Can I tan while I am pregnant?
Why does Tan Spa verify that I am using tanning eyewear? Can I use any lotion I want while tanning?
What does indoor tanning have to do with Vitamin D?
How do you define moderate tanning?
Is it safe to wear contacts while tanning?
How many hours of sunbathing is a 15 minute tan?
Can I tan in the nude?
Do I need to protect my lips? When shouldn't I tan?
What causes a tan to fade?
How long does it take to get a tan?
Can I get a tan after one session?
What is the tanning process?
Can I tan while I am pregnant?
Working with your doctor on this topic is a wise choice. Every pregnancy has it's own considerations so it is always suggested you get input from your doctor when considering tanning while pregnant. During the first trimester your doctor will most likely advise you not to do anything that will raise your body's temperature, such as hot tubs, saunas, and tanning beds. However, after the first trimester, it may be okay to have moderate sessions while using a tanning bed or booth. The most important thing to remember is to stay cool and drink plenty of fluids. Your skin during pregnancy is also sensitive to burning, so you should start with short sessions until your body is tanned.
Back to Top
Why does Tan Spa verify that I am using tanning eyewear?
Indoor tanning salon owners and operators are obligated to verify every client using tanning equipment is using federally compliant eyewear. It is their goal to educate customers about the fact that towels, scarves or eyelids do not adequately protect eyes from ultraviolet exposure. In addition to possible state laws, Federal regulations (CFR 21 1040.20 (c)(4) require that tanners wear protective eyewear that block 99.9% of the UVB light and 99% of UVA. It is the operator's responsibility that ALL tanning clients use federally compliant eyewear. Acceptable eyewear must state the product's compliance with federal regulations on the package.
Back to Top
Can I use any lotion I want while tanning?
Only indoor tanning lotions are specially formulated for use with tanning equipment. Indoor tanning lotions and accelerators actually can enhance and stimulate the body's natural tanning process. Tanning lotion applied just before a tanning session will help prepare the skin to tan more effectively, moisturize the skin and help a tan last longer. There are many types of lotions, please discuss your preferences with a member of our staff, who will help you find the lotion that is right for you. Tanning Session with Lotion = Less Tanning Sessions and More Time to Enjoy Your Tan!
Back to Top
What does indoor tanning have to do with Vitamin D?
Exposure to UVB from sunshine is the body's natural way to produce vitamin D, accounting for 90 percent of vitamin D production. Dietary "supplements" are just that: Supplemental ways to produce vitamin D.
Research has shown that people who utilize indoor tanning equipment that emits UVB - which most tanning equipment does - also produce vitamin D. And studies have also shown that indoor tanning clients have higher vitamin D blood levels than non-tanners.
While the North American indoor tanning industry promotes itself as a cosmetic service, one undeniable side-effect of that cosmetic service is vitamin D production. Even though it is not necessary to develop a tan to produce vitamin D, this should be considered: Because research suggests that the risks associated with sun exposure are related to intermittent sunburns, it is credible to believe that the benefits of regular, moderate non-burning exposure outweigh the easily manageable risks associated with overexposure.
Back to Top
How do you define moderate tanning?
The term "moderate tanning" means something different for every different individual, and that is an important point. The bottom line is what we call "The Golden Rule of Smart Tanning" - Don't EVER sunburn. A fair-skinned, red-headed, green-eyed person may not have the ability to develop a tan without sunburning. This person should not attempt to tan then. On the other hand, most of us have the ability to develop a tan, and the majority of us tan very easily. Moderation, in our view, means avoiding sunburn at all costs. Going about that agenda will mean something different to every different person.
Back to Top
Is it safe to wear contacts while tanning?
Tan Spa recommends removing contacts before tanning. When proper protective eyewear worn, UV light is blocked from penetrating the eye or lens. However, the heat generated by tanning equipment can cause the eye to dry, thereby making the lens uncomfortable. It is also possible that moisture could be drawn for the lens itself, shortening the longevity of the lens.
Back to Top
How many hours of sunbathing is a 15 minute tan?
It is difficult to make a direct comparison between the sun and indoor tanning equipment. As each type of indoor tanning lamp and equipment differ in UVA and UVB output and energy emitted, the sun's strength is dependent on several factors. The time, day, season, the latitude, and cloud cover must all be considered. Consequently, there is no formula for relating indoor tanning exposure times to outdoor exposure times. It is far more important to be aware of the maximum exposure-time of the tanning unit you are using and adjust tan-time down when using stronger units.
Back to Top
Can I tan in the nude?
Yes, but proceed with care! Cover all previously unexposed areas for the majority of your tanning session for the first few visits. Leave your swimming suit or underwear on and remove clothing for the last few minutes of tanning; -thus slowly exposing this skin. Gradually increase the exposure to these areas, giving the skin time to build melanin production and avoiding painful burning to sensitive areas.
Back to Top
Do I need to protect my lips?
Absolutely! Lips will burn easily and repeatedly unless you protect them with lip balms or sunscreen.
Back to Top
When shouldn't I tan?
It is not recommended to tan, if you are taking photosensitizing medication. If you aren't sure, check warning labels on the medication, ask your doctor or pharmacist, or consult the list of sensitizing medications at Tan Spa. These medications can greatly increase your risk of overexposure.
Back to Top
What causes a tan to fade?
Tanning takes place in the top layer of skin, the epidermis. This outer layer, with oxidized melanocytes, is shed every 30 days, causing the tan to fade. Indoor heating, hot water and harsh soaps can hasten the fading process. Well moisturized skin, increased water intake, neutral ph soap and showering in warm water can increase the longevity of your tan. Regular tanning sessions are also needed to maintain a great tan.
Back to Top
How long does it take to get a tan?
Generally, you will begin to notice results after a few tanning sessions, but it may take several weeks of regular tanning (about three times a week) to acquire a good tan. If you are developing a base tan before going on a vacation, please start tanning two to three weeks before you are scheduled to leave.
Back to Top
Can I get a tan after one session?
Not necessarily. The skin needs a few tanning sessions to allow the skin to oxidize its melanin, darken and produce a tan. This process cannot be rushed. Your tan will begin to tan within 3-5 sessions, depending upon the amount of melanin within your skin.
Back to Top
What is the tanning process?
Tanning takes place in the skin's outermost layer, the epidermis. This layer contains cells called melanocytes which, when stimulated with ultraviolet (UVB) light, produce melanin. Melanin is the dark pigment found throughout the layers of the skin. The melanin then moves up through the epidermis and is absorbed by skin cells. When exposed to UVA light, the melanin darkens, producing a tan. Both the UVA and UVB components of ultraviolet light are needed to produce the protective condition we call a tan.
Back to Top