A comparison of the benefits of using a solarium tanning bed versus the differences and advantages of natural tanning.
Tanning beds (artificial tanning equipment) and natural sunlight tanning have their own characteristics and are suitable for people with different needs. Here is a comparison of the main ways they are different and the advantages of each:
1. The good things about a solarium tanning bed
(1) You can control it more strongly and it will have a more consistent effect.
Precise adjustment: You can adjust the UV intensity and exposure time to avoid getting too much sunburn.
The clothes are all the same colour. The light in the machine is spread evenly so that everyone gets an even tan, no matter how they are standing or sitting.
(2) It is not affected by the weather or the time of year.
You can use it all year round, even on cloudy days, in winter or in places far north.
(3) Lower the level of UV damage (for high-end models).
Some sunbeds can adjust the UVA/UVB ratio to reduce the risk of sunburn (natural sunlight UVB is stronger and can easily cause peeling).
Some models use special technology (like red light and infrared) to reduce skin damage.
(4) Get the results quickly.
You will usually see results after 10-20 minutes, but with natural tanning you may need to spend several days in the sun.
This is suitable for people with special needs.
If you like tanning, you can get a quick and even tan.
Athletes and models often need to change the colour of their skin quickly for photoshoots or competitions.
Treatment to help with skin diseases: Some people with psoriasis need UV light therapy, and tanning machines can provide the right amount of light.
2. Tanning Boots vs. Natural Tanning
| VS | Tanning machine (artificial tanning) | Natural sun tan |
|---|---|---|
| UV Source | Artificial UV light (UVA/UVB ratio adjustable) | Sunlight (including UVA/UVB/UVC, affected by weather) |
| Tanning speed | Fast (10-20 minutes/time) | Slow (requires multiple days of continuous sunlight) |
| Uniformity | High (uniform irradiation inside the machine) | Low (prone to swimsuit marks, uneven coverage) |
| security | Highly controllable, but overuse remains a risk | Uncontrollable, UVB causes sunburn easily |
| Seasonal restrictions | None, available throughout the year | Dependent on sunlight, less effective in winter/cloudy days |
| Skin aging | May still cause photoaging, but some devices can reduce damage | Long-term sun exposure accelerates wrinkles and discoloration |
| Vitamin D synthesis | Limited (specific UVB wavelengths required) | Sunlight is the best source of natural vitamin D |
| population (esp. of a group of people) | Tanning enthusiasts, models, those who need to quickly adjust their skin tone | Those who enjoy the outdoors and natural skin color variations |
3. Things that might go wrong with tanning machines
Tanning machines have many advantages, but there are some things to consider.
Skin cancer risk: The WHO says that tanning machines cause cancer and that using them a lot can make you more likely to get melanoma.
Photoaging: long-term use can lead to wrinkles and skin discolouration.
Some users may try to get too dark when they are tanning, which can damage their skin.
Recommendations:
✔ Use it no more than 2 times per week, for no more than 15 minutes each time.
Make sure you wear goggles to protect your eyes.
Choose standard equipment to avoid low-quality UV lamps.
4. To sum up, here are the main benefits of tanning machines.
√ It works quickly, evenly and you can control how much tanning you get. It is perfect for when you just want to tan for a short time.
√ Doesn’t change with the weather, so you can use it all year.
× It’s still dangerous and should be used carefully.
Tanning the natural way is better for your skin, but you can’t control how dark your skin will be and it’s more likely that you’ll get sunburn.
Tanning machines can be used to achieve a precise tan, but it’s important to consider safety and how well they work.
If you want to get a healthy tan, it is best to use sunscreen, spend time in the sun (but not too long) and then use after-sun care. If you want to get a tan quickly, you can use high-end tanning machines.