The Smart Glow: Why Spray Tanning and Self-Tan Are the Safest Way to Get a Tan

In Australia, the golden glow has long been part of our culture. We grew up believing that a tan meant health, vitality, and endless summer. But as we’ve learned more about skin cancer and the effects of UV damage, that old idea of a “healthy tan” has changed for good.

The truth is simple: there’s no such thing as a safe sun tan. Every shade of colour caused by UV exposure is your skin’s way of saying it’s been damaged.

That’s why more Australians than ever — including many former sunbathers — are choosing safer, smarter ways to get their glow. With modern self-tanning and professional spray tans, you can achieve the same beautiful, bronzed finish without risking your skin or your health.

At Naked Tan, we believe tanning should be empowering, not harmful. Here’s why choosing a sunless tan is the safest way to glow — and how it’s helping women all over Australia fall back in love with their skin, safely.

The Hidden Cost of a Sun Tan

Let’s be honest — for years, we all chased that sun-kissed look. Beach days, tanning oils, long afternoons by the pool. But what we now know is that a tan is actually the body’s defence mechanism.

When your skin is exposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays, it produces melanin to try to protect your cells from further harm. That bronze colour many of us once admired is actually a sign of cellular damage.

According to the Cancer Council, two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer by the age of 70, and around 2,000 Australians die from it every year. Our harsh UV levels mean it doesn’t take long for damage to occur — sometimes as little as 10–15 minutes of unprotected sun exposure.

In the past, tanning beds were marketed as a “safer” option, but solariums have now been banned nationwide since 2015 after being directly linked to increased melanoma risk.

The lesson is clear: UV radiation, whether from the sun or artificial light, is not worth the danger.

Real Women, Real Wake-Up Calls

Many of the most passionate advocates for fake tanning today are former sun lovers who have experienced first-hand the consequences of UV exposure.

Women across Australia are speaking out about how years of tanning left them with freckles, pigmentation, and in some cases, skin cancer. Some now share their stories publicly to raise awareness, encouraging younger generations to tan safely.

One former sunbather described her diagnosis as a “wake-up call”, saying that she used to spend hours in the sun, chasing that deep bronze, until she was diagnosed with melanoma in her thirties. Now, she’s a devoted fake tan user, saying that self-tanning gives her the same glow she loved — without the fear that used to follow.

These stories aren’t rare. They’re reminders that beauty and health should never be at odds. Self-tanning offers a new way forward — one that celebrates glowing skin while protecting it.

The Safer, Smarter Alternative: Spray and Self-Tanning

Modern spray tans and self-tanning products give you everything the sun promised — but safely.

The active ingredient in all Naked Tan products, DHA (dihydroxyacetone), works by reacting with amino acids in the top layer of your skin to create a temporary golden pigment. No UV rays, no cellular damage, no long-term risk.

Our professional spray tanning solutions and at-home mousse range are vegan, cruelty-free, and made with natural DHA derived from sugar cane. That means you can enjoy flawless colour with peace of mind.

Unlike old formulas that dried the skin, Naked Tan’s solutions are infused with nourishing botanicals like aloe vera, guarana, and vitamin E — keeping your skin hydrated, soft, and luminous.

So instead of baking under the sun or lying in a tanning bed, you can achieve a healthy, sun-kissed look in as little as two hours, with zero risk to your skin’s health.

Myth Bust: Clearing Up Common Misconceptions

There are still a few lingering myths about fake tan. Let’s clear them up.

“Self-tan damages your skin.”
False. Fake tan does not penetrate deeper skin layers or cause cellular damage. In fact, most modern formulas — like Naked Tan’s — include skincare ingredients that protect and hydrate your skin.

“You can’t get a natural-looking colour without the sun.”
False. Naked Tan’s professional and at-home products are designed to match a range of undertones, giving results that look like a genuine bronze glow, never orange or patchy.

“Spray tans are high-maintenance.”
False. With simple prep and upkeep using our Body Cleanser and Crème de la Crème, a Naked Tan spray tan can last up to 10 days and fade evenly — no peeling, no streaks.

Why Ex-Tanners Are Switching

For many women, the choice to switch to self-tanning comes after years of sun damage, pigmentation, or simply the realisation that it’s not worth the risk.

They’ve learned that confidence doesn’t come from the sun — it comes from how you feel in your own skin.

Self-tanning allows you to control your colour, protect your health, and still enjoy that radiant, bronzed look that makes you feel your best. It’s fast, clean, and safe.

Some former tanners even say fake tan gave them back their confidence after skin treatments or surgeries. Where they once felt anxious about their skin, self-tanning helped them feel comfortable and beautiful again — without compromising their safety.

That’s what makes Naked Tan more than just a beauty brand. It’s a lifestyle change that encourages you to look after your skin, not punish it.

The Science of a Safe Glow

Naked Tan’s formulations combine natural DHA with hydrating, antioxidant-rich botanicals to deliver a tan that looks and feels healthy.

• Aloe Vera soothes and softens the skin.

• Guarana Extract helps tone and firm.

• Vitamin E provides protection against free radicals.

• Natural DHA gives a streak-free, even colour that develops beautifully over time.

No parabens, no sulphates, and no harsh chemicals. Just clean, conscious colour that loves your skin as much as you do.

Our products are developed in Australia for Australian skin and climate — made to withstand heat, humidity, and daily life without compromising on performance.

How to Transition from Sun to Self-Tan

If you’ve spent years relying on the sun, switching to fake tan might feel unfamiliar at first — but once you start, you’ll never look back.

Start gradual: Try Naked Tan Gradual Tan to build subtle, believable colour over a few days.
Try a professional spray tan: Our salon solutions deliver expert results in a single session.
Prep right: Exfoliate and cleanse with Body Cleanser before tanning to ensure a smooth, even finish.
Hydrate daily: Lock in your colour and keep your skin glowing with Crème de la Crème Moisturiser.

Self-tanning isn’t just about looking bronzed — it’s about changing your approach to skin care and embracing a safer, smarter beauty ritual.

Love the Skin You’re In, Protect It Too

The message is simple: there’s no glow worth risking your health for. The sun will always shine, but your skin only gets one lifetime.

Choosing a spray tan or self-tan is about more than beauty — it’s about respect for your body, your health, and your future.

With Naked Tan, you can have the best of both worlds: the warm, bronzed glow you love and the peace of mind that comes with knowing your skin is safe.

Glow smart, glow safe, and glow confidently — because beautiful skin starts with protection.