Why do I feel better when I tan?
It's no big secret, when you look good, you feel great! Experts have known for years that there are many psychological benefits to tanning. Looking better is just one of the benefits. Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D.) is a condition that affects 35 million Americans during the winter. It's symptoms are mood swings, increased appetite and excessive sleeping. For years doctors have treated this condition with full-spectrum light therapy. New research, using ultraviolet light on the skin, has shown positive results as well.
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What's the connection between UV light and Vitamin D production?
Sunlight exposure (exposure to UV light) is your body's main source for Vitamin D - an essential vitamin for bone formation and repair, absorption of calcium and phosphorus and general good health. In many climates, the small amount of sunlight available from November to March makes it impossible to process Vitamin D naturally through outdoor sun exposure. That is why as much as 40% of the population suffers from Vitamin D deficiency, and more than one-third with adequate Vitamin D in their diets are still short of this important vitamin. Lack of sunlight and the resulting Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to higher risk of many health disorders, including osteoporosis and depression.
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What is the difference between low pressure and high pressure equipment?
Low pressure units emit both UVA & UVB at a lower energy level. Low pressure units are the traditional beds you normally think of when you think of tanning beds. To build your base tan in low pressure units, you'll usually start off with about ½ of the recommended maximum tanning time and increase by a minute or two with subsequent visits*. High pressure units give you immediate results. By filtering out the UVB rays (burning rays), you can tan quickly without burning. Manufacturers normally recommend 3 sessions within 7-10 days in order to build your base in a high pressure unit and then 1 - 3 sessions a month to maintain it.
With both low pressure and high pressure equipment it's important to allow 24 hours to pass between tanning sessions. We recommend allowing 2 days in between sessions whenever time allows.
*Tanning schedules vary by individual skin type. Click here for more information on skin types.
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How do I know which type of tanning equipment is best for me?
Several variables will determine which type of equipment is best for you. Some of these variables are your budget, your time restraints and your overall tanning goals. Our Tanning Consultants are specially trained to help you determine your best course of action.
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Do I need to make an appointment?
No, unless you want your tan to be airbrushed. Feel free to drop in anytime it's convenient for you to use any of the other equipment.
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Can I tan if I'm pregnant?
Please consult your physician. Although we know that there is no danger from UV rays since they cannot penetrate deeper than the dermis (skin layer), pregnant women are advised to be cautious with saunas, hot tubs and other things that can cause excessive heat to build up in the uterus. If your physician okays your tanning, speak to a Tanning Consultant about which units and times of day are the coolest.
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How deep can tanning rays really go?
There is an Urban Legend about a "Roasted Tanner" who supposedly roasted her internal organs by tanning too much. Don't give it a second thought. A UVA ray (the rays in tanning beds) can only travel as deep as the dermis which is the middle skin layer. UVB can't even travel that deep! There is absolutely no danger of Ultraviolet light damaging any internal organs.
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If I don't tan well outside, can I get a tan in a tanning bed?
Usually, you will tan about as well indoors as you do outdoors. If you have never been able to produce a tan outdoors, you will not be able to produce a tan indoors either. Some who do not tan well outdoors are able to tan indoors in a controlled environment with the right amount of exposure in carefully controlled intervals.
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Is tanning lotion really necessary?
Yes, while tanning lotion is not mandatory, it is strongly recommended and will make a big difference in the quality of your tan and your skin. Your body makes use of many ingredients in addition to UV-light to produce a tan. Indoor tanning accelerators are designed to provide you with a balanced amount of these essential ingredients to achieve a better tan. Dry skin reflects tanning rays so for best results, drench your skin with an indoor tanning lotion just prior to tanning.
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Why do some tanning lotions make my skin feel warm and tingly?
A variety of ingredients will bring the blood to the surface of the skin for increased tanning potential. When the skin is "stimulated", oxygen rushes to the surface which helps increase the skin's ability to tan. There are varying degrees of "heat" or "tingle" and it is recommended that you start out with a low tingle and work your way up as your tan increases. The "tingle" effect should begin to fade in approximately one hour. Our Tanning Consultants are trained to help you decide whether a "tingling" tanning lotion would be right for you and if so, will also help you decide which one would be best.
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How much time should I let pass between tanning sessions?
It is recommended that there are no less than 24 hours between tanning sessions. We recommend allowing at least 2 days in between sessions whenever time allows.
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Is it okay to shower right away after tanning?
Absolutely! Tanning is a process that can take up to 24 hours to develop. You can not "wash" away your tan, unless you are using a self tanner, spray tanning, shaving right away, or exfoliating..
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Do I really have to wear eye goggles?
Yes! It is of utmost importance! Your skin can tan - your eyes can't! Federal law requires all tanning salons to supply customers with proper eye protection. This eyewear must meet federal government standards by blocking 99% of UVA and UVB rays. Closing the eyelids or using sunglasses or cotton balls is not adequate protection as the UV rays will easily penetrate these things and continue into the eyes.
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How old do I have to be to tan without my parent's consent?
Sixteen or older. The law requires signed parental permission for anyone under 16 years of age. Anyone under 16 must have a parent or legal guardian present with them to sign the Release Form before tanning the first time in our salon. After signing the Release, parents do not need to be present on subsequent visits. We will not accept notes from home, phone calls or parents of friends or other relatives to sign for them as we cannot verify their authenticity.
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