Tanning FAQ's
What should I wear in the tanning bed?
Each tanning bed is in a private room, so you can wear whatever you are
most comfortable in.
Do I have to wear eye protection?
Yes, it is required by law in most states because eyelids are not thick
enough to protect your eyes from UV damage. For sanitary reasons we do not
provide the eyewear, but have several choices available for purchase.
How long is one session?
Your first session, whether you are a first time tanner or are just
getting started for the season, can range from 2-8 minutes, depending on your
skin type. Once you’ve achieved your base tan you can gradually work your way
toward the maximum exposure time ranging anywhere from 8-15 minutes depending on
the equipment. Every salon has different beds and maintains their equipment
differently, therefore, you should follow the recommended exposure time and
schedule made by our Certified Tanning Consultant.
How long before I start seeing results?
Tanning is a process and therefore does not happen instantly. Most people
start seeing results by the fourth or fifth visit.
If a person cannot tan in the sun, will he/she tan
indoors?
Normally, a person tans indoors only as well as he/she is able to tan
outdoors. Some fair-skinned people who generally cannot tolerate the
uncontrolled rays of the sun may develop some color when tanning indoors. Skin
type, heredity, and individual photosensitivity all determine who will have
success tanning indoors.
Is indoor tanning more harmful than tanning outdoors?
People tanning indoors are exposed to a scientifically calibrated amount
of UV light. When used according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's
exposure guidelines (posted on each machine), tanning beds are designed to
maximize tanning and minimize burning. Conversely, tanning outdoors is an
unregulated environment. There are many factors that have to be considered when
you tan outdoors: geography, time of day, weather conditions, the seasons, and
the ozone layer. Remember the best way to safeguard yourself from sun damage is
to wear appropriate levels of SPF sunscreens outdoors - even if you already have
a tan. You should also know that, even with sunscreen protection, UV exposure
can still lead to skin cancer and premature aging, even if you don't burn.
My friend said she heard that tanning can bake your
internal organs. Is that true?
No! The UV light from a sun bed is similar to UV light from the sun, and
cannot penetrate deeper than the skin to harm internal organs. The odor you may
notice is what's commonly known as the "after tan" odor, a common occurrence
when tanning indoors or outdoors, which is caused by harmless bacteria. We carry
tanning lotions that contain the Biosaccharide Complex, which helps prevent
after tan odor.
If I shower directly after tanning will I "wash" away
my tan?
Taking a shower after tanning will not wash your tan away. A
natural tan takes 24-48 hours to develop. The tanning process occurs within the
epidermis when melanocyte cells are stimulated by ultraviolet light that causes
them to produce the pigment melanin. Melanin production results in the tanned
appearance of the skin and is the skin's natural defense against the sun and
over-exposure, i.e. sun-burning. Melanin travels to the surface, where it
eventually flakes off. This process allows us to develop new skin every four to
eight weeks. Keeping your skin hydrated and exfoliated will help maintain a more
radiant and healthy-looking tan.
In order to get a suntan, do you have to burn first?
No! A sunburn does not fade into a tan. A sunburn indicates over exposure
to UV-light and actually damages the skin, leaving it inflamed (as indicated by
the skin's red coloring and sensitivity), dry, chapped and visibly unappealing.
Always practice moderation when tanning and use the proper sunscreen protection
when tanning outdoors and the proper exposure time that is recommended for your
personal skin type when tanning indoors.
Do all skin types tan or burn in the same amount of
time?
Not all skin types are alike. Some people tan more easily than others or
burn more easily than others. For example, a Skin Type 1 person with fair skin,
red hair and freckles will burn easily, resulting in peeling and blistering
without any indication that he or she has tanned. On the other hand, a Skin Type
4 person with dark hair and olive skin will tan very well and quite easily even
with a minimal amount of sun exposure. It is important to know: repeated
exposure of unprotected skin while tanning may increase the risk of skin aging,
skin cancer and harmful effects to the skin even if you don't burn.
Do people with medium to dark skin ever burn?
Although people with medium to darker skin tend to tan more easily than
others, they can still get sunburns. They can also suffer from overexposure to
UV-light. It is still important for these skin types to use sunscreens and avoid
being in the sun
longer than they need to be.