How to Get a Tan This Summer: Sun, Spray, or Skip?
Summer is here, and with it comes the irresistible urge to get that golden, sun-kissed glow. Whether you’re prepping for a vacation, wedding, or just want to feel a little more radiant in your skin, it’s natural to start thinking about how to get the perfect tan. But not all tans are created equal—and not all are created safe.
In this post, we’re diving into the pros and cons of tanning in the sun, spray tanning, and even touching on sunbeds (and why they’re banned in Australia). If you’re aiming for that summer glow, here’s what you need to know before you bronze.
☀️ Tanning in the Sun
Pros:
Natural Vitamin D Production: Sunlight helps your body create vitamin D, which is important for bone health, mood regulation, and immune support. A few minutes of sunlight each day (with SPF) can be beneficial.
Free and Accessible: A sunny day and a backyard or beach towel is all you need. No appointments, products, or devices required.
Relaxing and Enjoyable: For many, sunbathing is a peaceful escape, perfect for reading, listening to music, or simply soaking up the warmth.
Cons:
Skin Cancer Risk: The most serious danger of sun tanning is its link to skin cancer. UV rays from the sun penetrate deep into the skin and can damage the DNA in skin cells, increasing your risk for melanoma and other types of skin cancer.
Sunburn and Peeling: If you're not careful, even a short time in the sun can result in painful burns. Peeling skin afterward can lead to uneven tanning and permanent skin damage.
Premature Aging: Even if you have a skin type that tans easily, the sun accelerates the breakdown of collagen and elastin in your skin, leading to fine lines, sagging, and wrinkles. Over time, your skin will appear older, thinner, and less elastic.
Sun Spots and Pigmentation: The older you get, the more the effects of sun exposure show up in the form of dark spots, uneven pigmentation, and broken capillaries. These signs of sun damage can be difficult to reverse.
Uneven Results: You can’t control the depth or evenness of a sun tan. It depends on your skin type, the time of day, and how often you reapply sunscreen.
Cumulative Damage: The effects of UV exposure are cumulative—every tan or sunburn you get adds up over your lifetime.
Bottom Line: While a little sunshine is okay in moderation, the best way to keep your skin looking young, smooth, and healthy is to stay out of the sun. Use SPF daily—even on cloudy days—and avoid tanning during peak UV hours.
🌿 Spray Tanning
Pros:
No UV Exposure: The biggest benefit of spray tanning is that it gives you that bronzed look without the skin damage, sunburn, or cancer risk.
Customizable Color: Spray tanning allows you to choose your ideal shade—light glow, medium bronze, or deep tan. You can even go darker or lighter depending on the occasion or season.
Fast Results: In just 10–20 minutes, you can go from pale to golden. No hours in the sun or multiple sessions needed.
Skin-Nourishing Formulas: Many high-quality spray tans now include hydrating ingredients like coconut water, aloe vera, or antioxidants that are good for your skin.
Convenient and Comfortable: With mobile spray tanning, you don’t even have to leave the house. This is perfect for those people who are busy, don’t like to sit around in a spray tan solution and want to get on with their day.
No Risk of Burns or Peeling: You won’t have to worry about painful burns or flaky skin ruining your glow.
Cons:
Short Lifespan: Spray tans usually last 7 to 10 days, depending on your skin type and how well you prep and maintain it. To keep your glow going, you’ll need regular appointments.
Prep and Maintenance Required: Exfoliation beforehand, avoiding water or sweating immediately after, and moisturizing daily are all important to ensure your tan develops and fades evenly.
Potential for Bad Tans: If you use poor-quality products or go to an inexperienced technician, you could end up with orange tones, streaks, blotches, or a strong smell.
Clothing and Sheets Risk: Some formulas can transfer to clothing or sheets while developing. Wearing loose, dark clothes post-tan helps avoid stains.
Pro Tip: Choosing a reputable spray tan artist who customizes the formula to your skin tone and uses premium products is key to avoiding the dreaded orange or streaky look. You can also request a trial tan before a big event.
🚫 Sunbeds (Tanning Beds)
A Word of Caution:
Tanning beds are actually illegal in Australia for commercial use—and with good reason. They emit dangerous levels of concentrated UV radiation, even more than the midday sun, making them extremely harmful to your health.
Cons:
High Risk of Skin Cancer: Using sunbeds before the age of 35 increases your risk of melanoma by up to 75%. This is why Australia banned their commercial use in 2016.
Premature Aging: Like sun tanning, tanning beds accelerate skin aging, causing wrinkles, leathery skin, and dark spots.
Eye Damage: Without proper protection, tanning beds can damage your eyes and increase your risk of cataracts and vision issues.
No Health Benefit: Despite myths, sunbeds do not offer a safe or healthy way to get vitamin D or a “base tan.”
Bottom Line: Sunbeds aren’t just outdated—they’re dangerous. There are much safer and more effective ways to tan.
So, What's the Best Way to Get a Tan?
It depends on your priorities.
If your top concern is safety and skin health, spray tanning is the clear winner. When done right, it gives you that radiant glow without long-term damage. Plus, you can tailor your shade for events, vacations, or everyday radiance and get the nourishing ingredients included in many of the higher-end products today.
If you still love the feel of the sun, keep your exposure limited and protected, and make sure you're not skipping sunscreen. A “base tan” is a myth—it does not protect you, and every tan from the sun is actually a sign of skin damage.
And when it comes to tanning beds? The risks far outweigh any benefits. They’re banned for a reason.
Final Thoughts:
A beautiful tan should never come at the cost of your health. Whether you choose the natural route or go for a glow in a bottle, make sure you’re doing it safely and smartly. After all, the best tan is one that makes you feel confident, radiant, and well taken care of.
