FAQs

FAQs

Tanning FAQs

Why tan?

Tanning is your body’s natural defense against sunburns.  It’s what your body was designed to do! People choose to tan for psychological reasons and physiological reasons.  Most seek the cosmetic value of darker skin as a way to heighten mood and self-esteem.  Others tan to help their bodies produce Vitamin D.

What is the golden rule of “Smart Tanning”?

Simple:  Don’t Ever Burn!

Can tanning beds cause cancer?

According to the Indoor Tanning Association: “UV light from a tanning bed is the same as UV light from the sunshine, which has had the “group 1” (known carcinogen) classification since 1992.”  (Other “offenders” happen to be red wine and salted fish.  Go figure!)  So it’s no surprise that tanning beds have now been put in this category, as it has long been understood that OVEREXPOSURE to UV light, whether from the sunshine or a tanning bed, is associated with increased risk of some forms of cancer.  This is why we emphasize the importance of moderation.

How does tanning increase Vitamin D production?

Vitamin D is a hormone produced naturally when skin is exposed to UVB in sunlight or indoor tanning units.  77 percent of Americans are considered vitamin D deficient according to government data and overzealous sun avoidance is the only plausible explanation for the 50 percent increase in that figure in the past 15 years.  Tanningtruth.com

How long will it take to get a tan?

Everyone’s skin is different, and the tanning process occurs at different speeds depending on a person’s skin type.  Those with darker complexions usually tan faster than those with fair skin.  As a general rule 10 – 15 consecutive sessions (every other day, or not more than 3 -4 times per week) will give you a base tan.  How long it takes to get a tan also depends on whether or not you use an indoor tanning lotion to maximize the tanning results.

Why is indoor tanning better?

SPEED:  It doesn’t take all day to get a tan indoors.  You can maintain a tan for as little as 60 minutes in a whole month!

CONTROL: Our equipment allows us to monitor and scientifically control your UV exposure.  We make sure you tan and not burn.

CLIMATE: Overcast, rainy, or 109 in the shade, you never have to worry about the weather with our pleasant, climate-controlled environment.

Why does my tan fade?

Since a tan occurs in the epidermis, the skin’s outermost layer, it is eventually lost during the natural exfoliation process.  Your skin replaces its cells every month; the cells in the top layer are sloughed off, allowing new ones to reach the surface.  To maintain your tan you must continue to expose your skin to UV light and use daily moisturizers.  This will not only help you maintain but extend the life of your beautiful tan.

How can I be SAFE and tan SMART?

  • Use lip and eye protection:  Lips don’t produce melanin and eyelids are too thing to block UV.  That’s why it’s so important to wear lip balms with sunscreen and protective goggles.  We sell eyewear that is certified and meets Federal standards.  You can avoid “Raccoon Eyes” by gently adjusting your goggles while you tan, but never remove them completely.
  • Be smart outdoors: When you tan outdoors, you are exposed to uncontrolled and often excessive amounts of multi-frequency UV that can cause “sunburn” and permanent damage.  When you are outside wear appropriate protection!
  • Be careful of tanning while on medication:  some medications can cause reactions with UV light.  If you are taking any medications, please let your doctor know you’re tanning

Lotion FAQs

Why should I use indoor tanning lotions?

Specifically formulated for indoor use, professional indoor tanning lotions enhance melanin production, as well as help hydrate and condition the skin.  When tanning, dry skin reflects light, not allowing UV rays to be absorbed as quickly as when using a lotion.  By using a lotion, you are allowing more UV light to penetrate your skin more quickly, which can develop a more natural looking tan up to 60% faster.  Dry skin is not healthy skin; by keeping your skin in optimum condition, it will help you tan darker, faster, and stay tan longer.

Can I use indoor tanning lotion outdoors too?

Yes, if used in conjunction with an SPF product.  Please note that indoor tanning products do not contain sunscreens.  Also note that tingle lotions are NEVER recommended for tanning outdoors, with or without sunscreen.

What are paraben-free lotions?

Parabens are preservatives widely used in the cosmetic industry and are considered safe.  However, a very small percentage of people are allergic to them.  Also, more and more people are asking for paraben-free formulations due to environmental concerns.

What do tingle products do?

They help stimulate rapid circulation on the surface of the skin, creating an extreme redness and warming/tingling sensation to enhance the intensity and appearance of a tan.  The effect is temporary and can last up to several hours.  Tingle lotions are for experienced tanners only.

Can I use a tingle product on my face?

No.  The sensation is too intense for sensitive facial skin.  We recommend washing hands after applying a tingle product to avoid transfer to the face or other sensitive skin areas.

How do bronzers work?

The principle tanning agent used in all bronzers is DHA.  This ingredient does not produce a “real tan” by increasing the skin’s melanin levels; rather it creates a tanned appearance by developing a brown color on the surface of the skin.  The action of DHA is limited to the upper layer of the skin and involves a reaction between DHA and skin proteins that produces brown compounds.  The development of color take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours and the intensity of the color is dependent upon the DHA concentration in the product as well as each tanner’s individual skin characteristics.  The color developed by the DHA usually lasts 5 to 7 days and begins to fade as the top layer of the skin naturally exfoliates.

Why use a product with bronzer?

A natural tan takes about 24-48 hours to develop.  Therefore, a product that contains a bronzer is an excellent way to get a boost of color while a natural tan develops.  Customers with a fair complexion or who want to see results immediately will enjoy the instant gratification of seeing bronzed results 2-4 hours after application.  Bronzing products are also beneficial for evening out both skin tone and tanning results and can help maintain a healthy-looking, bronzed glow in between tanning sessions.

How long should I wait to shower after using a bronzer?

It is best to wait about six hours after using a bronzer product before you bathe or shower to give the DHA time to fully react with skin proteins to develop the beautiful appearance of a tan.

What is a cooling product?

A cooling product contains special skin cooling ingredients that counteract the heat of a tanning bed by drawing warmth away from the skin.

Can I use tanning lotion on my face?

The facial area is much more delicate and more likely to have allergic reactions in comparison to the rest of the body.  In fact, fragrance is one of the most common reasons for cosmetic allergic reactions on the face.  That is why we recommend using products specifically designed for the delicate facial area – most of them are hypoallergenic and fragrance free.

SUNLESS TANNING

My Resort features VersaSpa and Mystic Sunless booths that will give you a rich golden tan in less than 60 seconds and it’s 100% UV-Free.

Sunless tanning is for everybody, but it’s especially good for hard-to-tan skin types.  The UV-Free process gives a beautiful tan that lasts up to 7 days.

Sunless tanning does not provide protection from the sun’s rays and is a completely cosmetic tan.  Many tanners choose to combine the effects of UV-Tanning with Sunless to produce a true base tan, your body’s natural protection from the sun.

Red Light Therapy:

Does light therapy hurt?
NO! Unlike many other anti-aging treatments, light therapy is gentle, painless, safe, noninvasive and nonabrasive. There have been no reports of adverse reactions.

Does the red light bed tan?
No. The red light therapy lamps do not emit any UV rays.

Can I use the red light therapy bed the same day I tan? Should I use it before or after tanning?
Yes you may use the red light therapy bed the same day you tan. In fact, it is recommended to use it before tanning, since the red light therapy brings blood to the
surface of the skin and produces a better tan through increased oxidation of melanin.

Do I have to use any topical products in the Red Light Skin Therapy bed?
In March of 2003, the American Dermatological Society suggested that the use of anti-oxidant vitamin creams with photo rejuvenation treatment gave better
cosmetic effects than using either alone.

How soon will I notice results?
Some people see results in as little as a few days, others take a month or two to notice a change. The effects of Red light therapy are often subtle at first, since
unlike lasers, peels and other ablative treatments, Red light therapy does not damage the skin to force it to regenerate. Your results will improve the longer you use
the light; though you see improvement in days, you see a much more significant change after using it six months or longer.