The Differences Between a Natural Tan & a Tanning Bed Tan

Many people like tanning because of the golden glow it can give the skin. Although natural tanning by the rays of the sun is obviously more economical, bed-tanning has its own advantages, which is why many people may prefer that method. There are differences in risk and effectiveness between the two tanning options. Does this Spark an idea?

Degree of Risk

The process of tanning involves exposure of body to UVA or UVB radiation lights, which can be dangerous. UVB rays are short rays that are harmful to the outer layer of the skin only, while UVA rays are longer and can cause permanent damage such as wrinkles and skin sagging. According to The Female View website, U.S. Public Health Services states that the risks of skin cancer, premature aging, skin wrinkles and sun spots are higher from tanning beds than from the sun's rays. A person receives three to eight times more UVA lights from tanning beds than from sun tanning. Moreover, natural tanning has more UVB rays, which involve slightly less risks than UVA rays. Sun tanning helps stimulate the body's production of vitamin D, which is required for calcium absorption.

Time Duration

Achieving a natural tan is more time consuming than artificial tanning, in which a session may be just 10 to 15 minutes. However, a natural tan can last for weeks, while an artificial tan may start to fade after a few days. To keep the artificial tan maintained will require weekly or every-other-week tanning-bed treatments.

Skin Type

The difference between a natural tan and bed tan depends on skin variation as well. If you have light or pale skin, sunbathing can cause the skin to get dry instantaneously, causing sunburns and wrinkles. For this reason, it may be difficult to achieve an even tan, and you may end up with more freckles. For this type of skin, artificial tanning may be the solution. Natural tanning is more effective for darker skin since it is not predisposed to sunburn.

Controlling the Process

Artificial tanning gives the advantage of controlling the exposure of skin to radiation lights. Many tanning beds come with an automatic shutdown process, which stops the tanning at a certain time limit. This way, you can control the intensity of tan without getting burned. From natural tanning, you may get sunburned since it is difficult to keep track of time and the amount of rays your body is absorbing.