» What is a Skin Phototype?
» Can indoor tanning cause cancer?
» Is tanning outdoors the same as tanning indoors?
» How long does one session last?
» How long before I start seeing results?
» How often can I tan?
» Why is it important to have a base tan?
» Why does a tan disappear after time?
» Is it harmful to wear contact lenses during indoor tanning?
» Why do dermatologists warn against sun exposure?
» Does tanning all year long harm my skin?
» What does it mean to tan smart?
» Why do some people itch after tanning indoors?
» What are the causes of white spots?
» Must I wear protective eyewear during indoor tanning?
» Are sunglasses necessary when I’m outdoors?
» Which is safer, indoor or outdoor tanning?
» What in tanning creams help accelerate the tanning process? Is it safe?
» Why do people use lotions?
The precise quantity and quality of melanin found in our skin determines the color tone of our complexion.
A skin phototype classifies an individual based on the person’s pigmentation and photosensitivity to solar rays, and is expressed from the range of I to VI. The advantage of knowing your skin phototype, is knowing your skin’s sensitivity to sun tanning, helping you take the necessary precautions and the right approach to tanning.
Can indoor tanning cause cancer?
Only excessive or overexposure to Ultra-violet light sources will lead to skin damage, which may result in skin cancer in the long run. With our indoor tanning service, you’ll be well looked after and guided by our tanning consultants who will advice you on the best optimal tanning to achieve your desired skin tone, with minimal negative side effects.
Is tanning outdoors the same as tanning indoors?
Usually, the tanning effects on an individual are similar both indoors and outdoors. But fair-skinned people, who are not able to tolerate uncontrolled rays of the sun, are often able to achieve a tan when tanning indoors. This is attributed to the different spectral output as well as carefully timed tanning session in a controlled tanning environment.
How long does one session last?
Your first session on a tanning bed can range from 5 to 15 minutes, depending on your skin type. It is important that you adhere to the specific time as recommended by our tanning consultants.
How long before I start seeing results?
Most people start seeing results by their third visit. Please note that a tan does not appear overnight. You will need to develop a base tan first. And remember to tan smart – gradually over time.
You should have 48-hour time gaps between your tanning sessions, with results seen 12-24 hours after each session. Two tanning sessions within a 24-hour period is considered over-exposure.
Why is it important to have a base tan?
Moderate exposure to UVB rays will develop a natural barrier in the skin, protecting the body from excessive UV light. UVB rays stimulate the production of melanin, which absorbs and distributes radiation to thicken the layer of epidermis. If this photo-protection (base tan) is not developed or a sunscreen not used, sunburns may result, causing the DNA of the skin cells to be damaged.
Please note that although you skin has already developed some natural protections, sunscreens are sill recommended.
Why does a tan disappear after time?
A tan disappears because the top layer of our skin sheds its cells every 28-30 days. To prolong a tan, you may want to keep your skin moisturized. However, maintaining a tan requires repeated exposure to UV light. And it has been proven that indoor tanning usually lasts longer than natural tanning.
Is it harmful to wear contact lenses during indoor tanning?
When your eyes are kept closed and proper protective eyewear worn, the ultra-violet light will not be able to penetrate the eye or lens. However, the heat generated by the indoor tanning equipment causes the eyes to dry a bit, thereby making the lens uncomfortable. You may want to use eye drops as recommended by optometrists to remedy the dryness.
Why do dermatologists warn against sun exposure?
Many dermatologists and others from the medical community have acknowledged the need for moderate sun exposure, which is healthy for the skin. However, over exposure to the UV rays emitted by the sun may damage the skin, and lead to skin cancer. It is no wonder why dermatologists advocate the use of sunscreen during tanning.
Indoor tanning is a tanning solution which allows you to get your desired tan in a controlled environment, thus diminishing the risk of being over exposed to UV rays.
Does tanning all year long harm my skin?
Moderation is the key. You may tan throughout the year if you want, as long as you are taking care not to over expose your skin. Being aware of the dangers of over exposure is important as it may lead to chronic skin damage. Take precautionary measures not to have both indoor and outdoor tanning on the same day, wear sunscreen outside and always allow a 24-hour lapse between tanning sessions.
What does it mean to tan smart?
Tanning smart simply means that you should develop your desired tan in a controlled and gradual manner. This gives your body a natural looking tan without being burnt, giving your skin’s pigmentation a chance to build up and protect itself from harmful UV light.
It may take longer but this reduces the risk of over exposure and skin damage. Gradual tanning with the guidance of our tanning consultants will not only give you a better tan but also prevent any negative side effects of over exposure.
Why do some people itch after indoor tanning?
Itching and/or rashes may be the result of several unrelated causes. Some people have adverse reactions due to natural photosensitivity when exposed to UV light, while others are susceptible to heat rashes, a reaction not at all linked to UV exposure. This may in fact be the result of allergy to certain chemicals found in cosmetics, lotions, shampoos, and even acrylic cleaners.
You should tan with skin as clean as possible. If the itching or rash continues even with a discontinuation of the suspected product, consult a doctor or a physician immediately.
Heat rash or itching resulting from tanning may also be an indication that the light and heat generated by the tanning bulbs or the sun has dried your skin, especially in unexposed areas.
If such is the case, take a break from tanning for a few days, then gradually allow the melanin production in your skin to take place. For temporary relief, try using unscented emollient cream but it symptoms still persist, discontinue tanning and seek medical help.
What are the causes of white spots?
There are several reasons why white spots may be noticeable on the body upon tanning:
- Areas of skin, which do not tan could be the result of genetic determination.
- The growth of fungus on the skin’s surface doesn’t allow absorption of UV light, which would normally penetrate the skin. The fungus is not a result of tanning, but is usually more noticeable upon tanning. It can be remedied through the use of prescription drugs or medicated lotions.
- White patches of skin, which are often more prominent on the shoulder blades and just above the buttocks, can be caused by the pressure from reclining on the tanning bed surface. The pressure inhibits the flow of blood through that particular area of skin. Blood flow carries oxygen, which is essential in the tanning process. Without oxygen, this area will not be able to tan. Periodic shifting during your indoor tanning session will make the patches disappear.
- Certain medications such as birth control pills react adversely with the exposure to UV light, causing blotches and uneven pigmentation of the skin.
Must I wear protective eyewear during indoor tanning?
The goggles, which will be provided to you during the indoor tanning sessions, are vital. Your eyelids alone do not offer sufficient protection against UV light, which may damage the cornea and retina, leading to cataract.
Not using proper eye protection can result in short term side effects such as tired, itchy eyes, headaches and loss of night vision. It is recommended that you never enter a tanning bed without eye protection.
You may want to purchase your own pair to avoid the risk of infections like the pink eye, which can be easily transmitted. Health and safety is our first priority.
Are sunglasses necessary when I’m outdoors?
Although not necessary, it is recommended that you do. Scientific evidence indicates that exposure to UVB rays can cause damage to you eyes. UVB rays can cause short-term harm such as burning but prolonged unprotected exposure to the sun is cumulative and can result in cataracts, which is a clouding of the lens of the eyes. Use sunglasses treated with UV resistant coating when outdoors for the best protection.
Which is safer, indoor or outdoor tanning?
Indoor tanning would be the best option for you because of the controlled environment, which allows you to slowly build a gradual tan, develop pigmentation and increase your natural SPF. Tanning outdoors in the sun has negative consequences brought along by the unpredictable and uncontrollable factors, such as the time of year and day, altitude, cloud coverage, pollutants, reflective surfaces and over exposure to UV light.
What in tanning creams help accelerate the tanning process? Is it safe?
The primary active ingredient in tanning lotions is Tyrosine, which is essentially the amino acids found in proteins that are converted through several metabolic steps to produce melanin. Melanin is the pigment responsible for causing your skin to darken and provides a natural SPF factor of up to 10. Tyrosine is added to products that accelerate tanning, in order to supplement the body’s normal level of tyrosine at skin cell level, thereby speeding the tanning process. Indoor tanning lotions also help counter the drying effects of tanning, and prepares the skin to tan more efficiently, making the tan last even longer.
Most people apply indoor tanning products to maximize their tanning experience. The following are the reasons for the use of tanning lotions:
- They supply the skin with essential nutrients necessary for a tan and help moisturize the skin to keep it looking young and healthy.
- Skin with sufficient moisture tan more quickly and efficiently compare to dry skin, resulting in a better tan in a shorter period of time.
- Indoor tanning products help counteract the drying effects of heat and light associated with tanning.
- Active ingredients supplement the skin’s cells with the same proteins that enhance the tanning process naturally.
- The specially formulated indoor tanning lotions help create a longer lasting tan by retaining the ultraviolet induced melanin.
- The latest lotion technology includes antioxidants that help in the prevention of fine lines and wrinkles.


