There are four main types of tanning: sun tanning, spray tanning, self-tanning, and tanning beds. Each one works differently, produces a different kind of result, and suits different skin types and lifestyles. Sun tanning and tanning beds use UV radiation to stimulate melanin production in the skin, while spray tans and self-tanners use a chemical called DHA to colour the skin’s surface without any UV exposure.

Knowing the difference between them makes it much easier to choose the right method — or the right combination — for your skin type, schedule, and the look you’re going for.

Below we cover all four methods in detail, including their subtypes, how each one works, the pros and cons, and a clear guide to which option suits which type of person.

Key Takeaways

The four main types of tanning are sun tanning, spray tanning, self-tanning, and tanning beds.
Sun tanning and tanning beds produce a real UV tan by stimulating melanin — the colour develops in the skin itself and typically lasts longer.
Spray tans and self-tanners use DHA to colour the skin’s surface — no UV exposure required, and results appear within hours.
Spray tanning is the most reliable method for people with pale skin who struggle to tan naturally.
Self-tanning is the most affordable option and has improved significantly — modern formulas are streak-free and natural-looking.
Tanning beds produce results faster than sun tanning but carry the same UV-related skin risks — moderation is key.
The best method depends on your skin type, how quickly you need results, and how much UV exposure you’re comfortable with.

Sun Tanning

Sun tanning is the most natural form of tanning and the one most people are familiar with. When UV rays from the sun reach your skin, they trigger the production of melanin — the pigment responsible for skin colour. As melanin increases, the skin gradually darkens, creating a tan.

One important thing to know is that the colour doesn’t show up immediately. You might spend an afternoon in the sun and not see the full result until later that evening or the following day. This delay makes it easy to overexpose without realising it, especially if you’re new to tanning. If you’re just starting out, keep your first few sessions to around 30 minutes and build up gradually. Most people need 3–5 sessions to build a base tan.

The strength of UV rays varies significantly depending on the time of day, season, and location. The best time to tan outdoors is typically late morning to early afternoon when the UV index is high enough to produce results but not at its absolute peak. For a full breakdown, see our guide on what UV index is best for tanning.

In colder climates or winter months, the UV index can drop too low to produce any meaningful tan. In those situations, one of the alternatives below will be your best option.

Pros and Cons of Sun Tanning

Free — no products or equipment needed
Natural result — the colour develops from within the skin and tends to look the most natural
Longer lasting — a UV tan typically lasts longer than a spray tan or self-tanner

Weather dependent — not possible year-round in many climates
Slow — takes multiple sessions to build visible colour
UV exposure risk — overexposure without protection can cause skin damage over time
Doesn’t work for everyone — some skin types, particularly very fair skin, don’t tan easily or at all

Spray Tanning

Spray tanning is widely considered the most reliable tanning alternative for people who want immediate, controlled results without UV exposure. A professional spray tan solution typically contains two active elements: a bronzer that gives instant visible colour, and DHA, which reacts with the amino acids in the skin’s outer layer to create a longer-lasting tan.

When you shower after a spray tan, the bronzer washes away — but the DHA-developed colour stays behind and typically lasts around 5–7 days. Some solutions contain only one of these elements, so it’s worth checking what you’re booking or buying beforehand.

Spray tanning is particularly well suited to people with pale skin who can’t achieve a natural tan through sun exposure alone. It’s also the go-to choice when you need a tan quickly — results can appear within a few hours and spray tanning is considered safe with no UV risk involved.

There are two main types of spray tan available:

Machine Spray Tan

A machine spray tan is applied automatically inside a booth — you stand inside and the machine sprays the solution in an even mist around your body. Machines like the VersaSpa and VersaPRO are common examples. This method is fast, consistent, and tends to be cheaper than an airbrush tan. The trade-off is that it’s less customisable — you can’t adjust coverage or concentrate on specific areas.

Airbrush Tan

An airbrush tan is applied manually by a trained technician using a handheld spray gun. This allows for much more precision — the technician can adjust the depth of colour, avoid areas you don’t want tanned, and blend more carefully around tricky spots like elbows, knees, and ankles. The result tends to be smoother and more even than a machine tan, though it costs more. For a full comparison, see our article on airbrush tan vs spray tan.

Pros and Cons of Spray Tanning

Fast results — colour develops within hours, full tan visible by the next morning
No UV exposure — safe for all skin types including very fair skin
Consistent coverage — professional application gives an even result
Works for everyone — skin type doesn’t affect the result

Cost — professional spray tans are more expensive than self-tanners
Maintenance required — needs reapplying every 5–7 days to maintain colour
Requires preparation — exfoliating and moisturising beforehand makes a significant difference to the result

For a full breakdown of what a spray tan costs, see our article on how much a spray tan costs.

Self-Tanning

Self-tanning works on the same DHA principle as a spray tan — the difference is that you apply it yourself at home. It’s the most affordable tanning option and has improved dramatically over the last few years. Modern formulas are far removed from the streaky, orange-toned products of the past, and with the right preparation and technique, the result can look just as good as a professional tan.

The key to a good self-tan is preparation. Exfoliating thoroughly before application removes the dry, dead skin cells that cause patchiness and uneven fading. Applying with a tanning mitt (rather than bare hands) gives much more even coverage and avoids stained palms. A good starting point is our own Blackout Tanning Mitt.

Self-tanners come in several different formats, each suited to a slightly different preference or use case:

Self-Tanning Mousse

Mousse is the most popular self-tanner format. The airy foam texture spreads easily and absorbs quickly, making it the easiest to apply without streaking. It’s ideal for all-over body application and gives a deep, noticeable colour that develops overnight.

Tanning Lotion and Gradual Tanner

Tanning lotions are lighter than mousse and absorb quickly, making them a good choice for beginners or for anyone who prefers a subtle, buildable result. Gradual tanning moisturisers blend a small amount of DHA into a regular body lotion — applied daily, they build colour slowly over several days and are the most natural-looking option for first-timers.

Self-Tanning Drops

Tanning drops are a newer format that give you precise control over how dark you go. You mix a few drops into your regular moisturiser and apply as usual. This makes them especially popular for the face, where a heavy mousse or lotion can feel too intense. The more drops you add, the deeper the result.

Pros and Cons of Self-Tanning

Most affordable — significantly cheaper than professional spray tans or tanning beds
No UV exposure — completely safe regardless of skin type
Flexible — multiple formats for different preferences and areas of the body
Convenient — apply at home on your own schedule

Learning curve — application technique matters and mistakes are more likely than with a professional tan
Preparation required — exfoliating beforehand is essential for an even result
Reapplication needed — like spray tans, fades within 5–7 days

Tanning Beds

Tanning beds produce a UV-based tan in the same way as the sun — artificial UV lamps in the bed stimulate melanin production in the skin. The key difference is that the UV output from tanning beds is typically more concentrated than natural sunlight, which means sessions are shorter but the intensity per minute is higher.

Because of this, it’s important to start slowly — especially if you’re new to tanning beds. Beginning with shorter, less frequent sessions gives your skin time to adapt and reduces the risk of burning. A good reference point is our tanning bed time chart, which explains exactly how long to tan and how to progress safely. We’d generally recommend no more than 2 sessions per week to keep exposure at a sensible level.

Tanning beds tend to be cheaper per session than professional spray tans and produce a longer-lasting tan than DHA-based products. The colour also looks genuinely natural because, like sun tanning, it develops from melanin within the skin rather than on the surface.

Pros and Cons of Tanning Beds

Fast results — more efficient than sun tanning due to concentrated UV output
Natural-looking colour — melanin-based tan develops from within the skin
Weather independent — works year-round regardless of the season
Longer lasting — UV tan typically outlasts DHA-based spray tans and self-tanners

UV exposure risk — the same skin risks associated with overexposure to natural sunlight apply here
Not suitable for everyone — people with very fair or sensitive skin may burn more easily
Ongoing cost — requires regular sessions to maintain colour

Which Type of Tanning Is Right for You?

The best tanning method depends on three things: your skin type, how quickly you need results, and how much UV exposure you’re comfortable with. Here’s a simple guide:

You have fair skin that doesn’t tan naturally: Spray tanning or self-tanning is your best bet. UV-based methods may not produce the result you want, and the risk of burning without visible tanning is higher.
You want results as quickly as possible: A professional spray tan or a fast-developing self-tanning mousse will give you visible colour within a few hours.
You want the most natural-looking, long-lasting result: A UV-based tan — either from sun exposure or a tanning bed — produces colour from within the skin that tends to look the most natural and last the longest.
You want the most affordable option: Self-tanning at home is the cheapest method by a significant margin, especially with a gradual tanner or drops that you mix into your regular moisturiser.
You want a reliable result without any UV exposure: Spray tanning is the standout choice — consistent, fast, and effective for all skin types. See our full guide on spray tanning safety for more.
You want to maintain a tan year-round: A combination approach works well — UV tanning (sun or bed) in summer to build a base, then self-tanner or top-up spray tans during the colder months.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main types of tanning?

The four main types of tanning are sun tanning, spray tanning, self-tanning, and tanning beds. Sun tanning and tanning beds use UV light to stimulate melanin in the skin. Spray tans and self-tanners use DHA to colour the skin’s surface without any UV exposure.

Which type of tanning lasts the longest?

UV-based tans — from the sun or a tanning bed — generally last the longest because the colour develops from melanin within the skin rather than on the surface. A spray tan or self-tanner typically lasts 5–7 days before fading, while a sun tan or tanning bed tan can last several weeks depending on your skin type and how well you maintain it.

What is the safest type of tanning?

Spray tanning and self-tanning carry no UV exposure risk and are considered the safest options. DHA, the active ingredient in both, is approved for cosmetic use and works purely on the skin’s surface. If you want a tan without any UV-related skin concerns, these are the methods to use.

Can you combine different types of tanning?

Yes, and many regular tanners do. A common approach is to build a UV base tan through sun tanning or tanning beds, then maintain and top up the colour using self-tanners between sessions or during winter. This reduces how much UV exposure is needed while keeping the tan looking consistent.

What is the best type of tanning for pale skin?

Spray tanning or self-tanning is usually the best choice for very fair or pale skin. People with pale skin often struggle to tan naturally from UV exposure and may burn before they see any meaningful colour. A professional spray tan or a gradual self-tanning lotion gives a natural-looking result with no UV risk. See our guide to tanning tips for pale skin for more detail.

Is a spray tan or self-tanner better?

A professional spray tan will typically give a more even, consistent result because it’s applied by a machine or a trained technician. A self-tanner is more affordable and just as effective when applied correctly — the result depends largely on preparation and technique. If you’re new to self-tanning, use a tanning mitt, exfoliate beforehand, and start with a gradual formula to build confidence before moving to a full-strength mousse.

Final Thoughts

All four types of tanning work — the right choice simply depends on what you’re looking for. For speed and reliability across all skin types, spray tanning leads the way. For affordability and convenience, self-tanning at home is hard to beat. For a natural, long-lasting result, sun tanning and tanning beds deliver colour that no DHA formula can fully replicate.

Many people find the best results come from combining methods — using UV tanning to build a base and topping up with self-tanners or spray tans to maintain colour throughout the year. Explore our dedicated sections on sun tanning, self-tanning, and tanning beds for in-depth guides on each method.