Published: 17 February 2017
Shrewsbury skin care blog – sunbeds vs spray tanning
How can I keep my tan topped up? It’s a subject that our Shrewsbury beauty therapists often get asked, and it certainly raises a lot of debate. Since the love of bronzed skin became popular in the mid-twentieth century thanks to colour films and increased travel abroad, finding ways to tan quickly and cost-effectively has consumed the British population. (1) It doesn’t help we live on a particularly wet and cloudy island!
The reality is that many of us can’t afford weekly holidays to sunny destinations, so our only two options are spray tanning or using a sun bed. Here at Imagine Spa in Shrewsbury we only offer top quality spray tans, as in recent years the safety of sunbeds has come under close scrutiny.
Sunbed science
Are sunbeds safe? In recent years, the demand for sunbeds has dropped. It may have something to do with the opinion of the medical professionals, The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and Cancer Research UK, from whom the plain and simple answer is: ‘No, it is never okay to use a sun bed for cosmetic tanning’.
Sunbeds, sunlamps and tanning booths emit the same harmful UV rays as natural sunlight and have exactly the same damaging effect on skin. It’s a common misconception that using a sunbed for a tan is safer than going in the sun, yet this simply isn’t true. You are exposing your skin to the same harmful radiation.
What is the effect of UVA and UVB on skin?
Exposure to UVA or UVB rays stimulates the production of melanin in the skin. Melanin is produced in cells called melanocytes and is responsible for determining the colour of a person's skin and hair.
Melanin browns as it rises to the skin's surface and thus results in a tan, but this is not a good thing. Really, a UV tan is a sign of your skin responding to damage.
Why choose a spray tan?
There are still many of us who want to look like we’re just returned from sun-drenched shores but don’t want to compromise on health. A spray tan can give a beautiful natural colour to skin without all the side effects and what’s more, the result is instant!
Imagine Spa offers full body spray tans using products, equipment and techniques from Kissed by Mii. Created with marine mineral extracts, this tan has the nourishing benefits of coral seaweed and coastal flowers to replenish your skin’s natural minerals. It really is the antidote to prolonged sun tanning, which can cause the skin to age prematurely, making it look coarse, leathery and wrinkled.
Professional and exclusive, our Shrewsbury tanning experts will give you a natural, even and radiant tan for just £25. We truly believe that you won’t find a better spray tan in Shropshire!
24 hours before your spray tan
If you are going to your first spray tan, and you are prone to allergic reactions, pregnant, or going through chemotherapy, we recommend a patch test just to be sure.
Your spray tan will look better and last longer if you prepare by exfoliating your body, paying special attention to dry areas including knees, elbows and feet. Follow up by thoroughly moisturising, as this will create a soft, smooth canvas for our tanners to work on. Try not to moisturise any later than 24 hours before your tan, though. Any sooner and it will act as a barrier to the product.
On the day of your spray tan
Before coming in for your tan, shower but do not apply any other products. Skin should be clean and dry.
If you do not wish to wear disposable underwear, please bring black underwear or a bikini to tan in, as well as dark, loose fitting clothes and flipflops to wear after the treatment. Tight clothing may cause the tan to rub off before it fully develops.
Our final tip is to bring an umbrella in case it rains!
If you would like to book a spray tan session at Imagine Spa Shrewsbury, please call 01743 467755 or fill out the enquiry form below.
- Addley, E. (2009) How Britain fell in love with the tan – The Guardian. Available from: https://www.theguardian.com/theguardian/2009/aug/01/sunbeds-cancer-warning [Accessed 14th February 2017]
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Published: 17 February 2017