FAQ’s
Why tan?
Light is essential to all life on earth. Outside of the various psychological & physiological reasons 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.
Indoor tanning offers you a control. Regardless of the time of day or the season of the year you can obtain light therapy in a safe & healthy environment.
What should I wear to tan?
What you wear is a personal choice. Some may choose to wear the swimsuit or undergarments while others will choose to avoid any tan lines by tanning nude. The privacy of indoor tanning allows you to make the choice that is most comfortable for you. If you choose to tan nude, we remind you that this skin may have never been exposed to ultraviolet light before and 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.
Are lotions necessary when tanning indoors?
No, but they can certainly enhance the results and promote healthier skin. Lotions are formulated with a variety of ingredients and each product is unique; however they generally include both nutrients and other components to encourage the skin's production of melanin. Melanin is what creates the pigment in your skin. Even more importantly your product will provide your skin with the moisture it demands to maintain the skin's healthy appearance and feel.
Moisturizers are recognized as the single most important factor in maintaining your skin's tanning potential and to prevent the drying that often occurs with exposure to ultraviolet light. The products we carry are specifically designed for indoor tanning. We will be happy to recommend products we carry that should work best for you.
It is important that you never wear oil in a tanning bed. The results can be dangerous and undesirable and can damage the clear acrylic surface of the tanning beds.
How long will it take to see results?
The time necessary to build a great tan depends on several factors; 1) your skin type; 2) the equipment 3) product; and 4) the frequency in which you tan. We will work with you to develop a tanning plan that best meets your goals while promoting a healthy tan. 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.
How does tanning work?
The outer most layer of skin, called the epidermis, contains special cells 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.
Why can some people achieve a darker tan?
Your heredity and race determines how much melanin (pigment) your body produces and therefore your tanning potential.
What are skin types?
Skin types are the way individual's skin is categorized based on its reaction to ultraviolet light. Our Tanning Consultants will consider your skin type when recommending tanning session exposure times. The skin types are as follows:
TYPE I - Very fair skin, always burns easily, severely, never tans.
TYPE II - Fair skin, burns easily, tans minimally or lightly peels.
TYPE III - Burns moderately and will eventually tan.
TYPE IV - Burns minimally and will tan well.
TYPE V - Always tans, rarely burns.
TYPE VI - Always tans profusely. Never burns.
How do I keep my tan?
Moisture is the key to a long lasting tan. Healthy skin tans faster, darker, and retains a tan longer. Plenty of water & a quality lotion, especially one formulated for tanning, will keep your skin moisturized. Your skin is constantly renewing itself. Dryer skin will shed its top layers and bring new skin to the surface. When those top layers are shed, you will lose your tan. Dry layers on the surface of your skin can also block the UV rays from getting to the other layers to tan them.
Along 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.
How can I build a tan quickly?
Trying to build a tan too quickly can be dangerous. You cannot tan more than once in any day and tanning more than what is appropriate for your skin type will only result in an undesirable outcome.
There is however a strategy that will give you an instant tan and even a boost to your tan. By utilizing the Versa Spa ® Sunless tanning booth immediately after tanning in a bed or the booth, you can have the natural-looking color you desire quickly and safely. The bed prepares your skin to accept the sunless tanning treatment. For best results do not use lotion when tanning in the bed.
What is a "Double Dip" tan?
A double dip is a strategy to get an "instant" tan or an "extra boost" to your existing tan. By utilizing the VersaSpa ® sunless tanning booth immediately after tanning in a bed or the booth you can have the natural-looking color you desire quickly and safely. The bed prepares your skin to accept the sunless tanning treatment. For best results do not use lotion when tanning in the bed.
How much time should I let pass between tanning sessions?
The FDA requires 24 hours between tanning sessions. We recommend allowing at least 2 days in between sessions whenever time allows.
Is it okay to shower right away after tanning?
Absolutely if you have used one of our beds! Tanning is a process that can take up to 24 hours to develop. You can not "wash" away your tan, unless you are using a self tanner, shaving right away, or exfoliating.
If you have used the VersaSpa® sunless tanning booth or have had a personal Air Brush sunless tan, please wait 8 hours before showering.
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?
State law requires signed parental permission for anyone under 16 years of age. Anyone under 16 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.
Do I really have to wear eye goggles?
Absolutely! Your eyelids are not thick enough to protect your eyes from UV damage. 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 your eyes, using sunglasses, cotton balls, or even a towel is not adequate protection as the UV rays will easily penetrate these things and continue into the eyes.
Failing to protect our eyes properly can potentially cause burning to the cornea and even more severe damage to the lens and retina. In addition to night vision loss, excessive unprotected exposure to UV light will also damage color vision and can even result in cancer on the eyelids
How do I avoid raccoon eyes?
Don’t worry about getting “raccoon eyes” – this can be easily avoided by slightly repositioning your eye protection once or twice during your session.
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?
It is not advisable to tan outdoors or indoors if you are taking photosensitizing medication. If you aren't sure, ask your doctor, or see list of medications posted in our salon, which can greatly increase the risk of overexposure. Many common medications can cause photo sensitivity which may lead to overexposure. If you are taking prescription medications please check with your physician regarding possible photo sensitivity.
If you are 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.
What is high-pressure tanning?
High pressure tanning is the latest tanning technology. Rather than using phosphor coated tube lamps, high pressure tanning beds use small high energy ultraviolet light quartz lamps mounted behind expensive filter glass that allows only a very specific wavelength of ultraviolet light to pass through to the tanner.
High pressure beds produce almost 100% Ultraviolet A which is the primary tanning light ray. This light does not pose the same burning potential as the B light rays but penetrates deeper into the skin to tan the melanin. High pressure tanning results in a much faster, darker, and longer lasting tan and far fewer sessions are needed to maintain the tan.
Both our SolarForce 652V Stand Up Tanning Booth & Velocity HP1000 tanning bed are high-pressure units.
Why do I have white spots on my shoulder blades and the base of my back?
These ‘white spots’ are called pressure points. These pressure points are caused by the absence of one of the main ingredients required for the tanning process, oxygen. When you lay on your back, your shoulder blades and base of your back come in direct contact with the bed, and cause the blood to be pushed away from those areas. Without oxygen, your melanin cannot ‘oxidize’ therefore will not change color and will appear white.
To help this, shift positions in the tanning bed, flipping over, or laying on your side for a portion of the tan. The best solution, however, is to use the stand up bed which eliminates pressure points completely.
What is a “tingle” lotion?
Tingle products deliver a warming, reddening effect on the skin. The active ingredient in tingle lotions is Benzyl Nicotinate. Tingle products increase the skin cell’s microcirculation and oxygenation to produce deep, dark tanning results. Tingles range in strength from a mild version to a very ‘hot’ version, which would produce the best tanning results.
Tingle products are also effective on hard-to-tan areas such as women’s legs. Tingles are only for advanced tanners and are not recommended for beginning tanners or individuals with sensitive skin. We will be happy to work with you to find the right product for your skin type and tanning goals.
How long does VersaSpa® or personal Air Brush tan last?
The VersaSpa® spray and personal Air Brush spray tan can last anywhere from 5-7 days, depending on your aftercare. Prior to your session, it’s important to ensure you are showered, and your body is well hydrated and moisturized. This will ensure the maximum adhesion of the bronzing solution. Also, opting for the prep spray, before the bronzing spray, will also help to hold your tan longer.
After your session, take care not to exfoliate your skin, as this can take your color off. We carry a line of after spray tan extenders and moisturizers to help you get the most out of your VersaSpa® spray and your personal Air Brush tan.
What do I need to do before I have my VersaSpa® or personal Air Brush experience?
Prior to your session, it’s important to ensure you are showered, and your body is well hydrated and moisturized. This will ensure the maximum adhesion of the bronzing solution. Also, opting for the prep spray, before the bronzing spray, will also help to hold your tan longer.
How long should I wait after my VersaSpa ® or personal Air Brush treatment to shower?
After your VersaSpa® or personal Air Brush session, it’s recommended not to shower for 4-6 hours, and to avoid any activity which could produce excess perspiration, so as to keep the application even while it sets in.
How can I extend the results of my VersaSpa® or personal Air Brush treatment?
Prior to your session, it’s important to ensure you are showered, and your body is well hydrated and moisturized. This will ensure the maximum adhesion of the bronzing solution. Opting for the prep spray, before the bronzing spray, will also help to hold your tan longer. Finally make sure to avoid any activity which could produce excess perspiration or showering for 4-6 hours after your treatment.