Q: How does my skin tan?

A:  Tanning takes place in the skin’s outer layer: the epidermis. About 5% of the cells in your epidermis are special cells called melanocytes. When exposed to UVB light, melanocytes produce pinkish colored melanin that is absorbed by other skin cells. When exposed to UVA light, the melanin darkens. This darkening is your skin’s natural way of protecting itself from sunburn.

 

Q: Should I turn over in the tanning bed?

A: You will get a great, even tan just by laying on your back in the tanning bed. By turning over,  may apply extra pressure on the acrylics, cause cracking.

 

Q: When do I put on my tanning lotion?

A: You should put on indoor tanning lotion in the tanning room, just before you are ready to tan.

 

Q: Is it required that I use eyewear?

A:YES! Not only is using eyewear a state law, it is also necessary to protect one of your most valuable assets.  Excessive use of tanning beds or exposure to natural sunlight without proper eyewear can damage your eyes. 

 

Q: What should I wear when I tan?

A: The majority of people tan without any clothes on, if you are more comfortable wearing clothing, you can wear a swimsuit or something similar.

 

Q: Is it safe to tan while I'm pregnant?

A:You should consult with your doctor before tanning; however, it is only a myth that tanning will burn you internally. Your doctor's concern will be that your temperature is not elevated. In the 1980's, tanning beds got very hot. Today, most beds have cooling fans that cool both the bed and the customer. If you do tend to overheat, opt to tan for only half a session.

 

Recent studies conducted in the U.K. suggest that mothers who take supplemental vitamin D while pregnant are more likely to have children with higher bone mineral content as they age. The study measured bone mineral density or BMD in 9-year old children whose mothers supplemented with vitamin D throughout their pregnancy.

 

More vitamin D equates to better bone strength and a reduced risk for bone fractures resulting from bone thinning or weakening diseases like osteoporosis. The study appearing in a recent issue of the Lancet suggests that it is vital that women receive enough vitamin D to ensure the health and well-being of their children's bones later in life.

 

If you would like more information on tanning during your pregnancy, send us an email and we'd be happy to share a couple of great articles with you.

 

Q: How often can I tan?

A:  First, it is state law that you may only tan 1 time in a 24 hour period. 

 

How often you tan depends on your skin type. If you haven't tanned in awhile, take it slow and space out your tanning sessions to every other day. The most common mistake that is made is thinking that they didn't get enough time after their first tanning session and want to tan for even longer the very next day. When this happens, erythema, or a sunburn results because the UV light that your melanin took in on day one is still active in your body, so on the second day, you end up with too much UV in a short period of time.

 

Your skin's natural defense to sunlight is a golden tan and if you are exposed to an excessive amount of UV, your skin's defense mechanism can't keep up. Tan smart, take it slow, keep your skin healthy!

 

Q: Why Tan?

A: Light is essential to all life on earth. There are various physiological and psychological reasons why exposure to light is desirable and necessary. There's a growing body of scientific evidence showing people actually require light exposure to function effectively. Light exposure causes the brain to suppress the release of the hormone melatonin that acts as a depressant in the body and exposure to light produces various health benefits, such as the production of the very necessary Vitamin D3 in the prevention of bone diseases(such as osteoporosis) and in the improvement of symptoms of psoriasis.

 

People who are exposed to longer hours of bright light feel happier and are able to enjoy life. Potential health benefits include but are not limited to: production of Vitamin D, decreased risks of breast and colon cancer, and reduced risk of sunburn. The psychological benefits of tanning are also well researched. Sunlight deprivation has been linked to mental disorders. There are numerous reasons, physical and psychological, why exposure to ultraviolet light is desirable. FDA regulations at the present time prevent the indoor tanning industry from making any medical representations or claims related to indoor tanning exposure. And of course, people know that a great tan looks good, feels good, and can add to personal confidence and attractiveness.

 

Q: Is indoor tanning as effective as outdoor tanning?

A:  Yes, in fact, sometimes more so because you are in a controlled enviroment. 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. 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.

 

Q: Should I use SPF on my lips?

A: Yes! You should use an SPF on your lips because your lips can't tan.

 

Q: Can I save money with the VIP Club Membership?

A: Our VIP Club Membership is the most economical way for regular tanners to tan. VIP Club members receive unlimited tanning!  VIP Club members also receive discounts on products, and exclusive VIP Club Specials. Talk to one of our Tanning Consultants to see how being a VIP Club membership will save you money!

 

Q: What is the difference between low pressure & high pressure units?

A: Low pressure units emit both UVA & UVB at a low energy level.  High pressure units generate UVA during a tanning session. It will take fewer sessions with a high pressure unit to build a golden tan and to keep it.

 

Q: Does tanning help treat depression or Seasonal Affective Disorder?

A: A growing body of scientific evidence exists that 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.  Bright light sources emitting only visible light are now frequently used to successfully treat Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and Sub-syndrome Seasonal Affeactive Disorder (SSAD).

 

Q: Can I use outdoor lotion in the tanning beds?

A: Outdoor tanning lotions are not recommended for indoor use, as they can cause a film on the acrylic and will inhibit the tanning process.

 

Q: How long will it take to see results?

A: You should have a skin tone change after the first few tanning sessions. You should have a good base tan in 5-8 tanning sessions then one to two tanning sessions a week should maintain your tan in an early entry level bed.

 

Q: I am NEW to tanning indoors... Are there some precautions I need to be aware of?

A:  Yes!

 

   * Don't try to rush your tan. A tan should be obtained gradually.

   * Gradually increase your exposure times, 1 to 2 minutes at a time.

   * Consult your physician if you are taking ane medication. Some

      medication can cause extra sensitivity to the UV light, causing overexposure.

   * Always wear protective eyewear!! Ultraviolet light will penetrate the eyelids.

 

Q: Why does my tan disappear?

A: Your tan occurs on the outer layers of your skin, the epidermal layers. Those skin cells gradually die and are replaced with the next layer (un-tanned) every 26 to 30 days. Also lack of moisture and not exfoliating will make your tan fade faster.

 

Q:  A friend told me I should burn first.  How can a sunburn be good if it hurtt so bad?

A:NOT TRUE!

Many people FALSELY assume that sunburns will eventually "fade" into tans. Sunburn is associated with skin damage!!! Sunburn is an injury on top of your tanned skin. That's why it hurts so bad! NEVER! NEVER! NEVER! burn yourself intentionally.