It's time to switch to safe self-tanning, these are the tanning bed capitals of the US

It’s time to switch to safe self-tanning to get your glow. To highlight the worryingly growing use of tanning salons and tanning beds across the US, we have carefully examined online tanning bed search data, and data on the number of tanning salon businesses in each state, to create an index unearthing the country's 'Tanning Bed Capitals.'

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, indoor tanning is linked to over 419,000 cases of skin cancer in the US annually, posing significant health risks. Indoor tanning devices emit UV radiation at levels 10 to 15 times higher than the sun's peak intensity, so making informed choices about how we achieve our desired tan is crucial¹.

Yuliya Koval, a licensed esthetician working with St. Moriz, comments: “Aside from the health risks of tanning beds, tanning bed use will also visibly damage your skin. A very obvious symptom of photoaging is hyperpigmentation - a condition where some patches of skin appear to be darker than other surrounding areas.

“UVA rays also weaken blood vessel walls, causing them to break, which is particularly common around the nose, cheeks, and chin. Just like hyperpigmentation, this condition will require professional treatment and won’t go away on its own.

“You may also see an increase in wrinkled and flaccid skin. UV exposure damages collagen and elastin fibers, which leads to your skin losing its elasticity.”

Key Findings

• New Jersey ranks as the top Tanning Bed Capital, with 2,216 tanning salons per 10,000 square miles
• 7 of the top 10 Tanning Bed Capitals are on the East Coast with a Northeastern hotspot
• Across the US, there has been an average 78% search increase for tanning bed terms each month over last year
• North Dakota, Wisconsin, and Delaware have seen the highest search increase for tanning beds and salons
• The lowest-ranking states in the index are Wyoming, Nevada and New Mexico 

New Jersey ranked top ‘Tanning Bed Capital’ 

The Northeastern states of New Jersey, Rhode Island, and Delaware have topped the Tanning Bed Capitals index with the highest rankings.

1. New Jersey

• Index score: 92/100
• Number of tanning salons per 10,000 square miles: 2,216
• Tanning bed search trend increase in the last 12 months: 131.8%

2. Rhode Island

• Index score: 84.7/100
• Number of tanning salons per 10,000 square miles: 1,023
• Tanning bed search trend increase in the last 12 months: 123.4%

3. Delaware

• Index score: 82/100
• Number of tanning salons per 10,000 square miles: 816
• Tanning bed search trend increase in the last 12 months: 139.8%

New Jersey ranks as the number one Tanning Bed Capital of the US, with 2,216 tanning salons per 10,000 square miles (sqm) and an average 131.8% increase in tanning bed-related searches each month over the last year. The Northeastern state also ranks first for the number of tanning salons in one state, which is 615% higher than the national average of 310 tanning salons.

Connecticut and Massachusetts follow New Jersey with the highest number of tanning salons per 10,000 sqm, with 1,734 and 1,268 salons, respectively. 

Rhode Island, the second-ranked Tanning Bed Capital in the index, has the fourth-highest number of tanning salons per 10,000 sqm, 230% higher than the national average. Delaware, the third-ranked Tanning Bed Capital, has 816 tanning salons per 10,000 sqm, the sixth-highest compared to all other states.

The Garden State also has the fifth-highest search increase for tanning bed searches, which is 69% higher than the average number of searches across the US. 

Current legislation in New Jersey prohibits minors under 17 from using tanning devices, requiring written consent from parents/guardians for use. New Jersey is unique in this law compared to Rhode Island and Delaware, the second and third states in the data index, which prohibit minors under 18 from using tanning devices².

As of now, a total of twenty states, including the District of Columbia, currently prohibit the use of indoor tanning devices for those under 18². These states are California, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia².

Searches for tanning beds have increased the most in North Dakota

Despite ranking 21st overall in the Tanning Bed Capital index, North Dakota took the top spot with the highest percentage increase in tanning bed-related searches. Wisconsin, ranked 16th overall, came second, followed by Delaware, ranked third in the index.

1. North Dakota

• Index score: 58/100
• Number of tanning salons per 10,000 square miles: 26
• Tanning bed search trend increase in the last 12 months: 172.4%

2. Wisconsin 

• Index score: 62.7/100
• Number of tanning salons per 10,000 square miles: 142
• Tanning bed search trend increase in the last 12 months: 140.8%

3. Delaware

• Index score: 82/100
• Number of tanning salons per 10,000 square miles: 816
• Tanning bed search trend increase in the last 12 months: 139.8%

As previously mentioned, Delaware prohibits the use of tanning beds for minors under 18. However, North Dakota requires parent/guardian in-person written consent for minors under 18, valid for 12 months. Minors under 14 are prohibited from using tanning devices without a physician’s prescription, and a parent or guardian must accompany them².

Unfortunately, Wisconsin differs from Delaware and North Dakota, with more relaxed age-based legislation that only prohibits minors under 16 from using indoor tanning beds².

The states with the highest search trend increase suggest demand is on the rise, which is concerning, meaning it’s vital to raise awareness of the risks of indoor tanning, particularly for young adults.

The Skin Cancer Foundation shares that people who first use a tanning bed before age 35 increase their risk for melanoma by 75%¹. The good news is that it’s never too late to make a change to protect your skin. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, once you stop using indoor tanning beds and begin to protect your skin from the sun, your body will start to repair some of the damage caused by UV rays³.

Wyoming, Nevada, and New Mexico have the lowest tanning bed interest

At the bottom end of the index, Wyoming, Nevada, and New Mexico have the lowest scores in the Tanning Bed Capital index.

1. Wyoming

• Index score: 16/100
• Number of tanning salons per 10,000 square miles: 7
• Tanning bed search trend increase in the last 12 months: 55.4%

2. Nevada

• Index score: 21.3/100
• Number of tanning salons per 10,000 square miles: 69
• Tanning bed search trend increase in the last 12 months: 22.6%

3. New Mexico

• Index score: 23.3/100
• Number of tanning salons per 10,000 square miles: 15
• Tanning bed search trend increase in the last 12 months: 79.6%

With an index score of 16/100, Wyoming is the lowest-ranking state in the data index. Despite each of the three lowest-ranking states experiencing search trend increases for tanning beds ranging from 22.6% to 79.6%, Wyoming has a low seven tanning salons per 10,000 sqm. 

The Cowboy State has the second lowest number of tanning salons, beaten only by Alaska, with one tanning salon per 10,000 sqm. Wyoming requires minors under 15 to be accompanied by a parent or guardian for all visits to tanning salons; written consent must be provided from age 15 to the age of majority, with this consent valid for 12 months².

Given their warmer climates, you may be surprised to see Nevada and New Mexico rank at the bottom of the Tanning Bed Capitals index. However, they have 69 and 15 tanning salon businesses per 10,000 sqm respectively. The Silver State prohibits all minors under 18 from using tanning devices².

In 2017, New Mexico state legislatures voted to ban indoor tanning for people under the age of 18 and requires tanning salons to post the associated health risks to customers⁴. 

St. Moriz shares how to keep your glow without skin damage 

The journey to glowing safely starts here! The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using self tanner as a safe alternative to using a tanning bed or sun tanning, so we’re here to share the benefits of skin-loving self tanner and our top product picks⁵.  

Yuliya adds: “One of the worst things you can do for your skin health is use tanning beds. Self tannner is a much safer alternative to achieve your bronzed glow, but it’s essential that you still use SPF in addition, as self tanner won’t provide you with sun protection.

“SPF should be applied daily, under makeup and over self tanner, regardless of the season. Choose an SPF that is at least SPF 30 but preferably 50+. Take note of the SPF product you’re using and make sure that it protects from both UVA and UVB rays.” 

St. Moriz Advanced Pro Radiant Glow Tan Boosting Face Drops - $18.99

The lightweight formulation of the St. Moriz Advanced Tan Boosting Face Drops, provides a natural glow that you can effortlessly layer under makeup and SPF. The clear dops contain Aloe Vera to leave skin hydrated and smooth.

Add 3-6 drops of the clear drops to your favorite moisturizer and mix in your palm. Apply evenly in circular motions to your face and neck, and wash your hands immediately after application. Sit back and watch your face gradually take on a golden glow throughout the day for a boost of radiance.

St. Moriz Professional 1 Hour Fast Tan Mousse - $14.99

Awarded ‘Best Overall Self Tanner’ in the Today Beauty Awards, it’s time to switch sun damage for skin-loving ingredients with the St. Moriz Professional 1 Hour Fast Tan Mousse. 

The fast-drying formula is the ultimate express tanning product if you’re short on time, developing in as little as one hour for a light natural glow. Leave the fast tan mousse on for two hours for a medium tan, or three hours for a deeper glow. 

It’s an excellent choice for self tanners of all skill levels with a wash-off guide color for flawless application. The mousse has a lightweight formula with Aloe Vera & Vitamin E to soothe and moisturise skin, leaving a luxurious, streak-free finish.

St Moriz Professional Self Tan Remover Pads - $14.99

Is it time to remove your tan or say goodbye to self-tan mishaps? Now, you can do both with ease with the St. Moriz Professional Self-Tan Remover Pads. Thanks to the gentle, no-scrub formula infused with soothing Aloe Vera, you can correct errors instantly with a few swipes.

The biodegradable pads are not only kind to your skin but also environmentally friendly, packaged in a reusable jar for you to use on the go.

Dermatologist-tested and free from parabens and sulfates, these vegan and cruelty-free self-tan remover pads offer a gentle yet effective solution to maintaining flawless tanning results. Effortlessly fix patchy areas and ensure an even tan application every time!

Sources

1. Skin Cancer Foundation 
2. AIM at Melanoma Foundation 
3. American Academy of Dermatology
4. LegiScan
5. American Academy of Dermatology

Methodology

To determine the 'Tanning Bed Capitals' of the US, monthly search volume data for tanning bed-related terms was collected for each state and analyzed alongside data on the number of tanning salon businesses per state.

The analysis also tracked the percentage increase in tanning bed-related searches monthly, over 12 months, to identify the top 'Tanning Bed Capital' locations. This approach provided insight into the states with the highest interest in tanning bed services to establish a ranking based on search behavior and business density.