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Tanning Tips
 

For those individuals who can tan, tanning indoors is an intelligent way to minimize the risk of contracting sunburn while maximizing the enjoyment and benefit of having a tan.  Indoor tanning protects tanners from burning as easily or as quickly as they would outdoors in the sun.  This is accomplished by controlling the amount of UVA and UVB rays that are released through the lamps, along with controlling the amount of time spent in the tanning bed. 

Tanners are taught by our trained staff how their skin type reacts to sunlight and how to avoid sunburn outdoors, as well as in a salon and also the benefits of using an indoor lotion.

TANNING PROCESS:

Tanning occurs gradually through the stimulation and oxidation of melanin in the skin during exposure to ultraviolet rays. UVB rays stimulate melanin production deep with in the skin. When these activated melanin granules travel to the surface. UVA rays cause the melanin to oxidize and turn brown. Too much UVB is the cause of sunburn. Natural sunlight contains more UVB (burning rays) than tanning beds. Indoor tanning controls both the UVB/UVA ratio and your exposure time, giving you the perfect balance for developing a deep, dark, healthy looking tan. Although some people may see a skin tone change after only one or two sessions, most people need 7 to 10 sessions to get fully tanned. With a good base tan, 1 or 2 sessions a week will maintain a radiant, dark tan through the year.

UNDERSTANDING ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT:

Ultraviolet light, whether produced by the sun or an indoor tanning unit, consist of two main components, UVA and UVB, both of which contribute differently to your tan. Indoor tanning equipment utilizes a carefully formulated and controlled mixture of the two light waves, designed to tan you with a minimized risk of sunburn. Tanning outdoors does not give you this control, because the sun emits the entire spectrum of ultraviolet light, including the most intense rays that burn you more quickly. That is why we call indoor tanning "Smart Tanning".

WHY REDDER ISN'T BETTER:

Many people grow up thinking that they don't experience a slight red or pinkish tingle after they tan that they did not "get anything." The truth is that the red or pinkish tingle you see is actually sunburn, your skin's worst enemy. The fact is that the sunburns we experience due to lack of information when we are growing up are the very things that lead to skin damage later in life.

Smart tanners know that the key to avoiding sunburn is moderation in terms of UV exposure. The best way to ensure a "smart tan" is to take advantage of the years of research that have gone into tanning equipment to provide you with a controlled, predictable dosage of UV light. Also, use lotions to moisturize your skin before tanning and, if you do tan outdoors, remember that the sun emits whatever types of UV rays it wants. Several other environmental factors come into play with outdoor UV light, making exposure unpredictable.

Do not rely on the color of your skin to tell you when to get out of the sun. Overexposure is not evident sometimes until hours after the sun has gone down. It is better to use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing than to risk overexposure which can lead to skin damage.

TANNING BENEFITS:

  • BODY WEIGHT: Sunlight stimulates the thyroid gland, which boosts your metabolism.
  • PSORIASIS: Eighty percent of sufferers show improvement with UV exposure.
  • STRESS: Decreases adrenaline levels and releases endorphins for the feeling of well being.
  • SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER:   "Cabin Fever" or "Winter Blues" sufferers show improvement with exposure to UV light.
  • ACNE: Help's to clear most acne skin.
  • VANITY: You will look and feel great!

MEDICATIONS:
If you are on any medications, please check with your Doctor or Pharmacist before tanning, since some medications can cause increased sensitivity to UV rays. 

Certain drugs and foods do not mix well with ultraviolet light.

Anyone taking any type of medication is strongly encouraged to consult with his or her physician prior to tanning. If you are pregnant we suggest you consult with your physician and please provide a written note.

Miscellaneous classification of photosensitizing agents
Acne Preparations
Antihistamines
Anticonvulsants
Antifungals
Anti-inflammatory Drugs (Ibuprofen, Ketaoprofen, Naproxen, etc.)
Antiseptics
Antibiotics
Anticholesterol Medications
Antidepressants
Antipsychotic Medications
Artificial Sweeteners
Blood Pressure Medications
Chloroquine
Coal Tar Products ("Tegrin", "Denorex", etc.)
Major Tranquilizers
Oral Contraceptives and Estrogen
Oral Diabetes Medications that are Sulphur Based Diuretics (Fluid Pills)
Some Antimalarials-Fansidar (a Sulfa Drug)
Some Herbal Products- (St. John�s Wort, Ginkgo Biloba, Yohimbine)
Some Sunscreens
Steroids
Tattoos

Photosensitizing Foods
Carrots
Celery
Citrus Fruits
Clover
Coumarin (apricots, cherries, cinnamon, strawberries)
Dill
Eggs
Figs
Garlic
Ginkgo Biloba
Grass (wheat, barley, etc.)
Mustards
Onions
Parsley
Parsnips (vegetables)
Saint John�s Wort
Smartweed (tea)
Vanilla oils

  • Protect your eyes. Simply closing them or wearing outdoor sunglasses while you tan is not adequate protection against possible long-term eye injury. Wearing the FDA-compliant eye protection available at this site can eliminate that risk.
  • Protect your lips. They do not produce melanin and will burn easily unless you protect them with lip balms or sunscreen.
  • If you plan to tan in the nude, cover previously unexposed areas for the majority of your tanning session for the first few sessions. Gradually increase exposure to these areas, giving the skin time to build melanin production. Use sunscreen or lip balms on your nipples to prevent burning and chapping.
  • If you are taking any medications , please check with your doctor or pharmacist. Some medications can cause reactions with UV light.
  • Moisturize your skin. The heat and light from tanning sessions can dry your skin. Because moist skin tans best, we recommend you moisturize before and after each tanning session to get the most out of each session. 
  • Drink lots of water -Water will moisturize your skin from the inside out. It is important to keep your skin moist because moist skin tans best. 
  • Adjust positions- By adjusting positions from time to time will eliminate pressure points on your back and tan more evenly. By allowing the blood to circulate you will run less of a risk of getting a "heat rash".
  • Use indoor tanning lotion - These lotions or "accelerators" have been designed to be used with tanning beds. They will help you tan faster, darker, and make your tan last longer. Most importantly they will keep your skin moist while you are tanning.  
  • Don't use an alkaline based soap -Use a PH balanced shower gel. "Bar" soaps will strip off an oil layer of your skin called acid mantle and leave a waxy film on our skin. 
  • Wear the supplied FDA approved goggles -This will protect your cornea and retina from irreversible damage that may not show up until later on in life. 
  • If you have any questions please ask -We love questions, our employees have been trained to help you with anything that you might have a question about. 
  • Use the Super High Output Beds -These beds are designed to help you achieve the deepest, richest, best looking tan possible. Plus, they also help you even out your face, neck, and shoulders with the rest of your body. 
  • TAKE IT SLOW - Tanning is not a speed race. We know that you want a tan yesterday, but by overdoing it will take longer to get that tan you want and you won't get as dark in the long run with a burn base. 
  • Do not shower right after tanning. You will tan for up to three hours after leaving the bed. Showering slows and stops the process.

     




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