Skip the bed, get the glow: Discover a safer way to tan

As the desire for that perfect sun-kissed glow continues to grow, we’re seeing a worrisome trend in tanning bed usage across the US. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, indoor tanning is linked to over 419,000 skin cancer cases in the US each year, and the health risks associated with tanning beds are widely known. Yet, our data reveals a 78% surge in tanning bed-related searches over the past year across the US. 

To dig deeper, we’ve identified the top “Tanning Bed Capitals” of the US, highlighting the states where interest in tanning beds is rising the most compared to the number of tanning beds available. This study also includes data on the month each state’s residents are most likely to search for tanning beds and expert insight from Yuliya Koval, a licensed esthetician, about the potential risks and safer alternatives.

Keep reading to learn more about safer, skin-loving tanning alternatives like St. Moriz, so you can keep glowing without compromising your health.

Tanning bed trends across the U.S. New Jersey is the tanning bed capital of America

Our analysis of online tanning bed search data and state-by-state tanning salon density reveals which states rank as the nation’s “Tanning Bed Capitals.” While tanning bed usage is still prevalent across the country, there are healthier alternatives to consider, such as self-tanning. 

Key Insights:

• New Jersey tops the index with 2,216 tanning salons per 10,000 square miles and a 131.8% increase in tanning bed searches over the last year.
• 78% average monthly increase in tanning bed-related searches nationally.
• North Dakota, Wisconsin, and Delaware have the highest spikes in search interest for tanning beds.
• The most popular month for tanning bed searches is March

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, indoor tanning is linked to more than 419,000 cases of skin cancer each year in the U.S., as indoor tanning devices emit UV radiation at levels 10 to 15 times higher than the sun’s peak intensity. For those who want the look of a bronzed glow without the dangers, self-tanning is the answer.

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%
• Average monthly searches for tanning beds: 8030 
• Month state residents are most likely to search for tanning beds: May
• Month state residents are least likely to search for tanning beds: April

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%
• Average monthly searches for tanning beds: 830 
• Month state residents are most likely to search for tanning beds: March
• Month state residents are least likely to search for tanning beds: November

New Jersey tops the list as the leading Tanning Bed Capital in the US, with an impressive 2,216 tanning salons per 10,000 square miles and a 131.8% surge in tanning bed-related searches over the past year. New Jersey has 615% more salons than the national average (310), making it the state with the highest tanning salon density.

Following New Jersey, Connecticut and Massachusetts also show high tanning salon densities, with 1,734 and 1,268 salons per 10,000 square miles, respectively. Rhode Island ranks second in the index, with a salon density 230% above the national average, while Delaware, in third place, has 816 salons per 10,000 square miles.

In terms of legislation, New Jersey restricts tanning device use to individuals 17 and older, requiring parental consent for minors—a law that sets it apart from Rhode Island and Delaware, where tanning is restricted to anyone under 18. Currently, 20 states (plus Washington, D.C.) fully prohibit minors under 18 from using indoor tanning devices.

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%
• Average monthly searches for tanning beds: 550
• Month state residents are most likely to search for tanning beds: April
• Month state residents are least likely to search for tanning beds: November

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%
• Average monthly searches for tanning beds: 3430
• Month state residents are most likely to search for tanning beds: March
• Month state residents are least likely to search for tanning beds: August & October (tie)

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%
• Average monthly searches for tanning beds: 690
• Month state residents are most likely to search for tanning beds: April
• Month state residents are least likely to search for tanning beds: November

Delaware prohibits tanning bed use for anyone under 18, while North Dakota requires in-person parental consent for minors under 18, valid for a year, and restricts use for those under 14 without a physician’s prescription. Wisconsin’s legislation is less strict, only barring minors under 16 from indoor tanning.

States with rising tanning bed searches highlight a growing demand, especially among young adults. The Skin Cancer Foundation warns that using a tanning bed before age 35 increases melanoma risk by 75%. Fortunately, quitting tanning beds allows the body to begin repairing UV damage, per the American Academy of Dermatology.

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%
• Average monthly searches for tanning beds: 270
• Month state residents are most likely to search for tanning beds: March
• Month state residents are least likely to search for tanning beds: October

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%
• Average monthly searches for tanning beds: 1610
• Month state residents are most likely to search for tanning beds: March
• Month state residents are least likely to search for tanning beds: September

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%
• Average monthly searches for tanning beds: 540
• Month state residents are most likely to search for tanning beds: March, April, May (tie)
• Month state residents are least likely to search for tanning beds: October

With a low index score of 16/100, Wyoming ranks the lowest in tanning bed use, with just seven salons per 10,000 square miles. The state also requires minors under 15 to be accompanied by a parent. Nevada and New Mexico also have few salons - 69 and 15 per 10,000 square miles, respectively. Both states have stricter laws prohibiting tanning bed use for those under 18, with New Mexico mandating salons display health risk information.

The top 3 signs of UV skin damage, according to an esthetician

Now we know what skincare benefits self tanning products can provide, here’s what UV damage from tanning beds and avoiding adequate sun protection can do to your skin. 

Yuliya shares: “Using tanning beds is one of the worst things you can do for your skin health. 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.” 

• Hyperpigmentation 

“Aside from the health risks of tanning beds, tanning bed use will also visibly damage your skin. A pronounced symptom of photoaging is hyperpigmentation - a condition where patches of skin appear to be darker than other surrounding areas.

• Broken blood vessels on the face

“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.

• Wrinkled and flaccid skin

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

• Dry and uneven skin texture

“Sun damage can dry out the skin by limiting the production of hyaluronic acid and natural oils. The skin will appear dry, flakey and sometimes partially inflamed.”

From the “Tanning Bed Capitals” to the “Glow Capitals”

St. Moriz is committed to offering high-quality self-tanning products that allow you to achieve a natural glow - no UV exposure necessary. By switching to self-tanning, you can enjoy all the benefits of beautifully tanned skin without the risks associated with tanning beds.

When you choose self tanning over sun tanning, you can experience additional skincare benefits besides achieving a bronzed glow. Look out for key ingredients like Aloe Vera, Vitamin E, and Hyaluronic Acid in your self-tanner, which will keep your skin hydrated during and after application.

Considering the ingredients in products like the St. Moriz Advanced Tan Boosting Face Drops and Professional Self Tanner Mousse, Yuliya Koval, a licensed esthetician working with St. Moriz, comments: “Aloe barbadensis leaf extract, more widely known as Aloe Vera, is well known for its anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and wound healing properties while also providing antioxidant benefits.

“Both Glycerin and Sucrose act as ingredients in self-tanning products to help hydrate and improve the skin's elasticity, aiding in the repair of the natural barrier. Citric acid also provides mild exfoliation, smoothing the skin texture and reducing the overproduction of skin oils.

“It’s great to have anti-microbial, hydrating, and exfoliating components in a product at the right concentration, which without a doubt can benefit all skin types and all ages.”

Join the Glow Revolution

At St. Moriz, achieving a healthy, sun-kissed look shouldn't come at the expense of your skin's health. With self-tanner, you can have a natural-looking tan anytime, anywhere—no tanning bed required. We invite you to join our "Glow Revolution" and choose safe self-tanning options that keep your skin beautiful and healthy.

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 and the month each state was most and least likely to search for tanning beds. The search terms explored were: Tanning Bed, Tanning Bed Near Me, Indoor Tanning, Tanning Salon, Tanning Salon Near Me. 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.