By Rebecca Hall, Digital Content Writer
15th May 2025
Tanning tips: why your clients should fake it, not bake it…
Sunbeds and overexposure to the sun are proven to increase the risk of skin cancer, including melanoma. Using sunbeds before the age of 35 increases the risk of malignant melanoma by up to 60% (according to Cancer Research UK and The Skin Cancer Foundation).
The good news is that fake tanning products are a completely safe, skin-friendly alternative. Here’s everything you need to know to educate your clients on why to fake their tan, and why their skin will thank them for it later.
How do sunbeds and excessive sun exposure cause skin damage?
- DNA damage from UVB rays leads to burning, increases skin cancer risks including melanoma
- UVA contributes to collagen and elastin breakdown, leading to photoaging
- Oxidative stress from free radicals accelerates cellular ageing and skin barrier breakdown
- Inflammatory response to sun damage impairs the body’s immune function and increases skin sensitivity
- Overstimulation of melanocytes, the cell that produces a pigment in the skin called melanin, can lead to hyperpigmentation and melasma
Why encourage your clients to opt for a fake tan?
- Safer than sunbeds or sunbathing: In the UK we get very little sun year-round, and many turn to sunbeds for that golden glow – but sunbeds carry serious health risks, including skin cancer. Fake tan is a safe, danger-free alternative.
- Natural, healthy year-round glow: With our unpredictable weather, instant tan offers a consistent bronzed look, even in cloudier months.
- Instant confidence boost: A well-applied tan can enhance skin tone, hide imperfections and give clients a fresh, healthy appearance – perfect for holidays, events, or just day-to-day confidence.
- Wide range of products: There are plenty of high-quality fake tans – from gradual lotion and mist sprays to express mousses – suitable for all skin tones and preferences.
- No long-term damage: Unlike UV tanning, fake tan won’t cause premature ageing, sunspots, or sun damaged skin.
- More affordable over time: Sunbeds and salon tanning memberships can be expensive. A professional spray tan or quality self-tanning products are cost-effective, with fewer sessions needed.
FAQs
How long does fake tan last?
How long a fake tan lasts depends on the type of tanning service you choose to provide for your client, the product longevity and the prep and post-treatment care undertaken.
For long-lasting results, encourage your clients to opt for a spray tan using a high-quality DHA formula, or choose a professional self-tan mousse with a gradual fade. Look for products or services that offer:
- Higher DHA content (the active tanning ingredient)
- Professional application (like salon spray tans or expert self-tanning services)
- Aftercare guidance (such as moisturising daily and avoiding exfoliation)
Spray tans done professionally tend to last 5 to 10 days, especially with proper prep and maintenance. For even longer-lasting results, some clients layer gradual tans or use tan-extending lotions.
How to remove a fake tan?
If you need to remove fake tan in a hurry, or simply want to blend streaky or dark areas, fake tan remover wipes or a foaming tan remover mousse provide a quick and hassle-free solution.
How long does fake tan take to develop?
Fake tans can take anything from 60 minutes to 8 hours to develop, depending on the brand and the particular formula. Some also feature a tint or guide colour, both important factors in choosing the right formula, based on your client’s requirements.
Shop our bestselling tanning brands:
St.Tropez is proud to be the UK’s most trusted tanning brand. With some of the best gradual tans to express tans and spray tans around, St. Tropez allows you to set the tone and will leave your clients feeling summer-ready, all year round.
Images by @sttropeztan
Sienna X spray tans, tinted self-tan mousses, tanning mists and spray tanning machines offer quick-drying vegan tanning solutions, including 6 natural-looking spray tan finishes, for even, streak-free tans, all year round.
Images by @siennaxofficial
Crazy Angel helps you achieve the perfect tan application every time. With pre-tan prep, a range of fake tan shades and post-tan care, there is something to suit all your clientele. Formulated with the best natural ingredients, Crazy Angel products deliver flawless results to rival any of its competitors.
Images by @crazyangeltan
How to achieve the best fake tan results
Proper skin preparation, including exfoliating and moisturising can greatly enhance the longevity and appearance of a fake tan, and it is important to invest in high quality application products such as a good quality mitt or a spray tan machine, to ensure a seamless, even finish.
What are the best fake tanning products?
Tailoring the tanning treatment to your client’s specific needs is key, including considering their natural skin tone and the depth of colour they’re looking for. Development time, longevity and cost are also considerations, so here’s what you can expect from some of the best self-tans available:
For professionals:
Tanning sprays:
St.Tropez Classic Bronzing Mist Spray Solution 1L
Global self-tan icon St. Tropez is renowned for delivering flawless, professional-quality results. Their Classic Bronzing Mist combines Aromaguard™ fragrance technology —which helps eliminate that typical fake tan smell — with a fast-drying, streak-free spray that’s easy to apply. Enriched with hydrating ingredients like jojoba and aloe vera, this lightweight mist offers an instant tan guide colour and develops over 4 to 8 hours, depending on the desired depth of tan. Suitable for all skin tones, it delivers a natural-looking golden glow every time.
St Tropez Ultra Dark Violet Bronzing Mist 1L
For clients who dare to go even darker, St. Tropez Ultra Dark Violet Bronzing Mist offers them their deepest, darkest tan yet. Olive toned, for natural-looking colour, with a violet base to banish yellow tones, this professional-strength tan is formulated with melanin boosters to turn your client’s tan up to the max and features an ultra-hydrating formula for nourished-looking, supple skin.
St Tropez Ultra Dark Violet Bronzing Mist 1L
For clients who dare to go even darker, St. Tropez Ultra Dark Violet Bronzing Mist offers them their deepest, darkest tan yet. Olive toned, for natural-looking colour, with a violet base to banish yellow tones, this professional-strength tan is formulated with melanin boosters to turn your client’s tan up to the max and features an ultra-hydrating formula for nourished-looking, supple skin.
Sienna X 1 Hour Hit Spray Tan Solution 1L
Their fastest developing tinted spray tan yet, the Sienna X 1 Hour Hit Spray Tan Solution creates a beautiful deep tan in just 60 minutes. Perfect for clients with a busy schedule, this popular spray tan is also 100% cruelty-free, ideal for ethically minded clients.
Spray tan by @sttropeztan
Tanning kits and spray guns:
Just starting out, or updating your tanning equipment? Why not invest in one of our tanning spray guns, or complete kits?
Spray Tan Training Kit, St.Tropez Classic Mist
Includes:
- Aura Elite Compact Spray Tan Machine
- St.Tropez Classic Bronzing Mist Spray Solution 1L (worth £45)
- St.Tropez Tan Enhancing Body Moisturiser 200ml
- St.Tropez Disposables Kit (15 sole protectors, 3 boudoir caps and 15 G-strings)
- Spray Tanning Tent, Black Plain
Esthetix Aura Elite Compact Spray Tan Kit, St.Tropez Express Mist
- St.Tropez Express Mist 1L (worth £55.00)
- Disposables pack (15 sole protectors, 3 boudoir caps and 15 G-strings)
- Esthetix Aura Elite Compact Spray Tanning Machine
Sienna X Aura Xena HVLP Spray Tan Machine
Featuring a whisper quiet turbine to reduce noise in your beauty salon or spa, the Aura Xena HVLP Spray Tan Machine offers vertical, horizontal and contouring spray patterns, perfect for muscle definition shading, and with ‘Click & Tan’ technology, the sleek machine allows you to change solution shades quickly too.
Spray tanning tents:
Spray Tanning Tent, Black Plain
This affordable, full-body height tanning tent is lightweight and folds down to a compact size. Complete with portable bag, it allows mobile beauty therapists to optimise space when travelling between spray tan appointments.
Sienna X Pop Up Cubicle, Plain Black
Ideal for mobile beauty therapists on the go, the Sienna X Pop-Up Tanning Cubicle erects and folds in seconds. With a cut-out section secured with Velcro, it can be fitted with an extractor fan (sold separately), if required.
Sienna X Salon Spray Tanning Booth Debut
Alternatively, for salons with a dedicated permanent tanning area, the Sienna X Salon Spray Tanning Booth Debut provides the ultimate solution. Featuring a powerful built-in extraction unit and a non-slip floor, it ensures the utmost safety during tanning treatments. With clever foot operation, it is also incredibly simple to use, making it perfect for entry-level beauty professionals.
Customer-friendly tanning products:
With clients on the hunt for at-home tanning solutions in between salon spray tans, why not expand your retail offering and introduce them to one of these bestselling self-tans to help maintain a golden glow at home.
Tanning mousses:
Best for control – St.Tropez Express Bronzing Mousse 200ml
100% vegan-friendly, this Express St. Tropez Bronzing Mousse can be left on for up to 3 hours, allowing your client to control the depth of their tan. After application, clients simply wait one hour before showering for a light tan, two hours for a medium golden bronze colour, or three hours for a deep, dark tan.
Best for daily use – St.Tropez Classic Bronzing Mousse 240ml
Suitable for everyday use, the St. Tropez Classic Bronzing Mousse provides skin with an instant, consistent and reliable sun-kissed bronze glow, day in, day out.
Tanning creams and lotions:
Best for not transferring onto clothes – St.Tropez Classic Bronzing Lotion 240ml
This velvety, quick-drying, lightweight lotion ensures a flawless streak free tan application with no transfer. Offering a luscious, ultra-even natural-looking tan, the innovative formula and 4-to-8-hour development time effectively caters for every skin tone, meaning each client can achieve a tan that suits them.
Best all-rounder – St.Tropez Gradual Tinted Firming Lotion 200ml
A truly multi-tasking formula, this St. Tropez Gradual Tinted Firming Lotion protects, hydrates and firms the skin, at the same time as delivering a fast and natural looking tan. Providing up to 72 hours of moisture, it is enriched with vitamins and antioxidants to protect the skin’s natural barrier, as well as anti-ageing properties to prevent the degradation of collagen and elastin.
Gradual tan:
Buildable and summer-ready – Sienna X Gradual Self-Tan, Rose Water 100ml
This lightweight, rose-scented spray is ideal for a summer refresh. It’s buildable, for flawless bronzing on both the face and the body, and it develops in 4 to 8 hours, helping clients to achieve their perfect tone. Ideal for top-ups, this natural-finish tanning water includes skin-nurturing chicory root extract, allantoin and rose hydrolat, for multitasking skincare results.
Caffeine formulation - Crazy Angel Gradual Tan 250ml
This gradual self-tan is a versatile retail hero for your salon. Buildable for a natural, streak-free finish, it helps your clients maintain their glow between salon visits. Formulated with caffeine and lightweight shea butter, it moisturises, smooths and firms, all in one.
Best multi-tasker - St.Tropez Gradual Firming Lotion 200ml, Med/Dark
Protecting the skin’s barrier with vitamins and antioxidants, St. Tropez Gradual Firming Lotion not only tans the skin, but also contains firming and anti-ageing properties, helping to prevent the degradation of collagen and elastin, and delivering hydration for up to 72 hours.
Tanning serums:
St.Tropez Self Tan Express Sunlit Skin 30ml
For clients looking for a substitute to bronzer, add an instant sun-kissed glow with St. Tropez Self Tan Express Sunlit Skin. Developing in 1-to-3 hours depending on the desired tan, it has a quick-drying, non-rinse formula and works both alone or under make-up.
St.Tropez Sunlit Skin Tantour Brush
For flawless application, look no further than the St.Tropez Sunlit Skin Tantour Brush.This self-tan applicator brush is ideal for applying St. Tropez facial tanner or mousse and has a curved, soft vegan bristle profile, especially designed for precise ‘tantouring’, to blend the self-tan across the natural contours of the face.
St.Tropez Sunlit Skin Tantour Brush
For flawless application, look no further than the St.Tropez Sunlit Skin Tantour Brush.This self-tan applicator brush is ideal for applying St. Tropez facial tanner or mousse and has a curved, soft vegan bristle profile, especially designed for precise ‘tantouring’, to blend the self-tan across the natural contours of the face.
Sienna X Self Tan Serum Drops 30ml
For a healthy-looking daily glow, these vegan self-tan drops are a great recommendation for your clients. Formulated to boost collagen and reduce the signs of ageing, they also include organic avocado and coconut oil to keep moisture in the skin for longer, and anti-pollution actives to protect against the negative effects of blue light and infra-red type A. Encourage your client to add a few drops to their foundation.
Want to learn more and add tanning to your treatment menu? CLICK HERE for our St. Tropez How to spray tan online training course.
Share me...
Take a look at our latest posts...
This season's hottest nail and beauty trends 2025
Acne prevalence, causes and treatment
The future of wellness