Frequently Asked Questions
You have questions - we have answers! If you don't find the answer to your question here, please give us a call! Our expert tanning technicians are happy to answer any and all of your questions.
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What Should I Wear to Tan?
Some people choose to wear a swimsuit, just as they would at the beach. But, because of the privacy of indoor tanning, most tan in the nude to avoid tan lines. Any skin that has never been exposed to ultraviolet light before will be more sensitive. These parts must acquire a tan slowly. Cut down the exposure time for these areas to 1/3 or less of the total time recommended by your tanning professional. When you can't see any tan lines on your body at all, it's ok to expose that skin the same length of time as the rest of your body.
Why Should I Use Indoor Tanning Lotions?
Indoor tanning lotions also known as "accelerators" add nutrients your body needs to produce melanin. Our line of quality accelerators contain vitamin A, C, E, and botanicals that moisturize and increase blood flow, thus increasing oxygenation of melanin cells to help speed up the tanning process. UV rays reflect off of dry skin, the moisturizers in tanning accelerators help you absorb UV rays for better results. You will tan about twice as fast and keep your tan twice as long.
Is Indoor Tanning As Effective As Outdoor Tanning?
Yes, in fact, sometimes more so because you are in a controlled environment. Your skin produces a tan the same way in an indoor tanning salon as it does when you lay out in the sun: through ultraviolet (UV) light. However, out in the sun, you cannot control the amount of UV light exposure and trying to achieve an all-over even-body tan is very difficult. Indoor tanning allows you to control the amount of UV light, for all all-over even tan.
With indoor tanning you can gradually increase your exposure time eliminating any sunburn, which is harmful to the skin. The results and convenience of an "indoor tan" allows a year round healthy looking tan without concerns of prolonged exposure to the burning rays of the sun.
Can I Use Outdoor Oil and Lotion Products in the Tanning Beds?
NO, just as the word indicates outdoor products should ONLY be used outdoors, as they can cause a film on the acrylic. This actually inhibits the tanning process, rather than acting as an amplifying agent. There are many excellent indoor tanning products for that purpose. Ask our tanning professional for recommendations.
How Long Will it Take to See Results?
To build an awesome tan, tan regularly. Allowing too much time between visits will cause your tan to fade. Most people will see a skin color change after the first few sessions. Normally, you will have a good base tan in 6-10 sessions. Then one or two sessions a week thereafter will maintain your tan year round. There are special cells in the skin called melanocytes. Ultraviolet B rays stimulate these cells and cause them to produce melanin. As these cells migrate to the surface of the skin, ultraviolet A rays oxidize them; thus creating a tan. Each of us has a different amount of melanin. Fair-skinned, fair-haired people generally have less than dark-haired, dark-skinned people. This determines, for the most part, how quickly and how dark your skin will tan.
How Do I Keep My Tan?
Moisturize! Healthy skin tans faster, darker, and retains a tan longer. Drink plenty of water and make sure to keep your skin moisturized with a high quality lotion especially formulated-for-tanning. Your skin is constantly renewing itself. The dryer your skin is, the faster it wants to shed its top layers and bring new skin to the surface. You lose the top layers, you lose your tan. Dry layers on the surface of your skin will block the UV rays from getting to the other layers to tan them. Even with moisturizing you will still need to maintain a tanning schedule of every 4 to 5 days, or at least once a week, to keep your tan, because your skin is reproducing new cells all the time. The best moisturizers for this are Krem by Devoted Creations and the HEMPZ line.
How Much Time Should I Let Pass Between Tanning Sessions?
The FDA requires 24 hours between tanning sessions.
Is It Okay To Shower Right Away After Tanning?
Absolutely! Tanning is a process that can take up to 24 hours to develop. You cannot "wash" away your tan, unless you are using a self tanner, shaving right away, or exfoliating.
Should I Use SPF On My Lips?
Yes! You should use an SPF on your lips because your lips can't tan.
How Old Do I Have To Be To Tan Without My Parent's Consent?
Eighteen or older. State law requires signed parental permission for anyone 14-17 years of age. Anyone under 18 must have a parent or legal guardian present with them to sign the Release Form before tanning the first time in our salon. After signing the Release, parents do not need to be present on subsequent visits but state law requires this form to be signed annually. We will not accept notes from home, phone calls or parents of friends or other relatives to sign for them as we cannot verify their authenticity.
Do I Really Have To Wear Eye Goggles?
Yes! It is very important! Your skin can tan - your eyes can't! Federal law requires all tanning salons to supply customers with proper eye protection. This eyewear must meet federal government standards by blocking 99% of UVA and UVB rays. Closing the eyelids or using sunglasses or cotton balls is not adequate protection as the UV rays will easily penetrate these things and continue into the eyes.
Can I Tan If I'm Pregnant?
Please consult your physician. Although we know that there is no danger from UV rays since they cannot penetrate deeper than the dermis (skin layer). Pregnant women are advised to be cautious with saunas, hot tubs and other things that can cause excessive heat to build up in the uterus. If your physician okay's your tanning, speak to our Tanning Consultant about which units and times of day are the coolest.
When Shouldn't I Tan?
When you are taking photosensitizing medication it is not recommended to tan outdoors or indoors. If you aren't sure, ask your doctor, or ask our tanning consultant to see a list of medications, which can greatly increase the risk of overexposure. If you are taking prescription medications please check with your physician regarding possible photo sensitivity.
What Causes White Spots?
Tinea Versicolor, a skin condition, caused by a microscopic fungus from the scalp, falls onto arms, shoulders, and other body parts and leaves bleached-looking areas on the skin, which can spread. We carry a product called Halt that can help eliminate this problem in just a few uses. For more resistant conditions, your doctor may prescribe pills for treatment. Since tinea versicolor covers skin cells and acts as a sun screen with high SPF factor, the affected areas will not tan.
Can Indoor Tanning Cure Acne?
Phototherapy (use of UV light) has been used in treating the skin problems of this condition. Tanning dries the skin and this can help keep acne outbreaks to a minimum in acute cases and can help eliminate outbreaks in mild cases. There are also many drugs, including tetracycline and Retin-A, which are also used for the treatment of acne and because these drugs can render the skin photosensitive, one must take extreme care with UV exposure when medicated.
Does Tanning Help Treat Depression or Seasonal Affective Disorder?
A growing body of scientific evidence shows some people require more light exposure in order to function properly. Bright light exposure, such as the mid-day summer sun, causes the brain to suppress the release of the hormone melatonin which acts as a depressant in the body if generated during the daytime. Effected people, exposed to longer hours of bright light, feel happier and more able to enjoy life. Bright light sources emitting only visible light are now frequently used to successfully treat Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and Sub-syndrome Seasonal Affective Disorder (SSAD).
What are the Different Types of Indoor Tanning Lotions?
Accelerator & Maximizer Lotions: They are formulated to help you quickly achieve a base tan, but normally don't contain any added bronzers. They usually contain a large amount of moisturizers that allow the skin to tan more quickly and retain your color for a longer time. Once you build up a good base tan you can try a more intense bronzer lotion to give you that extra boost.
Bronzer Lotions: Some people are confused by indoor tanning lotions and self-tanning products. What’s the difference? Self-tanners contain dihydroxyacetone (DHA), a chemical that changes the cells of the skin. This chemical is also found in bronzing lotions. The nice thing about a bronzer is it gives you an instant tan, so you achieve that sun-kissed look immediately, and you continue to darken for hours after your session. With bronzers you typically wait a few hours after tanning before taking a shower, but it is recommended to clean the palm of your hands and in between your fingers. We provide baby wipes in each room for your convenience. The skin on your hands reacts differently to bronzers than the rest of your body and can sometimes get splotchy if they are not cleaned as soon as you're done applying your bronzer.
Tingle Lotions: Only recommended for the experienced tanner. We recommend that if you have never used a tingle before you should start out with a Blush which is simply a milder form of the Tingle Lotions. These lotions contain an active ingredient like benzyl or methyl nicotinate, which promotes micro-circulation. More plainly, it increases blood flow and brings oxygen to the cells in your skin. This process of oxygenation will improve your tanning results. When you use these products you will experience a mild tingling, reddening and warming sensation on the skin’s surface.