Tanning Guides

Whether you’ve used a tanning bed or are considering doing so there are many questions about indoor tanning that are frequently asked. Find the answers right here.

1. Who decides the maximum exposure time per session?
The time is determined by the FDA based on the intensity of the lamps in the bed. The salon then follows that schedule and also take into consideration your skin type and tanning history to come up with the optimum tanning time for you.

2. How fast to see a tan?
Some skin types will see a change in just two or three sessions but on average it take about 10 consecutive sessions to see a change. Then only a couple of sessions a week will maintain your tan. The amount of melanin in your skin determines how fast you tan. Fair skinned tend to have less melanin and tan slower than darker complexions.

3. Is indoor tanning as effective as the sun?
Yes and it can also be healthier because it blocks out the harmful UV rays. This means that you can get a healthy tan all year round without being dependant on the sun coming out.

4. What tanning lotions to use?
Never use lotions designed for outdoors indoors. There’s a couple of reasons. They cause a film on the acrylic which reduces the effects of the lamps and they also aren’t made to get the most out of the indoor tanning bulbs. Indoor lotions are engineered to give you the maximum results.

5. Can I burn with a base tan?
You can always burn if you overexpose yourself to the natural sun or a tanning lamp. However the base tan reduces the risk of that burn occurring to some degree.

6. I have trouble tanning outside will indoors be better?
About 5% of the population lacks pigment and is unable to tan whether it is indoors or outdoors. The tanning process is relatively the same in either scenario. If you tan slowly outdoors you’ll tan slower indoors too.

7. What to wear?
That is entirely up to you. You can wear your swimsuit which will match your beach tan lines. You can also tan nude but remember those areas are not use to exposure to UV rays so they’ll be more sensitive. They’ll tan slower but they’ll also burn a lot faster. Reduce your exposure to a third of your session time.

8. Will my hair lighten?
Think of the tanning bed as your bottle sunshine. If your hair lightens in the natural sun then it will lighten in the bed as well. If you do not wish for it to lighten cover it with a towel.

9. How long is the session?
Depending on the FDA regulations on that particular bed, your skin type, your current tan, and your history a tanning session can be anywhere from 5 minutes to 30 minutes.

10. Which indoor beds are best?
That’s a personal preference however beds to range from beginner to pro so you should choose a bed appropriate to your tan level and your skin type.

There are also some guidelines you should follow when tanning indoors.

1. To avoid damaging your skin and developing a serious rash or burn never tan in one long session nor more than once a day.

2. Some medications are sensitive to UV light and may cause you to develop a rash. Check with your doctor before tanning.

3. If you have any type of skin problems check with your doctor.

4. If you have any medical conditions check with your doctor.

5. Do not wear perfume or cosmetics in your session as they can make your skin photosensitive.

6. Use tanning products designed for indoor tanning.

7. Always wear protective goggles when tanning as the UV rays can permanently damage your eyes.

8. If you are pregnant or nursing check with your doctor.

Now that we’ve answered the most common questions you should be better prepared to decide if indoor tanning is really for you.