Spray Tan vs. Tanning Bed: Why Sunless is Safer
By Victoria | Southern Glow Co. — April 16, 2026
Living in Georgia, we get plenty of sunshine. But relying on the sun — or worse, a tanning bed — for your glow comes with real risks. More of my clients are making the switch to professional spray tanning, and once they see the results (and learn the facts), they never look back.
The Real Risks of Tanning Beds
Tanning beds emit concentrated UV radiation — both UVA and UVB rays. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, using a tanning bed before age 35 increases your risk of melanoma by 75%. That's not a scare tactic; it's a well-documented medical fact. UV exposure also accelerates skin aging, causing premature wrinkles, sunspots, and loss of elasticity.
Beyond cancer risk, tanning beds dry out your skin, can cause eye damage, and often leave an uneven tan with visible lines from protective goggles.
How Spray Tans Work Differently
A professional spray tan uses DHA (dihydroxyacetone), a sugar-derived ingredient that reacts with amino acids in your skin's outermost layer to create a temporary bronze color. There's zero UV exposure involved. The formulas we use at Southern Glow Co. — NUDA Sunless — are vegan, paraben-free, and specifically designed to create warm, natural-looking tones without the orange undertones of older products.
Color Quality: Spray Tan Wins
One thing that surprises first-time clients is how much more natural a spray tan looks compared to a tanning bed tan. We custom-blend every shade during your Signature Glow or Luxury Contour session, matching your undertone so the result looks like your skin — just sun-kissed. Tanning beds give you one flat shade with no customization.
Convenience and Comfort
With a tanning bed, you're driving to a salon, lying in a hot box for 10-20 minutes, and repeating that multiple times a week to maintain color. With mobile spray tanning, I come to you. One 15-minute session gives you a week-plus of gorgeous color. No commute, no sweat, no UV damage.
The Cost Comparison
A monthly tanning bed membership runs $30-$80, and you need to go multiple times per week. A professional spray tan every 10-14 days gives you better, more consistent color at a comparable — or even lower — cost. Our Signature Glow is just $70 per session, and with proper aftercare, each tan lasts well over a week.
Make the Switch to Sunless
Your skin is worth protecting. A professional spray tan gives you everything you love about being tan — confidence, a healthy glow, that vacation look — without any of the damage. If you're in Monroe, Loganville, Social Circle, or anywhere in the greater Georgia area, let Southern Glow Co. show you a better way to glow.