This depends on your skin type. Generally most people can acquire a base tan on our sun beds in 7 to 12 sessions done in a 14 to 21 day period. When starting out, we will recommend shorter sessions gradually building to the full session length. It is important not to overexpose your skin during this period, as sunburn halts the tanning process. The Food and Drug Administration suggests that a 24-48 hour time period should pass between tanning sessions. Pigmentation and/or sunburn may not be fully visible for between 12-24 hours. Thus, two tanning sessions within a 24 hour period could cause an unintentional burn. Following the recommendation of your tanning consultant will provide the best results
You should not tan every day. It takes as long as 24 hours for pigmentation and any skin reddening to become fully visible. A responsible tanner observes his or her skin's reaction after exposure in order to determine if subsequent exposure is recommended to maintain a tan.
When you first start to build your base, we will develop a schedule for you based on your skin type and any prior tanning history. After you have reached your desired darkness, 2 to 3 sessions per week should be enough to maintain your new tan. We recommend tanning every other day to avoid overexposure.
Cells in the epidermis' germinative layer (also called the living epidermis) are constantly reproducing and pushing older cells upward toward the horny layer (dead epidermis). This top layer of your skin (your tan) is sloughed off continuously. As your skin replaces its cells, the cells laden with melanin are removed. The new cells need UV exposure to stimulate melanin production, so the tanning process must continue with the new cells.
UVB (from the sun or indoor tanning unit) stimulates the melanocytes in the upper skin layer (called the epidermis) to produce melanin. UVA then darkens the melanin, thereby giving the skin a dark appearance. A tan gradually fades as the skin cells migrate to the surface.
You may wear whatever you wish. The tanning room is private so no one will see you. Some tanners wear a swimsuit or under garments and some prefer to wear nothing at all. The age old question "Tan lines or not", it's up to you. If you tan naked those areas not normally exposed may be sensitive, especially when first starting. You should cover these areas for portions of your session and allow gradual exposure.
Yes. The Food and Drug Administration (21 CRF 1040.20) requires that protective eyewear which meets its transmission specifications be worn. 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. Some state regulations require the salon operator to refuse tanning services to those who will not wear eyewear. At Sunbodyz we provide you with proper eyewear.
Not if you tan in a reputable certified tanning salon that cleans their beds with sanitizer after every use. You can be sure we clean our beds!
Yes, you can. However, taking a shower or bath removes the mantel acid from your skin and will actually slow down or stop the tanning process. We recommend that you not shower for about 2 hours afterwards.
The UV rays emitted by indoor tanning lamps do not emit sufficient energy to penetrate past the skin layers. Thus, despite claims and rumors to the contrary, internal organs are not directly impacted by longer wave UV light.
Unlike their cheaper drugstore relatives, professional products use ingredients that mirror those in high-end cosmetics products and, in many cases, lead the beauty industry in the use of cutting-edge technology. Higher grade ingredients help deliver better results and extend the life of your tan. The higher cost of professional tanning products comes partly from the higher cost of top-grade raw materials, and because of the high grade raw materials, professional product companies are often in a better position to attract the best chemists and are among the first to see new breakthrough before they hit the mass market. For example Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) were only used in professional products when they first hit the market, now after extensive use in professional skincare brands, AHA made their way into retail products. Other cutting-edge ingredients include costly tyrosine; tingling ingredients; and skincare nutrients, such as coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), a natural factor that guards against wrinkles. Also, you find top-grade essential oils, photosomes that allow skin to repair itself after UV exposure and DNA repair enzymes which safeguard against acute damage. The body can repair DNA on its own, but if it's inundated with excessive amounts of UV radiation, the process can be hindered. DNA repair enzymes ENHANCE the body's natural function. Amino acids that stimulate melanin directly contribute to a deeper tan. Over the counter ingredients usually only contain moisturizing ingredients with no melanin stimulating ingredients. They may also contain synthesized ingredients, high quantities of preservatives and artificial colorants and fragrances that can reduce efficiency. Professional products are made of a better grade than drug store brands. Professional brands generally contain SHEA BUTTER; it is a natural moisturizer that comes from an African tree. Drugstore consumers usually must settle for the related but lower grade cocoa butter which tends to be greasier. Drug store brands often use mineral oils to hydrate which can leave a milky film on the acrylics. Professional products contain water-attracting hyaluronic acids and exotic borage and hemp oils. These oils also serve the skin as anti-inflammatories, helping to enhance the tanning process. You want the skin to concentrate on making melanin, if it's inflamed or burned, the concentration will be on the burn. Vitamin C, which is inherently unstable, can easily break down in a product. Most mass-market products lack the complex formulation to keep vitamin C stable. Even though the label claims it's there, if you analyzed the product for vitamin C, you wouldn't find it because it has fallen apart in the formulation. The high end moisturizers found in professional formulas can extend a customers tan beyond the limits of a drugstore product. Melanin is formed in the deep layers, and then travels through the skin and up to the surface, where it is sloughed off. Skin exfoliation and flaking will slow down on skin that is thoroughly moisturized, impeding the travel of the melanin. Professional formulations offer a richer, browner tan than drug store products which often produce tans with RED undertones.
Why do I sometimes smell bad after tanning?That smell is known as "after tan odor" and it is caused by friendly bacteria on the surface of the skin. The smell is the result from the bacteria when your body/skin gets hot from a tanning bed. Our lotions contain specific antibacterial ingredients to eliminate that "after tan odor."
What are these dry, white patches on my back, chest, and/or arms?These white patches are called "tinea versicolor." It is a yeast type of skin fungus similar to dandruff. It's naturally occurring, and is generally invisible. However, sometimes it forms in clusters on your skin. This fungus does not tan, so when the skin around it starts to darken, that's when it becomes noticeable little white spots. Sometimes the spots will clear up on their own, but any over-the-counter fungal cream will work fine. We offer a product called Halt that you can use in the shower every day until they clear up (usually within a few days). However, if symptoms worsen or become bothersome, you should consult a dermatologist.
How Do I Protect A Fresh Tattoo?It is important not to expose a fresh tattoo to sunlight or indoor tanning equipment, as the ink used in tattoos is UV sensitive. Cover the tattooed area completely or don't tan until the skin has healed. However, even after the skin is healed, tattoos will still fade with continued exposure to UV light, whether it comes from indoors or from outdoors.
How old do I have to be to tan? You must be sixteen years of age or older and have the consent of a parent/guardian if under age 18.After the first time of tanning and the signing of the release, a minor may come in and tan alone.
