, cool, intense or subtle. With an experienced specialist, the result can be personalised in a way a sunbed simply can't offer.
• A spray tan usually lasts a few days to a week — it depends on skin preparation (exfoliation!), moisturising and lifestyle. With regular visits, a sunbed keeps the tan going for longer.
• Preparation matters with both methods. For spray tan — exfoliate, and skip lotions before the treatment. For sunbeds — use the right UV cosmetics and moisturise properly afterwards.

Safety — this is where the paths diverge the most

This is a topic that can't be skipped — and it largely answers the question posed in the title: why more and more women are moving away from sunbeds. Not because the result is worse. Because knowledge about the effects of UV on the skin has become widespread.

• Regular sunbed use can accelerate skin ageing — wrinkles, loss of elasticity, uneven skin tone.
• Women with fair skin (phototype I–II), and those who've used sunbeds several times a week for years, are particularly at risk.
• Spray tan doesn't replace SPF protection — DHA offers no defence against the sun. If you're heading out into the sun after your treatment, sun protection is essential.
• Pregnant women, and those with very sensitive skin or a DHA allergy, should discuss the choice of method with a specialist.

Spray tan or sunbed — a simple way to decide

There's no single answer for everyone. But a few questions can help you decide quickly, without endless comparing:

1. 01

   Do you want results fast?

   Spray tan gives visible colour the very next day — no need to build it up over several sessions. If your timeline is short (a week or less), this is your answer.

2. 02

   Do you have fair skin or sensitive skin?

   With phototypes I–II, a sunbed gives unpredictable results and increases the risk of irritation. Spray tan can be matched to any skin tone and applied to any complexion.

3. 03

   Do you want your tan to last through the season?

   With regular visits, a sunbed tan builds up and lasts longer. Spray tan needs topping up — but this can be done safely and without restrictions.

4. 04

   Are you currently using active skincare (acids, retinol)?

   UV radiation can intensify the effects of photosensitising ingredients. Spray tan is the safer choice during this time.

5. 05

   Do you enjoy the salon ritual and a precise result?

   Spray tan is a treatment — you choose the shade, and the specialist ensures even coverage. The result is repeatable. A sunbed depends on how your own skin reacts.

How to prepare for a spray tan — to make the result last as long as possible

A spray tan on poorly prepared skin can last half as long and fade unevenly. Good preparation is, quite literally, half the battle here.

• Exfoliate your body 24–48 hours before the treatment — this removes dead skin cells, so the colour takes evenly. Avoid oil-based scrubs — they can create a barrier.
• Remove hair before, not after — ideally the day before. Straight after hair removal, the skin is irritated and absorbs pigment differently.
• No lotions, oils or deodorants on the day of the treatment — they form a layer that stops DHA from penetrating evenly.
• After the treatment: be patient — the colour develops over a few hours, so avoid contact with water for at least a few hours afterwards.
• Moisturise your skin daily after the treatment — the better nourished the epidermis, the more slowly the colour fades.

Can you use both — and does it make sense?

Yes — and some women do exactly that, though the logic depends on your goal. Both methods aren't technically mutually exclusive, but it's worth knowing the right order and the right gap between them.

If you use both: apply spray tan to skin that hasn't just come from a sunbed session (UV exposure can affect how evenly DHA is absorbed). If you're combining the two, it's worth speaking to a specialist at the salon — they can advise on the optimal timing.