You might be wondering about tanning beds. They mostly pump out UVA rays—sometimes up to 95% UVA. That’s why you can lie in one for 20 minutes without turning into a lobster. Feels easy, right?
But here’s the catch: intense, concentrated UVA without any UVB can actually age your skin faster. It breaks down collagen and elastin, leading to wrinkles over time. Plus, that deep tan you get? It’s more “painted on” than grown.
Meanwhile, the outdoor sun gives you a natural cocktail of UVA and UVB, plus vitamin D. That’s a tough combo to beat. For most people, the best UV is a mix: a little UVB for health, and a lot of UVA for color.
UV TANNING | Get Your Sun-Kissed Look Today — Säga
How to Hack It Like a Pro
Want a fun comparison? Think of UVB as the coffee shot that wakes you up fast, but gives you jitters. UVA is like a slow-brewed iced tea that keeps you cool and steady all afternoon. You need a sip of both, but mostly the tea.
The best strategy is to start early in your tanning journey. Go out for just 10–15 minutes during low-UVB times (like 4 p.m.). Build a base layer of color over a week. Then, as your skin adapts, you can gradually increase exposure.
And please, never forget sunscreen. I know, I know—it sounds counterintuitive. But a low-SPF sunscreen (like SPF 15) actually filters out enough UVB to prevent burning, while letting enough UVA through to trigger a tan. It’s like wearing a seatbelt while still enjoying the drive.
