FAQ's
Tanning Truths and Frequently Asked Questions
Fifteen facts you probably never knew about vitamin D and sunlight exposure.
(Complied by Mike Adams, based on an interview with Dr. Michael Holick, author, The UV Advantage)Vitamin D prevents osteoporosis, depression, prostate cancer, breast cancer, and even effects diabetes and obesity. Vitamin D is perhaps the single most underrated nutrient in the world of nutrition. That's probably because it's free: your body makes it when sunlight touches your skin. Drug companies can't sell you sunlight, so there's no promotion of its health benefits. Truth is, most people don't know the real story on vitamin D and health. So here's an overview taken from an interview between Mike Adams and Dr. Michael Holick.
Fifteen facts you probably never knew about vitamin D and sunlight exposure.
(Complied by Mike Adams, based on an interview with Dr. Michael Holick, author, The UV Advantage)Vitamin D prevents osteoporosis, depression, prostate cancer, breast cancer, and even effects diabetes and obesity. Vitamin D is perhaps the single most underrated nutrient in the world of nutrition. That's probably because it's free: your body makes it when sunlight touches your skin. Drug companies can't sell you sunlight, so there's no promotion of its health benefits. Truth is, most people don't know the real story on vitamin D and health. So here's an overview taken from an interview between Mike Adams and Dr. Michael Holick.
- Vitamin D is produced by your skin in response to exposure to ultraviolet radiation from natural sunlight.
- The healing rays of natural sunlight (that generate vitamin D in your skin) cannot penetrate glass. So you don't generate vitamin D when sitting in your car or home.
- It is nearly impossible to get adequate amounts of vitamin D from your diet. Sunlight exposure is the only reliable way to generate vitamin D in your own body.
- A person would have to drink ten tall glasses of vitamin D fortified milk each day just to get minimum levels of vitamin D into their diet.
- The further you live from the equator, the longer exposure you need to the sun in order to generate vitamin D. Canada, the UK and most U.S. states are far from the equator.
- People with dark skin pigmentation may need 20- 30 times as much exposure to sunlight as fair skinned people to generate the same amount of vitamin D. That's why prostate cancer is epidemic among black men - it's a simple, but widespread, sunlight deficiency.
- Sufficient levels of vitamin D are crucial for calcium absorption in you intestines. Without sufficient vitamin D, your body cannot absorb calcium, rendering calcium supplements useless.
- Chronic vitamin D deficiency cannot be reserved overnight: it takes months of vitamin D supplementation and sunlight exposure to rebuild the body's bones and nervous system.
- Even weak sunscreens (SPF=8) block your body's ability to generate vitamin D by 95%. This is how sunscreen products actually cause disease; by creating a critical vitamin deficiency in the body.
- It is impossible to generate too much vitamin D in your body from sunlight exposure: your body will self-regulate and only generate what it needs.
- If it hurts to press firmly on your sternum, you may be suffering from chronic vitamin D deficiency right now.
- Vitamin D is "activated" in your body by your kidneys and liver before it can be used.
- Having kidney disease or liver damage can greatly impair your body's ability to activate circulating vitamin D.
- The sunscreen industry doesn't want you to know that your body actually needs sunlight exposure because that realization would mean lower sales of sunscreen products.
- Even though vitamin D is one of the most powerful healing chemicals in your body, your body makes it absolutely free. No prescription required.
Why Tan?
Light is essential to all life on earth. There are various physiological and psychological reasons why exposure to light is desirable and necessary. There's a growing body of scientific evidence showing people actually require light exposure to function effectively. Light exposure causes the brain to suppress the release of the hormone melatonin that acts as a depressant in the body and exposure to light produces various health benefits, such as the production of the very necessary Vitamin D3 in the prevention of bone diseases (such as osteoporosis) and in the improvement of symptoms of psoriasis.
Indoor Tanning = Smart Tanning
Indoor tanning eliminates the "guesswork" of tanning outdoors and is easy, convenient and private. Ideally, indoor tanning is supervised by a trained professional helping you achieve the desired color you want, reminding you to wear protective eyewear (goggles), encouraging and recommending lotions before and after tanning and helping you avoid over-exposure. And hint, hint: according to poll most tanners tan in the nude to avoid tan lines!
Is Indoor Tanning the same as tanning outside in the sun?
Your skin produces a tan the same way in an indoor tanning salon as it does when you lay out in the sun: through ultraviolet (UV) light. However, out in the sun, you cannot control the amount of UV light exposure and trying to achieve an all-over even-body tan is very difficult. Indoor tanning allows you to control the amount of UV light, for all all-over even tan. With indoor tanning you can gradually increase your exposure time eliminating any sunburn, which is harmful to the skin. Indoor tanning technology includes an exposure schedule that factors in individual skin type and appropriate time exposure.
With convenient indoor tanning you can tan at any time and aren't limited to daylight hours or weather conditions.
With private indoor tanning you can tan in the nude or partially nude to eliminate tan lines. You can help ensure that you won't get sunburn when following an appropriate time exposure. Outdoor sun exposure is an uncontrollable environment as no one can control the sun.
Outdoor exposure varies in intensity depending on such factors as altitude, cloud cover, air pollutants, reflective surfaces, times of day, time of year, and proximity to the equator.
The controlled environment and the ability to time your UV exposure to the minute makes burning less likely with a tanning bed than with outdoor sun exposure.
When I tan outdoors I always burn, will I be able to tan indoors and achieve a real tan?
It may be easier to get the desired color by tanning indoors. Begin with a short exposure time and increase it very gradually. A tanning professional can help you determine the best exposure time for your skin type. However, if you NEVER tan from the sun, you will not tan from tanning lamps, as they imitate the sun.
What should I wear when going tanning indoors?
You can tan in your bathing suit, underwear, or if you prefer a more "natural" approach, you can tan semi-nude or nude. Being in a private room while tanning, unlike at the beach or pool, you can wear whatever you like. Please be aware of exposing sensitive body parts that are not normally exposed to light. It is highly recommended that sensitive body parts be gradually exposed to prevent overexposure. It is also recommended to cover up a previously unexposed part of the body for part of your tanning time, so it can catch up safely with the rest of your tan. The only required attire is eye protection because your eyelids, even when they are closed, aren't enough protection and light can cause temporary and permanent damage to them.
Do I have to wear eye protection while tanning?
Eyewear protection is required by law. Your eyelids aren't thick enough to provide protection and do not effectively block light while tanning. Approved eye protection is required to ensure you won't have any ill effects such as reduced color vision or night blindness.
Can tanning cause wrinkles?
Maybe, however, your skin will wrinkle if you don't tan. Age, Diet, Genetics, certain behaviors (smoking cigarettes) and environmental pollution can wrinkle your skin just as much as moderate sun tanning. Overexposure, not moderate exposure, can cause the skin to wrinkle and therefore, it is advised to avoid overexposure. Also the usage of a tanning lotion will help your skin maintain its elasticity as well as prevent it from losing any nutrients and becoming dehydrated during your tanning session. This will in turn help prevent from wrinkling your skin.
Can indoor tanning cure acne?
Phototherapy (use of UV light) has been used in treating the skin problems of this condition. Tanning dries the skin and this can help keep acne outbreaks to a minimum in acute cases and can help eliminate outbreaks in mild cases. There are also many drugs, including tetracycline and Retin-A, which are also used for the treatment of acne and because these drugs can render the skin photosensitive, one must avoid UV exposure or take extreme care when medicated. The use of UV light for acne treatment should only be administered by a qualified physician. The Food and Drug Administration prohibits indoor tanning equipment operators from asserting that UV light is beneficial for any purpose other than cosmetic coloring.
What causes White Spots?
Tinea Versicolor, a skin condition, caused by a microscopic fungus from the scalp, falls onto arms, shoulders, and other body parts and leaves bleached-looking areas on the skin, which can spread. It is treatable with topical aids such as leaving the active ingredient in Selsun Blue dandruff shampoo on for 10 minutes for mild cases and for more resistant conditions, your doctor may prescribe pills for treatment. Since tinea versicolor covers skin cells and acts as a sun screen with high SPF factor, the affected areas must be protected from further ultraviolet light exposure until those bleached areas have begun developing melanin again.
Will tanning affect my tattoo?
Yes! Tattoos should be covered with a strong sun block as UV light can cause colors to fade. Tattoo sticks, available at the store, are perfect for preserving the life of your tattoo and contains SPF 30.
Can I tan while I am pregnant?
UV light penetrates less than 2mm into the skin layer and CANNOT reach the internal organs. However, the main concern with pregnant women tanning is heat exposure. It is suggested that the pregnant mother receive a consultation from a Boca Tanning Club professional when considering tanning.
NOTE: Laundry and Tan Express requires written verification of a doctor's permission to use tanning equipment during the pregnancy and also reserves the right to refuse tanning to pregnant mothers on a case by case basis.
How often should I tan?
To build an awesome tan, tan regularly. Allowing too much time between visits will cause your tan to fade. You can tan up to once every 24 hours; however it's recommended that you allow 48 hours in between each session to permit your tan to fully develop in between visits. Once you have a base, maintaining your tan will vary from individual to individual based on skin type. To help prolong the life of your tan, make sure to keep your skin moisturized with a high quality especially formulated-for-tanning lotion.
How long does it take to get a tan?
You'll notice results after your very first session. To build a base tan most people need 3-5 sessions to get the color desired. If you need an instant tan, you should consider Spray-on Tanning or for the fastest tan a combination of regular tanning equipment and spray-on. Going on a vacation? Tan before you go and allow a few weeks of tanning prior to your trip. We recommend using a specially formulated lotion to increase your tanning potential and keep your skin feeling healthy and soft.
What can I do to make my tan last longer?
MOISTURIZE! MOISTURIZE! MOISTURIZE! Using a high quality specially formulated tanning moisturizer will help replenish vitamins and nutrients, keeping your skin smooth and younger looking while helping you maintain that deep dark tan you love. Remember properly moisturized skin TANS FASTER, TANS DARKER, and STAYS TANNED LONGER!!!
How long can my tanning session be on my first visit?
Your first session length will depend upon your skin tone and type, and your tanning professional will ask you to fill out a skin analysis to help determine your skin type. Also taken into consideration is how long it has been since you last tanned. The maximum exposure time for first time tanners is limited to no more than 10 minutes.
I am really in a hurry can I tan more than once in a day?
Color takes up to 24 hours to develop as your skin produces your tan. Accordingly, the FDA prohibits tanning more frequently than once per 24 hours because you could unintentionally sun burn yourself. There is no such limitation for spray booth tans AND spray booth tanning IS allowed on the same day as a traditional tanning session.
I am tanning but my legs aren't getting as dark as the rest of my body, why?
The skin on your legs is thicker than other parts of your body and when you shave your legs you are mechanically exfoliating the uppermost skin cells and part of your tan. You should consult one our salon's employees to find out what kind of product they carry that specializes in tanning legs.
Do I have to remove my contact lenses when tanning?
Always wear proper sunlamp goggles. Most people have no trouble whatsoever leaving their contact lenses in while tanning indoors however; it is recommended to remove your contact lenses because heat from the sunlamps may cause dryness and mild to moderate discomfort for some contact lens wearers.
When should I NOT tan?
When you are taking photosensitizing medication it is not recommended to tan outdoors or indoors. If you aren't sure, ask your doctor, or ask a tanning consultant at your tanning facility to see a list of these medications, which can greatly increase the risk of overexposure. A partial list, by no means inclusive, appears below. You should also avoid tanning if you are pregnant, due to the heat, unless your doctor approves it. The concern is that tanning while pregnant may tend to increase body temperature which may be harmful to the unborn baby. Ultraviolet radiation from tanning equipment does not affect tissues below the surface of the skin, including a developing, unborn baby. Since medical professionals do not know how pregnancy is affected by the heat generated by tanning equipment we do allow pregnant women to tan with a written permission from a doctor.
Many common medications and even ingredients in food, shampoos & soaps can cause photo sensitivity which may lead to overexposure. If you are taking prescription medications please check with your physician regarding possible photo sensitivity. Perfumes and colognes containing Furocoumarins, compound from natural products such as plants and fruits. Their natural oils can cause your skin to become highly sensitive to UV light. Food and fruits that contain photosensitizing agents: celery, carrots, lime, coriander, parsley, fennel, dill, buttercup, mustard and fig. Not everyone will experience a photosensitive reaction. Also, someone who experiences a photosensitive reaction once will NOT necessarily experience it again or every time.
Medications will NOT cause the same degree of skin reaction in all individuals.
How long will my tan last?
Your tan should last between five to seven days, depending on your skin type. Just like a tan from the sun, it will gradually fade as your skin exfoliates. It also depends on how hydrated your skin is.
What is a recommended exposure schedule?
A recommended exposure schedule will be suggested to you by your tanning professional at your initial visit. This will allow a tan to develop gradually without the adverse effects associated with over exposure. Attempts to accelerate the tanning process or try longer than recommended sessions may result in negative results and limit the tanning process. It is extremely important for your satisfaction that you inform our staff members of the results that you are hoping to achieve so they can advise you on an appropriate schedule for your skin type.
What is a tanning plateau?
Some people, after tanning for a while, will reach a point where they hit what is commonly known as a Tanning Plateau were there skin seems not to be getting any darker. The Tanning Plateau can be overcome by using a range of tanning equipment with varying UVB/UVA ratios to stimulate different levels within the skin. For some tanners this may even mean stepping down a level for a few tans to see results.
Light is essential to all life on earth. There are various physiological and psychological reasons why exposure to light is desirable and necessary. There's a growing body of scientific evidence showing people actually require light exposure to function effectively. Light exposure causes the brain to suppress the release of the hormone melatonin that acts as a depressant in the body and exposure to light produces various health benefits, such as the production of the very necessary Vitamin D3 in the prevention of bone diseases (such as osteoporosis) and in the improvement of symptoms of psoriasis.
Indoor Tanning = Smart Tanning
Indoor tanning eliminates the "guesswork" of tanning outdoors and is easy, convenient and private. Ideally, indoor tanning is supervised by a trained professional helping you achieve the desired color you want, reminding you to wear protective eyewear (goggles), encouraging and recommending lotions before and after tanning and helping you avoid over-exposure. And hint, hint: according to poll most tanners tan in the nude to avoid tan lines!
Is Indoor Tanning the same as tanning outside in the sun?
Your skin produces a tan the same way in an indoor tanning salon as it does when you lay out in the sun: through ultraviolet (UV) light. However, out in the sun, you cannot control the amount of UV light exposure and trying to achieve an all-over even-body tan is very difficult. Indoor tanning allows you to control the amount of UV light, for all all-over even tan. With indoor tanning you can gradually increase your exposure time eliminating any sunburn, which is harmful to the skin. Indoor tanning technology includes an exposure schedule that factors in individual skin type and appropriate time exposure.
With convenient indoor tanning you can tan at any time and aren't limited to daylight hours or weather conditions.
With private indoor tanning you can tan in the nude or partially nude to eliminate tan lines. You can help ensure that you won't get sunburn when following an appropriate time exposure. Outdoor sun exposure is an uncontrollable environment as no one can control the sun.
Outdoor exposure varies in intensity depending on such factors as altitude, cloud cover, air pollutants, reflective surfaces, times of day, time of year, and proximity to the equator.
The controlled environment and the ability to time your UV exposure to the minute makes burning less likely with a tanning bed than with outdoor sun exposure.
When I tan outdoors I always burn, will I be able to tan indoors and achieve a real tan?
It may be easier to get the desired color by tanning indoors. Begin with a short exposure time and increase it very gradually. A tanning professional can help you determine the best exposure time for your skin type. However, if you NEVER tan from the sun, you will not tan from tanning lamps, as they imitate the sun.
What should I wear when going tanning indoors?
You can tan in your bathing suit, underwear, or if you prefer a more "natural" approach, you can tan semi-nude or nude. Being in a private room while tanning, unlike at the beach or pool, you can wear whatever you like. Please be aware of exposing sensitive body parts that are not normally exposed to light. It is highly recommended that sensitive body parts be gradually exposed to prevent overexposure. It is also recommended to cover up a previously unexposed part of the body for part of your tanning time, so it can catch up safely with the rest of your tan. The only required attire is eye protection because your eyelids, even when they are closed, aren't enough protection and light can cause temporary and permanent damage to them.
Do I have to wear eye protection while tanning?
Eyewear protection is required by law. Your eyelids aren't thick enough to provide protection and do not effectively block light while tanning. Approved eye protection is required to ensure you won't have any ill effects such as reduced color vision or night blindness.
Can tanning cause wrinkles?
Maybe, however, your skin will wrinkle if you don't tan. Age, Diet, Genetics, certain behaviors (smoking cigarettes) and environmental pollution can wrinkle your skin just as much as moderate sun tanning. Overexposure, not moderate exposure, can cause the skin to wrinkle and therefore, it is advised to avoid overexposure. Also the usage of a tanning lotion will help your skin maintain its elasticity as well as prevent it from losing any nutrients and becoming dehydrated during your tanning session. This will in turn help prevent from wrinkling your skin.
Can indoor tanning cure acne?
Phototherapy (use of UV light) has been used in treating the skin problems of this condition. Tanning dries the skin and this can help keep acne outbreaks to a minimum in acute cases and can help eliminate outbreaks in mild cases. There are also many drugs, including tetracycline and Retin-A, which are also used for the treatment of acne and because these drugs can render the skin photosensitive, one must avoid UV exposure or take extreme care when medicated. The use of UV light for acne treatment should only be administered by a qualified physician. The Food and Drug Administration prohibits indoor tanning equipment operators from asserting that UV light is beneficial for any purpose other than cosmetic coloring.
What causes White Spots?
Tinea Versicolor, a skin condition, caused by a microscopic fungus from the scalp, falls onto arms, shoulders, and other body parts and leaves bleached-looking areas on the skin, which can spread. It is treatable with topical aids such as leaving the active ingredient in Selsun Blue dandruff shampoo on for 10 minutes for mild cases and for more resistant conditions, your doctor may prescribe pills for treatment. Since tinea versicolor covers skin cells and acts as a sun screen with high SPF factor, the affected areas must be protected from further ultraviolet light exposure until those bleached areas have begun developing melanin again.
Will tanning affect my tattoo?
Yes! Tattoos should be covered with a strong sun block as UV light can cause colors to fade. Tattoo sticks, available at the store, are perfect for preserving the life of your tattoo and contains SPF 30.
Can I tan while I am pregnant?
UV light penetrates less than 2mm into the skin layer and CANNOT reach the internal organs. However, the main concern with pregnant women tanning is heat exposure. It is suggested that the pregnant mother receive a consultation from a Boca Tanning Club professional when considering tanning.
NOTE: Laundry and Tan Express requires written verification of a doctor's permission to use tanning equipment during the pregnancy and also reserves the right to refuse tanning to pregnant mothers on a case by case basis.
How often should I tan?
To build an awesome tan, tan regularly. Allowing too much time between visits will cause your tan to fade. You can tan up to once every 24 hours; however it's recommended that you allow 48 hours in between each session to permit your tan to fully develop in between visits. Once you have a base, maintaining your tan will vary from individual to individual based on skin type. To help prolong the life of your tan, make sure to keep your skin moisturized with a high quality especially formulated-for-tanning lotion.
How long does it take to get a tan?
You'll notice results after your very first session. To build a base tan most people need 3-5 sessions to get the color desired. If you need an instant tan, you should consider Spray-on Tanning or for the fastest tan a combination of regular tanning equipment and spray-on. Going on a vacation? Tan before you go and allow a few weeks of tanning prior to your trip. We recommend using a specially formulated lotion to increase your tanning potential and keep your skin feeling healthy and soft.
What can I do to make my tan last longer?
MOISTURIZE! MOISTURIZE! MOISTURIZE! Using a high quality specially formulated tanning moisturizer will help replenish vitamins and nutrients, keeping your skin smooth and younger looking while helping you maintain that deep dark tan you love. Remember properly moisturized skin TANS FASTER, TANS DARKER, and STAYS TANNED LONGER!!!
How long can my tanning session be on my first visit?
Your first session length will depend upon your skin tone and type, and your tanning professional will ask you to fill out a skin analysis to help determine your skin type. Also taken into consideration is how long it has been since you last tanned. The maximum exposure time for first time tanners is limited to no more than 10 minutes.
I am really in a hurry can I tan more than once in a day?
Color takes up to 24 hours to develop as your skin produces your tan. Accordingly, the FDA prohibits tanning more frequently than once per 24 hours because you could unintentionally sun burn yourself. There is no such limitation for spray booth tans AND spray booth tanning IS allowed on the same day as a traditional tanning session.
I am tanning but my legs aren't getting as dark as the rest of my body, why?
The skin on your legs is thicker than other parts of your body and when you shave your legs you are mechanically exfoliating the uppermost skin cells and part of your tan. You should consult one our salon's employees to find out what kind of product they carry that specializes in tanning legs.
Do I have to remove my contact lenses when tanning?
Always wear proper sunlamp goggles. Most people have no trouble whatsoever leaving their contact lenses in while tanning indoors however; it is recommended to remove your contact lenses because heat from the sunlamps may cause dryness and mild to moderate discomfort for some contact lens wearers.
When should I NOT tan?
When you are taking photosensitizing medication it is not recommended to tan outdoors or indoors. If you aren't sure, ask your doctor, or ask a tanning consultant at your tanning facility to see a list of these medications, which can greatly increase the risk of overexposure. A partial list, by no means inclusive, appears below. You should also avoid tanning if you are pregnant, due to the heat, unless your doctor approves it. The concern is that tanning while pregnant may tend to increase body temperature which may be harmful to the unborn baby. Ultraviolet radiation from tanning equipment does not affect tissues below the surface of the skin, including a developing, unborn baby. Since medical professionals do not know how pregnancy is affected by the heat generated by tanning equipment we do allow pregnant women to tan with a written permission from a doctor.
Many common medications and even ingredients in food, shampoos & soaps can cause photo sensitivity which may lead to overexposure. If you are taking prescription medications please check with your physician regarding possible photo sensitivity. Perfumes and colognes containing Furocoumarins, compound from natural products such as plants and fruits. Their natural oils can cause your skin to become highly sensitive to UV light. Food and fruits that contain photosensitizing agents: celery, carrots, lime, coriander, parsley, fennel, dill, buttercup, mustard and fig. Not everyone will experience a photosensitive reaction. Also, someone who experiences a photosensitive reaction once will NOT necessarily experience it again or every time.
Medications will NOT cause the same degree of skin reaction in all individuals.
How long will my tan last?
Your tan should last between five to seven days, depending on your skin type. Just like a tan from the sun, it will gradually fade as your skin exfoliates. It also depends on how hydrated your skin is.
What is a recommended exposure schedule?
A recommended exposure schedule will be suggested to you by your tanning professional at your initial visit. This will allow a tan to develop gradually without the adverse effects associated with over exposure. Attempts to accelerate the tanning process or try longer than recommended sessions may result in negative results and limit the tanning process. It is extremely important for your satisfaction that you inform our staff members of the results that you are hoping to achieve so they can advise you on an appropriate schedule for your skin type.
What is a tanning plateau?
Some people, after tanning for a while, will reach a point where they hit what is commonly known as a Tanning Plateau were there skin seems not to be getting any darker. The Tanning Plateau can be overcome by using a range of tanning equipment with varying UVB/UVA ratios to stimulate different levels within the skin. For some tanners this may even mean stepping down a level for a few tans to see results.