How does tanning work?
Tanning beds use UV or Ultraviolet light to tan your body. Since there are three
types of UV light -UVA, UVB, and UVC - tanning beds are designed to use more levels
of UVA with lower levels of UVB on your skin to promote the production of melanin,
the pigment that makes you look tan even if you don't spend time under actual sunlight.
The most harmful form of UV light is the UVC which tanning beds filter out so that
you only get the best forms of UV light.
Is tanning in a salon safe?
Yes! Tanning in a salon is safe, especially compared to being out in actual sunlight
for prolonged periods of time. Since tanning beds filter out the UVC light, you'll
get the healthiest forms of UV light. Before tanning regularly you should get a
base tan first so as not to get sunburned.
How often can I tan?
You should wait at least 24 hours after a session before tanning again. It is recommended
that you do not go more than 3 times a week to make sure you do not get sunburned.
Your salon may have more specific requirements.
How long should I tan when I first start?
If you easily get sunburned, it is advisable to start with a smaller exposure time.
You can then increase it gradually as you start your base tan. Once you get considerably
tan from being outside and just want to maintain that color, then you can tan for
a longer period of time. But If you absolutely never get any sort of tan from the
sun, keep in mind that you will not get a tan from tanning beds or booths as well,
since they emit the same type of UV light.
What should I wear when I tan?
Tanning booths and beds are private areas in which you can wear whatever you like.
If you feel more comfortable in your bikini or swimsuit then by all means wear it.
You can also choose to go more natural and wear only your birthday suit since no
one will see you. Many women, however, do choose to wear underwear so that they
do not burn the more private parts of their anatomy. You will also be required to
wear eye protection since your eyes, even when closed, can allow the light into
them and cause permanent damage.
When shouldn't I tan?
You should not tan if you have just done so in the past 24 hours or if you are taking
photo-sensitizing medication. This will enhance the tan and often cause you to burn.
Ask your doctor to be certain you can tan if you are taking any kind of medication.
Why should I use lotion ?
All our lotions are specifically designed for the indoor tanning industry; they
contain ingredients to assist in achieving maximum tanning results. They are designed
not only to maximize and accelerate great tanning results, but most importantly
replace essential nutrients, minerals and lost moisture to your skin. Lotions also
contain antioxidants to shield free radical damage
Do I need to wear an SPF lotion when I tan?
No, because SPF tanning lotions allow you to stay in the sun longer than what is
considered safe for you. It is then advisable not to wear an SPF tanning lotion
so that you won't be emboldened to stay long under the scorching sun to the point
of overexposing yourself.
Why do I need to wear eye protection?
Closing your eyelids is not adequate protection, your eyelids are too thin to stop
ultraviolet light. For this reason you must wear eye protection when tanning at
our salons.
Is there such a thing as a safe tan?
The word 'safe' usually implies that an activity can be engaged in recklessly, without
any fear of injury. Overexposure can result in sunburn and skin damage, which is
why we teach both tanners and non-tanners alike to be intelligent about their sun
exposure. Moderate sun exposure for individuals who can develop a tan is the 'smartest'
way to maximize the potential benefits and minimize the potential risks associated
with either too much or too little sunlight.
Why do some people itch after tanning indoors?
Rashes or itching occurring on the body after ultraviolet light exposure are not
an indication of skin disease, but of dry skin or a photosensitive reaction. They
often are caused by a combination of heat from the tanning lamps, a lack of sufficient
melanin in the skin being tanned and ultraviolet light. This is why it's extremely
important to properly moisturize before, during, and after your tanning session.
Both irritations usually subside within several days after tanning has stopped.
How does indoor tanning exposure compare to the natural sun?
Your skin produces a tan the same way it does when you tan indoors or outdoors.
It is difficult to make a simple comparison of the sun with that of modern indoor
tanning equipment. The sun's strength is dependent on several factors as well. When
you are outdoors in the sun you cannot control the amount of ultraviolet light you
are exposed to. Indoor tanning is a very controlled environment in which you can
regulate the amount of ultraviolet light you are exposed to. You can gradually increase
your exposure time to achieve the tan you desire without burning.
How does sunless tanning work?
The main ingredient in most self-tanners is DHA (an ingredient derived from sugarcane),
which reacts with proteins and amino acids in the skin to create a tan.
How Do You Define Moderate Tanning?
The term "moderate tanning" means something different for every different individual,
and that is an important point. The bottom line is what we call "The Golden Rule
of Smart Tanning- Don't EVER sunburn. A fair-skinned, red-headed, green-eyed person
may not have the ability to develop a tan without sun burning. This person should
not attempt to tan then. On the other hand, most of us have the ability to develop
a tan, and the majority of us tan very easily. Moderation, in our view, means avoiding
sunburn at all costs. Going about that agenda will mean something different to every
different person.
Are All Dermatologists Against Indoor Tanning?
While most of the dermatology profession has an inexplicably myopic view about tanning,
some enlightened dermatologists have broken ranks with their peers in recent years,
urging their profession to re-think its one-sided dogma about sun exposure. Two
of the most recent:
-Research dermatologist Dr. Sam Shuster, professor emeritus to the Department of
Dermatology at Newcastle University in northern England, challenged his peers to
quantify the alleged increase in skin cancer incidence, which is not based on actual
numbers but only estimates. In the book, "Panic Nation: Unpicking the Myths We're
Told About Food and Health-Shuster calls his peers to acknowledge that a tan is
the body" natural protection against sunburn -a reality that has been all but
stampeded under the establishment's rhetoric. "Unfortunately our attitude to sun
and ultra-violet (UV) light is subject to much perverse and dubious technical 'advice',
which society has passively accepted without questioning its provenance,- Shuster
writes.
-Boston University Professor Dr. Michael Holick 'the scientist who was involved
in the discovery of the active form of vitamin D in the early 1970s - wrote the
book "The UV Advantage" in 2004, urging people to embrace moderate exposure to ultraviolet
light as the body's natural way to produce Vitamin D. Holick is one of the world's
leading authorities on vitamin D production. Since some exposure to sunlight is
beneficial to your health, it is reasonable that if you wish to be exposed to sunlight,
that you can do so with relative safety if you make sure that you do not receive
a sunburn,-Holick says.
-Many rank-and-file dermatologists have more moderate views about sensible sun exposure,
but have been intimidated by their peers not to discuss these views publicly. Indeed,
upon publishing "The UV Advantage"in 2004, Holick was forced to resign his post
at Boston University as a professor of dermatology, with the chair of that department
calling his work "schlock science". In spite of such rhetoric, in the two years
since publishing his book, most of Holick's positions have become mainstream thinking.
Can anybody tan?
Certain skin types cannot tan, but anybody can get a beautiful golden-tan look with
our UV-Free tanning system process. Our tanning professionals can help you determine
the type of tanning best suited to your skin type. The six basic skin types are
shown below:
Skin type 1: Always burns, never tans
Skin type 2: Burns easily, tans slightly
Skin type 3: Sometimes burns, tans gradually
Skin type 4: Burns minimally, always tans well
Skin type 5: Burns rarely, tans deeply
Skin type 6: Almost never burns, deeply pigmented
Why is moisturized skin important for a tan?
Healthy, moist skin will tan quicker, get darker and keep its tanned appearance
longer because the melanin is produced rapidly and the skin also will not exfoliate
as quickly when it is properly moisturized.
I don't tan outdoors. Will I be able to tan in a bed?
If you can't get color from the sun, you can't get color in an UV bed. However,
UV-Free tanning system can give you a natural looking tan without any UV exposure
at all.
How do I know the beds are clean?
We use FDA-approved cleaning solutions after every customer's tanning session. The
store manager will be happy to show you our cleaning logs. The solution is tested
daily to ensure proper sanitizing properties exist.
How often do you change the bulbs in each bed?
We follow the manufacturer's guidelines for bulb replacement so that you will achieve
the best results from your sessions. We typically change our bulbs when they have
reached 70% of their capacity so your tan doesn't suffer from weaker UV rays.
