Spray Tan vs Tanning Bed: Real Differences and Which to Choose for Your Skin

Want a tan but not sure whether to go for a Spray Tan or a tanning bed session (also called a sunbed or solarium)? It's one of the most common questions from our clients in Palma de Mallorca.

Although both services aim for the same result — golden skin — the techniques, duration, risks and cost are completely different. In this guide we explain the real differences so you can make an informed decision.

The key difference in one sentence

This technical difference explains everything else: duration, risks, price and result.

Quick comparison table

What is Spray Tan?

Spray Tan is a professional sunless tanning technique that involves spraying a lotion containing DHA (dihydroxyacetone) extracted from sugar cane onto the skin.

When it contacts the amino acids in the outermost layer of the skin, it triggers a natural reaction that darkens the tone, mimicking the effect of several days at the beach.

Main advantages:

• Immediate result from the first minute.
• Zero UVA radiation, no skin risk.
• Suitable for very fair and sensitive skin.
• Allows you to customise the tone (light, medium, dark).
• Moisturises while it tans.

Downsides:

• Limited duration (7–10 days).
• Requires prior preparation (exfoliation).
• May stain light fabrics in the first few hours.

More about Spray Tan at SolTemptation →

What is a Tanning Bed (Dark Tanning)?

A tanning bed or solarium uses UVA lamps (sometimes with controlled UVB) to stimulate the skin's melanocytes, which produce melanin and gradually darken the tone.

Modern Dark Tanning cabins combine high-pressure lamps that speed up the process, achieving colour faster than a conventional sunbed.

Main advantages:

• Longer-lasting tan (up to 4 weeks).
• Deep, natural colour (it's your own melanin).
• Lower cost per session.
• Prepares skin before a sunny holiday.

Downsides:

• Associated skin cancer risk (WHO classifies UVA as a Group 1 carcinogen).
• Not suitable for skin type I (very fair).
• Requires multiple accumulated sessions.
• Banned for under-18s under European regulations.
• Not suitable during pregnancy, lupus or photosensitising medication.

More about Dark Tanning at SolTemptation →

Which one to choose?

Choose Spray Tan if...

• You have very fair skin (type I or II).
• You want colour right away (wedding, event, photo shoot).
• You're concerned about skin ageing.
• You're pregnant (consult your doctor).
• You have a history of blemishes or melanomas.
• You want a one-off tan (not continuous maintenance).

Choose Tanning Bed if...

• You have skin type III or above (light olive to dark).
• You want to prepare your skin before an intense sun holiday.
• You're after a long-lasting tan (2–4 weeks).
• You prefer a deep, natural colour.
• You have no medical contraindications.

What do dermatologists say?

The Spanish Society of Dermatology and the WHO recommend avoiding sunbeds, particularly for people with lower skin types, a family history of skin cancer, or those over 50.

However, controlled use with spaced sessions, appropriate skin type and always at certified centres is legally safe and many people use them without issues.

Spray Tan, on the other hand, is approved by the FDA and the European Union for external cosmetic use and presents no known oncological risks.

What if I combine both?

We don't recommend it in the same week. Mixing DHA with UVA radiation can cause uneven patches or cause the spray tan to develop unevenly.

If you want both, space them at least 7 days apart:

• Week 1: tanning bed (accumulated sessions).
• Week 2: spray tan to boost colour just before your event.

Conclusion: our honest recommendation

At SolTemptation we see clients who prefer Spray Tan and others who prefer the tanning bed. There's no universally "better" option — it depends on your skin, your goal and your lifestyle.

Our general recommendation:

• If you prioritise skin health → Spray Tan.
• If you prioritise duration and natural colour → Tanning Bed.
• If you have a one-off event → Spray Tan (immediate effect).
• If you're at the beach all summer → preparatory Tanning Bed.

The important thing is to decide with information, not by trend.