Home Tanning vs Professional Tanning: Which Option Is Right for You?

Understanding Tanning Options

What is Home Tanning?

Tanning has many benefits, such as making a person feel confident when tanned and bronzed. However, there is no such thing as achieving a tan that is 100% safe (NHS).

In this blog, I will explain the difference between Home Tanning and Professional Tanning and which option is most suitable for you.

Home Tanning refers to using Tanning Beds or Self-Tanning products in the comfort of your home.

Home Tanning Beds are designed for personal use and are typically less powerful than commercial tanning beds.

Self-tanning products, such as spray tans and fake tan, can also be used at home to achieve a tan. They require no UV radiation (UV Rays), so they are the safest option for Tanning.

What is Professional Tanning?

Professional Tanning refers to using Commercial Tanning Beds or Spray Tanning services offered at a Tanning Salon.

Commercial Tanning Beds—Commercial Tanning Beds are designed for frequent use and are typically more powerful than home tanning beds.

Professional Spray Tanning—Professional Spray Tanning services use specialised equipment and trained technicians to provide a customised tan. They are carried out by Professional Beauticians either at a salon or using a home spray Tanning Machine.

A spray tan is a safer alternative to a tanning bed as it requires no UV exposure.

Aspect	Home Tanning	Professional Tanning
Methods	Home Tanning Beds and Self-Tanning products like lotions and sprays.	Commercial Tanning Beds or Spray Tanning at salons.
UV Exposure	Home Tanning Beds emit UV rays, posing risks like premature aging and skin cancer. Self-tanners are UV-free.	Spray Tanning is UV-free, while Commercial Tanning Beds also expose users to high levels of UV radiation in a controlled setting.
Customisation	Limited customisation, especially with Self-Tanners.	Highly customisable, especially with Professional Spray Tanning tailored to skin tone and tan depth.
Cost	High upfront cost for home tanning beds; Self-Tanning products are cheaper but require frequent purchases.	Higher per-session cost, but no equipment purchase required. Spray tans can be a cost-effective alternative.
Convenience	Highly convenient and flexible, especially with home tanning beds or self-tanning options.	Requires scheduling, but professional expertise ensures safety and a flawless tan.
Safety	Self-tanners are the safest option, while Home Tanning Beds carry significant UV-related risks.	Spray Tanning is UV-free and safer than tanning beds. Commercial Tanning Beds are more controlled than home beds but still risky.
Results	Achieves a tan, but self-tanners may appear streaky or uneven if not applied correctly. Home beds produce deeper tans with UV exposure.	Professional tanning offers natural, streak-free, and even results. Spray Tanning produces a flawless finish without UV damage.

 

Tanning Beds

How Tanning Beds Work

Tanning Beds, also known as sunbeds, are bed-like devices that emit UV rays.

A Tanning bed uses UV light to stimulate the body's natural melanin production in the skin, resulting in a longer-lasting tan.

A Tanning Bed can be used in the comfort of your home, either hired or purchased. It is known as a residential Tanning Bed or in a commercial setting such as a Tanning Salon.

A Commercial Tanning Bed shares the same goal as a Home Tanning Bed but is designed for more frequent use and are in a safer, controlled environment.

The main risk of Tanning Beds is that they expose users to high levels of UV Rays, which can cause skin damage, leading to premature aging, wrinkles, age spots, and a higher risk of developing skin cancer.

Spray Tanning

How Spray Tanning Works

A Spray Tan is a safe cosmetic beauty treatment that gives a healthy tan and a golden glow. It is a safe alternative to Tanning as it does not require the use of UV radiation, minimising the risk of skin damage and an increased risk of developing skin cancer.

• Spray Tanning is a fine spray mist with a unique tanning solution applied to the skin using a spray gun.

• The solution reacts with the skin's Amino Acids to produce a natural-looking tan.

• Spray Tanning is a popular alternative to tanning beds, as it does not involve exposure to UV rays.

Benefits of Spray Tans

• Spray Tans can provide a natural-looking tan without the risks associated with Tanning Beds.

• Spray Tans can be customised to match your skin tone and desired level of darkness.

• Spray Tans are also an excellent option for those who want to avoid the hassle of maintaining a tan.

• Spray Tans can be a more affordable option.

Cost and Investment

Cost of Professional Tanning vs. Home Tanning

• Home Tanning beds can be a significant investment, with prices depending on the brand and the bed.

• Professional Tanning services, such as Spray Tanning, can be more expensive than home tanning but offer a customised and safe tanning experience.

• The cost of tanning lotions and self-tanning products can increase over time, making professional tanning services a more cost-effective option.

Accessibility and Convenience

Convenience of Home Tanning

• Home tanning beds can be used anytime, providing convenience and flexibility.

• A home tanning bed can provide a more relaxing experience.

• Self-tanning products can also be used at home, making it easy to maintain a tan.

• However, Home Tanning Beds and Self-Tanning products may not provide the same level of customisation and safety as Professional Tanning Services.

Convenience of Professional Tanning

• Professional Tanning Services, such as Spray Tanning, offer a convenient and safe tanning experience with experienced salon staff to help and advise.

• Tanning Salons often have extended hours and offer appointments, making fitting a tanning session into your schedule easy.

• Professional Tanning services also provide a customised tan tailored to your skin tone and desired level of darkness.

Choosing the Right Option

Factor	Best for Home Tanning	Best for Professional Tanning
Convenience	You prefer flexibility and want to tan at any time without leaving home.	You prefer the expertise of trained professionals and don’t mind scheduling appointments.
Skin Safety	You prefer self-tanners, which are UV-free and safe for the skin.	You want UV-free spray tanning or controlled exposure with commercial tanning beds.
Budget	You’re willing to invest in equipment like a tanning bed or prefer affordable self-tanning products.	You prefer pay-as-you-go services like spray tanning for a professional finish.
Customisation	You’re okay with limited customisation and are comfortable applying products yourself.	You want a tailored tan that suits your skin tone and desired level of darkness.
Desired Results	You want a gradual, natural-looking tan or a quick glow with self-tanners.	You’re looking for a flawless, streak-free, professional tan with long-lasting results.

Factors to Consider

When you choose to tan, whether using a Tanning Bed, Tanning outdoors using natural sunlight, or Artificial Tanning by a Spray Tan, several factors must be considered to achieve the best, desired, and safest results.

• Skin tone and sensitivity to UV rays.

• Consider your skin type.

• Desired level of darkness and natural-looking tan.

• Safety concerns and risks associated with Tanning Beds.

• Cost and Investment of Home Tanning vs Professional Tanning.

• Convenience and accessibility of Professional Tanning vs Home Tanning Beds.

Which Option Is Right for You?

Home Tanning may be the right option if convenience and flexibility are more suitable for you.

If you want to achieve a natural-looking tan but are new to Tanning or want to prioritise your safety, opt for a Professional Tanning service.

Whichever option you consider, make sure to contemplate your skin tone, your skin type, the desired level of darkness, and safety concerns when deciding between home tanning and professional tanning.