Therere two types of methods for tanning - sun tanning and sunless tanning. Both of methods go to work on the outside layers of your skin. However, the layer of epidermis affected by sun tanning differs from the layer affected by sunless tanning products. While sun tanning products (lotions, sprays, gels or foams) affect the deepest layer or stratum basale, sunless tanning methods go to work on the outermost layer or stratum corneum.

The major reasons behind the popularity of sunless tanning are convenience, cost and safety. The widely used sunless tanning methods include 1) sunless tanning lotion, 2) sunless tanning spray, 3) tanning beds, and 4) tanning pills. Each method works in a different mechanism and the results achieved are different as well. The tanning result, cost, safety and convenience are the few things to consider when choosing a sunless tanning method that works best for you.

Result Sunless tanning methods generate quicker results than natural sun tanning. Tanning beds result the best tanning effects and last longer. The change in color of your skin from tanning lotions or tanning spray lasts for about five to seven days from the initial application. But getting an even tan requires skills and a lot of attention. Some of tanning pills contain caretenoid pigments. They saturate the fat layers right below the skin to result in the change in skin color when consumed internally.

Cost - The cost of sunless tanning methods differs drastically from a few bucks to a few hundred bucks. Both sunless tanning lotions (including tanning spray) and tanning pills are less expensive comparing with tanning beds or tanning booths.

Safety Sunless tanning gained its popularity for the main reason of safety. Among sunless tanning methods, the safety concerns for tanning beds remains. Tanning beds, or sunbeds, work the way similar to natural sun tanning. They use UV (Ultraviolet) rays from fluorescent tubes to tan the applicants skin. Continuous exposure to UV rays has the potential to cause skin cancer and skin aging, which are the drawbacks of sun tanning.

Convenience Needless to say, tanning pills are the most convenient method to change the skin of your color. Sunless tanning notions and spray are easy to apply too. Most tanning lovers dont have the luxury of owning their tanning beds, so they will have to go to a tanning salon for a visit.