Frequently Asked Questions About Tanning

Is Indoor Tanning as Effective as outdoor tanning?

Yes, in fact sometimes more so because you are in a controlled environment which blocks out the majority of harmful UV rays.

Natural sunlight contains more Ultraviolet B(UVB) or burning rays. It's also more difficult to control exposure times outdoors. Tanning at Sun Shine on Luxury VIP Gold Tan American Tanning Systems, which uses only the patented lamps, gives you the perfect balance of UVA and UVB rays for deep, dark tanning, and gives you full control over exposure time.

The results and convenience of an "indoor tan" allows a year round healthy look without concerns of prolonged exposure to the burning rays of the sun.

How does the skin tan?

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-skinned people. This determines, for the most part, how quickly your skin will tan.

Occasionally you may discover white spots on your skin that will not tan. The melanocytes or pigment producing cells are absent in these cases, and obtaining a tan accentuates the lack of pigment in these areas. Freckling, on the other hand, is the result of uneven melanin formation. Tanning will appear to darken freckles until the surrounding skin tans and blends with your freckles.

How long will it take to see results?

Most people will see a skin tone change after the first few sessions. Normally, you will have a good base tan in 8-10 consecutive sessions. One or two sessions a week thereafter will maintain your tan year round.

How many sessions can I have in one day?

Only one, up to 30 minutes in 24 hours. Because the oxidation process takes 24 hours, you should schedule sessions at least 24 hours apart for best results.

Can I use outdoor oils and lotions in the tanning bed?

Clean, PH balanced skin tans best, 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 consultants for recommendations.

If I have a good base tan, is it still possible to burn outdoors?

Tanned skin is nature's way of protecting us against the burning rays of the sun. Having a good base tan does provide a defense mechanism, but should you over-expose, whether indoors or out, the chance of burning is possible.

Many people use indoor tanning to prepare for vacations. Having already obtained a tan, you can spend your vacation enjoying outdoor activities instead of worrying about a sunburn. Precautions should be taken when outdoors as prolonged exposure to the sun's intense UVB rays can still cause reddening.

If I have difficulty tanning outdoors, will the same be true in a tanning bed?

Each person tans at a different pace. Some skin types tan quickly and easily while others may require more sessions. If you are unable to tan outdoors, you may be one of those people who will take longer to produce a good color of may never show a significant tan because of lack of pigment. Approximately 5% of the population is unable to tan.

What should I wear when I tan?

Many people choose to wear a swimsuit, just as they would at the beach. Because of the privacy of indoor tanning, others 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 our tanning professional.

When you can't see any tan lines on your body at all, it is safe to expose that skin the same length of the time as the rest of your body.

How can I get an even, all over tan?

For an even, all over tan, shift your weight occasionally during your session. If you lie completely still, the places which bear your weight will tan more slowly because of reduced circulation. Also, wiggle your fingers and toes.

To prevent lines beneath the buttocks, when you lie down lift your hips and pull your buttock flesh towards the trunk of the body.

Do I need to wear eye goggles for protection?

Yes. Because your eyes are very sensitive, you should always wear protective goggles to avoid eye strain. You should remove contact lenses.

How is the maximum exposure time for a tanning session determined?

Equipment manufacturers are required to develop and qualify with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration exposure schedule recommendation for their specific equipment and lamp type. Sun Shine complies with that schedule, and takes your skin type and tanning history into consideration.

ALWAYS FOLLOW THE MANUFACTURER'S RECOMMENDED EXPOSURE SCHEDULE WHISHIS PRINTED ON ALL TANNING BEDS.

How long will a session take me?

Depending on your skin type, tanning history, and FDA regulations for the bed you are using, Sun Shine's trained consultants will recommend appropriate tanning time.

How much can i increase my exposure time?

Build exposure time very gradually. Depending on your reaction and skin type add approximately an extra 10% to your exposure time with each session until you notice a slight tightness of the skin three to four hours after your session. Stop any further increases at this point. Never exceed your MED (Minimal Erythema Dose).

How can I tell if my tanning session is too long?

Always follow the exposure time recommended for your type of skin. If, in spite of all precautions, you notice any light signs of sunburn three to four hours after your tanning session - such as redness or tightness of the skin - wait at least 24 hours before your next session. When you do resume your tanning sessions, check with your tanning consultant and reduce your tanning time by several minutes.

Exposure Precautions: Sunburn is the body's warning that the skin has been overexposed to UV light. Do not ignore this warning. If one continues to expose sunburned skin to UV rays, the skins natural repair mechanism becomes overloaded, and this could lead to chronic light-induced skin damage.

Could certain medication effect my sensitivity to uv light?

A chart that lists some medications which may heighten your sensitivity to UV rays is at Sun Shine's front desk. Consult your physician or pharmacist before tanning if you are taking any medication.

How do I start indoor tanning?

Call Sun Shine Tanning Studio (773-7374) or stop by and our trained consultants will answer your questions and introduce you to the luxury and convenience of indoor tanning.

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