Sunless Tanning Options for a Healthy Post-Winter Glow

March 2026

During the winter, spending more time indoors and covering up to go outside can make you feel a little “sun starved” – and it’s completely normal to look in the mirror and think, “Wow, I could really use some color!”

As the cold and gray days seem to drag on, many people go outside without proper sun protection or visit the tanning bed to pursue what we’re going to refer to in this article as the “base tan myth.” This persistent skin care myth causes people to believe they need a glowing, sun-kissed complexion to help protect them from increased sun exposure when spring and summer finally arrive.

This urge to get a head start on a tan has fueled tanning bed use for decades, but being skin smart means recognizing the dangers of trying to achieve a base tan – especially if you do so by visiting the tanning bed.

In this article, we provide better options for achieving a pre-spring glow that won’t damage your skin.

The “Base Tan Myth” Debunked

The idea of a “base tan” has been in popular culture since the 1920s, when Coco Chanel popularized tanning as a symbol of wealth and luxury. When tanning beds were introduced in the 1980s, the trend only gained traction.

The myth behind a base tan is that building up a light tan early in the year will provide greater sun protection from stronger UV conditions in the spring and summer. In reality, the idea that a base tan can offer greater sun protection is simply not true. In fact, it’s very much the opposite.

There’s no such thing as a safe tan. Any change in your skin’s color from UV exposure, whether from the sun or a tanning bed, is a sign your skin has been injured.

According to the American Cancer Society, a tan cannot prevent skin cancer or premature signs of aging, and it’s not a shield against sunburn. Whether you try to achieve a base tan by going outside or visiting a tanning bed, the risks are the same. No amount of tanning is safe, and pursuing a base tan can actually increase overall UV exposure throughout the year.

What’s at stake? UV rays cause damage to your skin cells, which can accelerate the signs of aging and increase the risk of skin cancers like basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.

Ultimately, that “healthy glow” is actually a sign of skin damage, and your short-term gain can cause long-term damage.

Sunless Tanning is a Skin-Smart Alternative

Skip the damaging UV exposure and opt for sunless tanning instead. Sunless tanning, including self-tanners and spray tans, won’t damage your skin cells like UV radiation and won’t accelerate the signs of aging.

These sunless tanning solutions contain a molecule called dihydroxyacetone, or DHA, that reacts with the top layer of your skin to produce a tan-like color. Sunless tanner can be applied at home, and spray tans are available from spray tan salons or medi-spas. Both are easy, safe alternatives to outdoor or tanning bed tanning.

• No UV damage: Sunless tanners don’t rely on UV light, so you don’t get the DNA damage that leads to skin aging and cancer.
• Customizable results: Choose a light glow or a deeper bronze with easily customizable choices.
• Versatile applications: Use lotions, mousses, wipes, or get a professional spray tan; there are many options for sunless tanning that fit your preference and lifestyle.

Keep in mind that sunless tanners don’t provide sun protection. After you get your gorgeous self-tanned glow, layer on a broad-spectrum sunscreen and use other measures like protective clothing and shade-seeking to keep your skin safe.

Achieve a Year-Round Glow With These Tips

Opting for sunless tanning is a great way to keep your skin healthy and protected. Here are 4 additional ways you can keep your skin glowing year-round:

1. Use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day, even on cloudy winter days.

2. Wear sun-protective clothing and hats when you’re out in the sun.
3. Seek shade when outdoors between 10am and 4pm – peak UV hours.
4. Hydrate and moisturize daily to keep skin healthy and vibrant.

5. Implement a consistent routine with medical-grade skincare products.
6. Schedule a consultation with one of our medical aesthetics experts to develop a customized treatment plan – chemical peels, BroadBand™ light, and laser resurfacing all help lighten and brighten the skin!

Winter can take its toll on our mood and our skin, but don’t let that “funk” lead you into the arms of UV rays! When it comes to your skin’s long-term health, a base tan is a myth that can lead to premature signs of aging and increased skin cancer risk.

Choose safe alternatives like sunless tanning, and practice smart skin-protective habits year-round.

Optima Dermatology’s board-certified dermatologists can help you find the best sunless tanning approach for your skin type and tone. Request an appointment to speak with one of our expert providers about achieving healthy, glowing, protected skin!