Why should I tan?

Sunlight is absolutely essential to all life on earth. There are various reasons, both biological and psychological, why exposure to light is desirable. In addition, many people believe they look better with a tan. Thus, having a tan may provide a psychological uplift for some.

How does the tanning process happen?

Tanning takes place in the skin's outermost layer, the epidermis. About five percent of the cells in your epidermis are special cells call melanocytes. When exposed to ultraviolet B light (short wave ultraviolet), melanocytes produce melanin - the pigment which is ultimately responsible for your tan. The pinkish melanin travels up through the epidermis and is absorbed by other skin cells. When exposed to ultraviolet A light (longer wave), the melanin oxidizes or darkens. This darkening is your skin's way of protecting itself against too much UV light. Everyone has the same number of melanocytes in their body - about five million. But your heredity dictates how much melanin your body's melanocytes naturally will produce. For example, the skin of African Americans contains enough melanin to create a black or brown skin color, while the skin of Caucasians has less melanin and is pale. In order to most effectively avoid overexposure, a tan should be acquired gradually, according to the guidelines prescribed by your salon professional. A sunburn, or  erythema, occurs when too much ultraviolet light reaches the skin and disrupts the tiny blood vessels near the skin's surface.

Why does a tan fade and go away?

The "tan," or pigmentation process, occurs in the epidermis, the top skin layer. The epidermis replaces all its skin cells every 28-30 days. Cells in the inner portion of the top skin layer divide themselves, migrate to the surface, gradually die and slough off. Skin cells contain melanin, and as a result of UV exposure, rise to the surface and flake off. Therefore, a tan can be maintained only by repeated exposure to UV light.

How often is a person allowed to tan?

Since 1986, the Food and Drug Administration guidelines suggest that a 48 hour should pass between tanning sessions. Pigmentation and/or erythema (sunburn) may not be fully visible for between 12-24 hours. Thus two tanning sessions within this 24 hour period could cause an unintentional burn. In general, maximum pigmentation can be build up gradually, following the exposure schedule, in 8-10 tanning sessions.

Why should I use a indoor tanning lotion?

Well cared for skin tans quicker, darker, and stays tan longer than neglected skin. A lotion will help enhance and maintain your tan longer. Here are three ways it helps.

Hydration

It is necessary that skin be hydrated sufficiently to reach and maintain the desired tan. Dry, neglected skin will actually reflect UV light, not allowing it to tan underneath. In addition, neglected skin exfoliates faster, causing the tan to fade quicker. Lotions use blends of botanical oils that moisturize deep into the skin. These replenishing oils keep skin soft and supple, which keeps it looking young.

Nutrition

The natural vitamins in lotions are fundamental to the skin's appearance and to its ability to tan. Along with their hydrating properties, these vitamins replenish the necessary nutrition to skin cells, promoting cell regeneration. They also are the catalysts which allow oxygenation to occur below the skin's surface.

Oxygenation

The benefits of oxygen are enormous: it fuels all skin cell functions. More specifically, it accelerates the tanning process.

What is a Tingle indoor tanning lotion??

A lotion which stimulates microcirculation. The bringing of blood and oxygen to the tiny blood vessels near the skin's surface. The higher the Tingle Factor, the more intense the tingling, and the more advanced the tanning results In order to become accustomed to the tingling sensation, it is recommended that tanning clients advance through each Tingle Factor level, beginning with Tingle Factor 0 and progressing through succeeding Tingle Factors 1, 2, 3, and so on.

What is the difference between a High Pressure tanning bed and a Regular Pressure tanning bed??

A high-pressure bed is composed of high wattage lamps which produce UV A rays. A regular- pressure bed is composed of lower wattage bulbs which produce UV B rays. UVA and UVB are both forms of ultraviolet light emitted by the sun. While both are involved in obtaining a tan, they each penetrate your skin to cause different reactions. While UVB is a necessary ingredient for acquiring a tan it stimulates melanocytes in your skin to produce melanin while UVA darkens the melanin, forming a tan. UV A penetrates and tans the second layer of your skin, UV B tans the top layer of your skin. It is recommended that you use a combination of High pressure and Regular pressure tanning sessions to achieve a dark long lasting tan.

Do I have to wear protection when tanning indoors??

Yes! Eyewear protects your eyes from potentially harmful ultraviolet light. Your eyelids will not tan, they will burn easily. Ultraviolet damage is to your eyes is cumulative. Closing your eyes will not protect them from potential ultraviolet damage

Is it harmful to wear contact lenses when tanning indoors??

There exists no known why contact lenses may not be worn while tanning indoors. When the eyes are kept closed and proper protective eyewear worn, UV light is blocked from penetrating the eye or lens. However, the heat generated by indoor tanning equipment could cause the eye to dry a bit, thereby making the lens uncomfortable. Just as one should moisturize the skin after tanning, contact lens wearers may also use the eye drops recommended by his/her optometrist.

Why do some dermatologists warn people against sun exposure??

While some dermatologists may advocate total avoidance of all sun exposure, the media seems to quote only those who do. Many dermatologists and others from the medical community have acknowledged the need for moderate sun exposure, while advocating the use of sunscreens.

Can the UV rays emitted by indoor tanning lamps pass through the skin and affect internal organs?

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.

Why do some people itch after tanning?

Itching and/or rashes may be linked to several unrelated causes, so it is important to obtain a tanning history on each customer. Some people are naturally photosensitive upon exposure to UV. Others are susceptible to heat rashes, a cause totally unrelated to UV light. Certain chemicals or ingredients found in cosmetics, lotions, shampoos, and even the acrylic cleaner may cause itching as well. Rashes caused by these products generally occur in localized areas on which the products were applied. Customers should be advised to tan with the skin as clean as possible. If discontinued use of a suspected product does not inhibit the rash, a person should discontinue any exposure to UV light until the condition subsides or see a physician.

What causes white spots?

There are several reasons why white spots become noticeable on the body once the tanning process begins. Patches of skin which do not tan could be the result of genetic determination. The melanocytes in that certain area may simply not be efficient at producing melanin. White spots could also appear due to the presence of a fungus which lives on the skin's surface. While the fungus is harmless, it does absorb UV light which would normally penetrate the skin. This fungus did not appear as a result of tanning; it merely becomes noticeable once tanning occurs. It can be remedied through the use of prescription drugs or some other topical lotions.

Can indoor tanning cure acne?

Phototherapy (or use of UV light) has been effective in easing the skin problems common to this condition. There are also many drugs, including tetracycline and Retin-A, which are also widely used for treatment of acne. Because these drugs can render the skin photosensitive, one must avoid UV exposure when medicated. Furthermore, 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 equipment use is beneficial for any purpose other than obtaining cosmetic coloring.

 Does tanning cause melanoma (a fatal form of skin cancer)?

There is no conclusive evidence which substantiates that malignant melanoma is caused by gradual, moderate UV exposure. However, those who are predisposed to develop melanoma due to hereditary factors may intensify this condition with exposure to indoor or outdoor UV. While some studies have suggested a link between severe sunburn and malignant melanoma, there are other studies available that prove an inverse relationship. In a study published in the International Journal of Cancer in 1989 (known as the Western Canada Melanoma Study), Canadian researchers found a significant inverse association between melanoma and chronic or long-term occupational sun exposure in men, with the lowest risk in those with maximum occupational exposure. This may suggest that repeated exposure can be protective. Gradual, moderate exposure is not believed to be a strong influential factor as melanoma generally develops on those areas not normally exposed to UV light.

Is it possible to contract aids or other sexually transmitted diseases from indoor tanning equipment?

The passing on of some sexually transmitted diseases requires the exchange of bodily fluids from one person to another. This exchange does not take place by using indoor tanning equipment. However, this does not mean that other infectious conditions cannot be passed on by us of unsanitary equipment and protective eyewear. Therefore, it is absolutely essential that both the acrylic and reusable protective eyewear be sanitized with the appropriate disinfectant after each use.

Does tanning help treat depression or Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)?

There exists a growing body of scientific evidence which indicates that some people actually require more light exposure in order to function properly. Exposure to bright light, such as that emitted by the mid-day summer sun, causes the brain to suppress the release of the hormone melatonin. Melatonin acts as a depressant in the body if generated during the daytime. Thus, when affected people are exposed to longer hours of bright light, they feel happier, euphoric and more able to enjoy life. Bright light sources emitting only visible light, are now frequently used to successfully treat Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and Sub-syndromal Seasonal Affective Disorder (SSAD).

Can indoor tanning equipment be used to treat psoriasis?

The FDA and the Federal Trade Commission forbid making representations regarding the benefits of indoor tanning other than its cosmetic effect. Therefore, one may not make medical claims about indoor tanning equipment.

However, phototherapy (or UV light treatment) can be used to ease the symptoms of psoriasis. The treatment is rendered by a trained physician with equipment specifically designed for such a purpose.

Many salon operators report that customers who suffer mild forms of psoriasis improve after indoor tanning, and many psoriatics do purchase indoor tanning beds.

Is it safe for pregnant women tan indoors?

There is no current scientific and/or biological reason why a pregnant woman cannot tan indoors or outdoors. In fact, some researchers believe the productions of vitamin D caused by exposure to UVB may be beneficial to both the mother and fetus. However, there is some concern that the heat build-up which inevitably occurs when tanning indoors and outdoors may adversely affect some pregnant women, just as a sauna or Jacuzzi might. A pregnant woman may not be comfortable in the tanning equipment. Furthermore, for liability reasons, it is recommended that pregnant women consult their physician before tanning indoors or outdoors