What is a tanning salon?

A sunless tanning booth is a small room where the client tans by either receiving a spray tan or by using a tanning bed. Tanning beds are controversial, particularly for their use among teens, because of concerns about the risk of developing skin cancer from their use.

While the tanning beds used to work using UVB rays, salon owners switched to using beds that emit UVA rays, believing them to be safer. Sadly, it is UVA rays that are associated with development of skin cancer.

Another kind of sunless tanning booth is much safer: The tanning spray booth. Currently, spray tans are found at high-end salons and can run up to $100 for a few one-hour sessions.

A sunless tanning booth that uses spray instead of a tanning bed works via use of a spray containing dihydroxyacetone (DHA.) DHA is applied in a fine mist to the entire body of the customer. DHA reacts with dead skin cells on the surface of the body, causing them to turn brown. Most tanners who use the spray method report good, realistic results and Excellent coverage. The spray-on tans last five to seven days, typically.

Currently, there are two sunless tanning booths on the market. Though both booths use a spray technique to evenly coat the body. The drops work as little magnets, collecting on the body and repelling other drops so the tan lays evenly on the skin. The equipment spray the formula for 14 seconds on each side of the body, tanners can achieve a dark, tan appearance without ultraviolet rays."