Spray Tanning vs. Tanning Spa Beds: What’s Safer — and Why So Many Floridians Are Making the Switch

If you’ve lived in Florida for even a minute, you already know — sunshine here isn’t something we’re short on. But there’s a difference between soaking up the sun at Clearwater Beach and lying in a tanning bed under UV lamps. Lately, more and more Floridians are ditching tanning beds altogether and heading to custom spray tan Jax Beach studios instead — and honestly, the reasons make perfect sense.

Let’s get into it — the real talk about spray tanning vs. tanning beds, what’s safer, what lasts longer, and why your local spots like Sundays Sun Spa Wellness are seeing more people book spray tans than ever before.

Let’s Be Real: UV Tanning Has Its Risks

Tanning beds give you that golden glow by using ultraviolet (UV) light — the same kind of radiation that comes from the sun. And while that bronzy tone might look good short term, UV exposure can do a number on your skin over time.

We’re talking premature wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, sunspots, and yes, even an increased risk of skin cancer. Florida dermatologists have been waving the red flag on this for years. The warm climate here already means higher natural UV exposure — so voluntarily adding more UV time indoors? Yeah… it’s kind of like putting your skin on double duty.

Spray tanning, on the other hand, doesn’t use any UV light at all. The color you get comes from DHA (dihydroxyacetone) — a sugar-derived ingredient that interacts with the amino acids in your skin’s surface to give you that tan color. No burning, no radiation, no long-term skin damage. Just glow.

The Rise of Custom Spray Tans in Florida

What’s really cool is how advanced spray tanning has become. It’s not the streaky, orange nightmare people used to joke about in the early 2000s. Florida salons are now offering custom-blended, tone-matched formulas that complement your natural undertone — from

Modern spray tans are also fast — most formulas develop in 4–8 hours, and some express options show results in as little as two. Plus, there’s zero UV risk, which makes it the go-to for people who want the tan without the tradeoff.

Why Spray Tans Are Winning: Health, Convenience & Confidence?

Here’s the honest truth: spray tans just make life easier.

You walk into your tanning salon near my location FL pale, tired, maybe a little blotchy — and walk out looking like you just came back from a long weekend in Key West. No sunburns. No weird tan lines. No “I stayed in the bed too long” regrets.

A few perks worth mentioning:

Skin safety: No UV radiation, no premature aging.

Instant results: You can see color right away (and it deepens as it develops).

Custom glow: Florida salons now offer color mapping based on your skin tone.

Perfect for events: Weddings, beach trips, date nights — you name it.

And honestly? The confidence boost is unreal. There’s something about that bronzed glow that makes your outfits pop and your skin look smoother, especially under our Florida sunshine.

Preparing for Your Spray Tan

This is where a lot of people mess up — and then blame the tan. Prep is everything!

If you want that flawless glow to last longer than a few days, here’s what to do before your appointment:

Exfoliate the night before using a gentle sugar or coffee scrub. Focus on dry spots like elbows, knees, and ankles.

Avoid lotion, oil, or deodorant the day of your tan — they can block the solution from setting evenly.

Shave or wax 24 hours before your session, not right before, to avoid irritation.

Wear loose, dark clothing after your appointment. No tight jeans, bras, or straps that could rub the tan.

A lot of local Florida salons (like Sun Kissed Naples) even offer travel-size aftercare kits with tan-safe lotion, body wash, and mitts — perfect for touch-ups while you’re on the go.

Florida Humidity & Spray Tan Longevity

Let’s talk about the one thing all Floridians know too well: humidity. It’s our frenemy. Great for skin moisture, but tricky for spray tans.

Humidity can make you sweat more, which might cause uneven fading or streaking if you’re not careful. Here’s how to make your tan survive the tropical weather:

Wait at least 8 hours before showering after your tan.

Use a pH-balanced, sulfate-free body wash.

Keep skin hydrated daily with tan-safe moisturizers.

Avoid long hot baths, saunas, or chlorinated pools right after tanning.

If you’re in Florida for a beach vacation, plan your tan at least one day before hitting the sand — that way, it’s fully developed and less likely to streak when you sweat or swim.

FAQs

Q1. Are spray tans safe for sensitive skin?
Yes! Most salons in Florida now use organic or hypoallergenic DHA formulas. Just let your technician know if you have allergies or eczema.

Q2. How long does a spray tan last in Florida’s humidity?
Usually 7–10 days with proper aftercare. Keep skin moisturized, and use gentle cleansers to help it fade evenly.

Q3. Can I go in the ocean after a spray tan?
Yes, but wait at least 24 hours after your appointment. Saltwater can slightly shorten your tan’s lifespan, so rinse with fresh water after swimming.

Q4. How do I prepare for my spray tan?
Exfoliate, avoid lotions and deodorant, wear loose clothes, and keep your skin clean and dry before your appointment.

Q5. Are tanning beds really that bad?
Unfortunately, yes. Regular UV tanning drastically increases your risk of premature aging and skin cancer. That’s why many Floridians have switched to spray tanning — it’s safer, faster, and looks just as good.

Final Thoughts

Florida’s sunshine will always be here — but that doesn’t mean your skin has to suffer for a tan. Whether you’re in Tampa, Naples, or Miami, the local tanning scene has evolved beyond UV beds. Spray tans done by professionals at tanning salon near me open now FL offer that sun-kissed, just-back-from-the-beach glow without any of the risk.

So next time you’re thinking about booking a tanning bed, skip the UV and go for a custom spray tan instead. Your skin will thank you — and honestly, so will your future self.