The Tanning Process FAQ's

What should I wear in the tanning bed?
Each tanning bed is in a private room, so you can whatever you are most comfortable in.

Do I have to wear eye protection?
Yes, it is required by law in most states because eyelids are not thick enough to protect your eyes from UV damage. For sanitary reasons we do not provide the eyewear, but have several choices available for purchase.

How long is one session?
Your first session, whether you are a first time tanner or are just getting started for the season, can range from 3-10 minutes, depending on your skin type. Once you’ve achieved your base tan you can gradually work your way toward the maximum exposure time ranging anywhere form 12-20 minutes depending on the equipment. Every salon has different beds and maintains their equipment differently, therefore, you should follow the recommended exposure time and schedule made by our Certified Guest Service Specialists.

How long before I start seeing results?
Tanning is a process and therefore does not happen instantly. Most people start seeing results by the fourth or fifth visit.

If a person cannot tan in the sun, will he/she tan indoor?
Normally, a person tans indoors only as well as he/she is able to tan outdoors. Some fair-skinned people who generally cannot tolerate the uncontrolled rays of the sun may develop some color when tanning indoors. Skin type, heredity, and individual photosensitivity all determine who will have success tanning indoors.

Is indoor tanning more harmful than tanning outdoors?
People tanning indoors are exposed to a scientifically calibrated amount of UV light. When used according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's exposure guidelines (posted on each machine), tanning beds are designed to maximize tanning and minimize burning. Conversely, tanning outdoors is an unregulated environment. There are many factors that have to be considered when you tan outdoors: geography, time of day, weather conditions, the seasons, and the ozone layer. Remember the best way to safeguard yourself from sun damage is to wear appropriate levels of SPF sunscreens outdoors - even if you already have a tan. You should also know that, even with sunscreen protection, UV exposure can still lead to skin cancer and premature aging, even if you don't burn.

My friend said she heard that tanning can bake your internal organs. Is that true?
No! The UV light from a sun bed is similar to UV light from the sun, and cannot penetrate deeper than the skin to harm internal organs. The odor you may notice is what's commonly known as the "after tan" odor, a common occurrence when tanning indoors or outdoors, which is caused by harmless bacteria. California Tan lotions contain the Biosaccharide Complex, which helps prevent after tan odor.

If I shower directly after tanning will I "wash" away my tan?
Taking a shower after tanning will not wash your tan away. A natural tan takes 24-48 hours to develop. The tanning process occurs within the epidermis when melanocyte cells are stimulated by ultraviolet light that causes them to produce the pigment melanin. Melanin production results in the tanned appearance of the skin and is the skin's natural defense against the sun and over-exposure, i.e. sun-burning. Melanin travels to the surface, where it eventually flakes off. This process allows us to develop new skin every four to eight weeks. Keeping your skin hydrated and exfoliated will help maintain a more radiant and healthy-looking tan.

In order to get a suntan, do you have to burn first?
No! A sunburn does not fade into a tan. A sunburn indicates over exposure to UV-light and actually damages the skin, leaving it inflamed (as indicated by the skin's red coloring and sensitivity), dry, chapped and visibly unappealing. Always practice moderation when tanning and use the proper sunscreen protection when tanning outdoors and the proper exposure time that is recommended for your personal skin type when tanning indoors.

Do all skin types tan or burn in the same amount of time?
Not all skin types are alike. Some people tan more easily than others or burn more easily than others. For example, a Skin Type 1 person with fair skin, red hair and freckles will burn easily, resulting in peeling and blistering without any indication that he or she has tanned. On the other hand, a Skin Type 4 person with dark hair and olive skin will tan very well and quite easily even with a minimal amount of sun exposure. It is important to know: repeated exposure of unprotected skin while tanning may increase the risk of skin aging, skin cancer and harmful effects to the skin even if you don't burn.

Do people with medium to dark skin ever burn?
Although people with medium to darker skin tend to tan more easily than others, they can still get sunburns. They can also suffer from overexposure to UV-light. It is still important for these skin types to use sunscreens and avoid being in the sun
longer than they need to be.