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What should I wear in the tanning bed?
Each tanning bed is
in a private room, so you can 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 3-10 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 form 12-20 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 Guest Service
Specialists.
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 indoor?
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. California Tan lotions 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. | 
