FAQs

Q: Is indoor tanning the same as tanning outside in the sun?
A: When you tan at an indoor tanning facility, your skin produces a
tan the same way it does when you lay out in the sun: through
ultraviolet (UV) light. There is one important difference, though.
When you are out in the sun, you cannot control the amount of UV
light you are exposed to, because it is affected by changes in the
atmosphere. Indoor tanning is one way to regulate the amount of UV
light you are exposed to, because it is a controlled environment.
You can gradually increase your exposure time to make sure you don't
get a sunburn, which is harmful to the skin.

Q: How do the beds and booths work?
A: Tanning beds and booths basically imitate the sun. The sun emits
three kinds of UV rays (the ones that make you tan). UV-C has the
shortest wavelength of the three, and is also the most harmful. The
sun emits UV-C light, but then it's absorbed by the ozone layer and
pollution. Tanning lamps filter out this type of UV light. UV-B, the
middle wavelength, starts the tanning process, but overexposure can
cause sunburn. UV-A has the longest wavelength, and it completes the
tanning process. Tanning lamps use the best ratio of UV-B and UV-A
light to provide optimal tanning results, with a lowered risk of
overexposure.

Q: If I never can get a tan outside because I burn, can I get a tan
indoors?
A: If it takes you a while to get a tan outside, it may be easier
for you to get the color you want (brown instead of red) by tanning
indoors. You would need to start with a short exposure time, and
increase it very gradually. However, if you NEVER tan from the sun,
you will not tan from tanning lamps, since they emit the very same
tanning rays as the sun does.

Q: How often should I tan?
A: In order to build a tan, it is important to tan regularly. Don't
let too much time go by between visits, or your tan will begin to
fade. You can tan up to once every 24 hours, but it is generally
recommended that you wait at least 48 hours in between each session
to allow your tan to fully develop in between visits. You can build
up your tan by going to an indoor tanning facility three to four
times a week. Once you have a tan, you can maintain it by tanning
two or three times a week.

Q: How long does it take to get a tan?
A: Usually, you will begin to notice results after a few tanning
sessions, but it may take a few weeks of regular tanning (at least
three times a week) to get to the color you are looking for. If you
are developing a base tan before going on a trip, you would want to
start tanning about three or four weeks before you go.

Q: What should I wear?
A: It's totally up to you. (But long pants and sweaters aren't
recommended for good results!) Some people choose to tan in their
bathing suits or underwear, and others prefer a more "natural"
approach. Since you are in a private room while tanning, you can
wear whatever you like. The only thing required is that you do wear
eye protection every time you tan, because eyes are unable to
protect themselves from UV light, even when they are closed, and the
light can cause temporary and permanent damage to them. Many
different eye protection options are available at all tanning
facilities. If you are tanning a previously unexposed part of your
body, be sure to cover it up for part of your tanning time, so it
can catch up safely with the rest of your tan.

Q: What should I ask when shopping for a place to tan?
A: There is one very important question to ask of a tanning facility
to be sure it will meet your needs. What you need to know,
obviously, is if you will get the best tan for your money. This
isn't just based on the prices, though. Be sure you don't settle for
a cheap tanning session that doesn't give you results.
Find out when the tanning bulbs were changed. Manufacturers estimate
the life of their tanning lamps at 800 or 1000 hours, but it is
important to realize that the strength of the bulbs depends on how
new they are. When bulbs are brand new, they are at their peak
strength. A bulb stays close to this peak strength for the first 150
– 250 hours. After that, the bulb strength drops sharply, stays at
this point for 400-500 hours of use, and then starts to lose
intensity until it has no tanning power at all. Be sure you tan at a
place that can tell you when the bulbs were changed last, so you
know for sure what you're getting. They should also know exactly
when they will change the bulbs again, based on the volume of people
they tan, and the number of hours on their bulbs. Just remember, the
newer the bulbs, the better the tan.

Knowing how new the bulbs are will help you determine how long you
should tan, too. If the bulbs are newer than those you are used to,
you should decrease your tanning time to prevent overexposure.


Q: If I get really hot in a bed or booth, am I getting a better tan?
A: When you lay out in the sun to tan, you usually get really hot,
so many times this is associated with getting tan. However, although
the heat and the UV light both come from the sun, only the UV light
affects tanning. This is why skiers can get sunburn in the middle of
winter. If the sun is out, there is UV light reaching you, even when
it's cold out. The same thing is true with tanning bulbs. If you get
too hot while tanning, it could indicate that there isn't enough air
conditioning at that facility, or the ventilation is poor. You
should be comfortable while tanning. Since heat won't give you
better results - why put up with it?

Q: When shouldn't I tan?
A: It is not recommended to tan, either outdoors or indoors, if you
are taking photosensitizing medication. If you aren't sure, ask your
doctor, or ask a tanning consultant at your tanning facility to see
a list of these medications, which can greatly increase the risk of
overexposure. You should also avoid tanning if you are pregnant, due
to the heat, unless your doctor approves it.

Q: Do I need to wear lotion when tanning indoors?
A: You don't need to wear an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) lotion when
you tan indoors because these lotions, by nature, are designed to
allow you to spend a longer time in the sun. For example, an SPF 8
would allow you to stay in the sun 8 times longer than you normally
could. Since you are controlling your exposure time when tanning
indoors, you don't need to use an SPF. You should also avoid using
outdoor oils when you tan indoors. These oils will make the acrylic
dirty and prevent you from tanning. However, there are products
specifically designed for indoor tanning, that help moisturize the
skin while helping you tan faster. These can be purchased at most
tanning facilities and should be used to help you get the best
result possible.