A Healthier Alternative to UVA Tanning

Tanning is a beauty staple for many women and men. That desire to have gorgeous, glowing skin continues to cause people to tan under UVA light...despite the well-known consequences. Tanned skin is the result of irreversible damage and increases the odds of developing skin cancer. It’s time to invest in healthy tanning methods that don’t hurt your skin or your pocketbook.

Your Skin’s Little Tanning Secret

A nice, even tan may give your skin a lovely glow, but what happens underneath the surface should give you second thoughts. 

The UVA rays from the sun or an indoor tanning bed cause genetic damage. Yes, that means DNA damage. The extra melanin that your skin produces as a result is actually a protective measure to prevent further injury. That gorgeous tan is an indication that your skin is trying to protect itself. 

The damage to your skin cells also speeds up those visible signs of aging we all try to avoid: wrinkles, lines, and sunspots.

Tanning Beds as an Alternative

Many use tanning beds to tan gradually and in a more controlled environment. The UVA rays, however, are the same and your skin is exposed to a regularity of the rays that would never occur naturally with the sun. And for good reason: our changing seasons and the natural number of sunny hours in a day limit the amount of UVA rays our skin experiences. 

Indoor tanning has also been shown to increase the risk of skin cancer more than tanning outdoors. Just one session before the age of 35 increases your risk of melanoma by seventy-five percent.

Sunless Tanning

Because both the above forms of tanning can damage your skin and result in cancer, it’s usually best to rely on products for that glow. 

New River Aesthetics now offers Norvell spray tanning at its Blacksburg location.  While many tanning lotions or sprays contain harmful chemicals and most are not sensitive-skin friendly, the Norvell line carries tanning products that are organic and one hundred percent vegan. Mixed with aloe and vitamins E and C,  these products also hydrate and pamper your skin.

Though sunless tanning does not last as long, your skin (and pocketbook) will thank you in the future as you enjoy your undamaged, healthy skin. Following a few of these handy tips will also help your spray tan last as long as possible. 


Sunless tanning offers a safe, healthy method of tanning. Contact us today for tanning packages and to book an appointment! It is possible to get the glowing skin of your dreams without the health nightmare. Whether you tan or not, remember that your skin will benefit from basic self-care. Keep up with your vitamin D intake, drink plenty of water, exercise, and use sunscreen to protect yourself from sun damage. Always check with your dermatologist if you notice dark spots or strange skin reactions. Skin cancer is treatable if caught early enough. Our team is here for you and we are always ready to answer your questions.