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F.A.Q.'s
Q: How do we get a tan?
A: The tanning process is really quite simple, and it works the same way whether you tan indoors or outdoors. Ultraviolet light is the catalyst, and a pigment produced by your skin called melanin does the rest. More specifically:
Tanning occurs in the skin's outmost layer, the epidermis. About five percent of the cells in your epidermis are special cells, called melanocytes. Everyone has the same number of melanocytes on their body - about five million. Your heredity dictates your skin type, and how much melanin your body will produce.
When exposed to ultraviolet B light (short-wave UV), the melanocytes produce melanin - the pigment that is ultimately responsible for your tan. The pinkish melanin travels up through the epidermis and is absorbed by other skin cells. When exposed to ultraviolet A light (longer-wave UV), the melanin oxidizes or darkens. This darkening of your skin - your tan - is its natural way of protecting itself against UV overexposure.
A sunburn, or erythema, is a result of UV-overexposure - when too much light reaches the skin and disrupts the tiny blood vessel near the skin's surface, causing it to redden. The reddening is the result of increased blood circulation, naturally triggered by the skin trying to repair damaged cells.
In order to most effectively avoid UV-overexposure, a tan should be acquired gradually, according to the guidelines recommended by a tanning salon professional.
Q: Why tan indoors?
A: We know that outdoors, we are exposed to a wide range of the sun's UV light, including the most intense rays. Indoor tanning systems do NOT utilize these potentially harmful rays. Tanning indoors also eliminates many environmental factors that are present outdoors, allowing us to carefully control each client's UV exposure and reduce the risk of sunburn. The design of the tanning system allows the UV light to reach all parts of your body for an even tan.
The indoor tanning industry is at the forefront in educating the public about how to successfully avoid sunburn over the course of one's life. In fact, studies have consistently shown that indoor tanners, once they begin tanning in a professional salon, are up to 81% less likely to sunburn than they were before they started tanning indoors.
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Q: How long does it take to get a tan?
A: While everyone is different, most people will notice results after just a few tanning sessions, but it may take a few weeks of regular tanning (at least three times a week) to get the color you are looking for. If you want to develop a base tan before going on a sunny vacation, you will want to start tanning about three or four weeks before you go.
Q: How often can I tan?
A: You can tan only once in a 24-hour period; pigmentation (tan) and/or erythema (sunburn) may not be fully visible for between 12-24 hours. Thus, two tanning sessions within a 24-hour period could cause unintentional overexposure.
You can achieve excellent results with three or four sessions per week, and maintain your tan with two or three sessions per week. Of course, everyone tans differently, and your daily skin care regimen will affect the life of your tan.
Q: Do I need to wear eye protection when tanning indoors?
A: Yes, your eyelids do not provide adequate protection from UV light. Although there may be no immediate symptoms, damage may be occurring to your eyes which can lead to vision problems. Always wear eye protection when tanning.
Q: How well do tanning lotions really work?
A: Lotions that have been created for indoor tanning help you tan faster, replace, and maintain moisture of the skin. Many help to reduce and combat the signs of aging. By supplying your skin with needed vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and moisture, these lotions can help you tan faster than using no lotion at all. By using these lotions you can tan faster in fewer sessions with less UV exposure. Lotions intended for OUTDOOR use will damage bed acrylics and must not be used in a tanning bed.
Visit tanningtruth.com for more information on tanning and the positive effects of sunshine and vitamin D.
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