

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 built
up gradually, following the exposure schedule.
What should I wear while tanning?
Some people wear their Bathing Suits. Most people however, tan in the nude. If you tan naked areas not normally
exposed may be sensitive, especially when building your base. You should cover these areas for a portion of your
session and allow gradual exposure. You should remember to remove all objects, including jewelry, that will cause
unwanted tan lines, and could scratch the acrylic.
Why does a tan fade?
Cells in the epidermis' germinative layer (also called the living epidermis) are constantly reproducing and pushing older
cells upward toward the horny layer (dead epidermis), where they are sloughed off in about one month. As your skin
replaces its cells, the cells laden with melanin are removed. So the tanning process must continue with the new cells.
High doses of UVB can irritate the skin and accelerate the normal process, which is why when tanning outdoors and
in some conventional low-pressure tanning bed your tan fades so quickly.
Is Indoor Tanning the same as tanning outdoors?
The key difference between indoor and outdoor sun exposure is that indoor tanning takes place in a highly controlled
environment-the lamp's light spectrum produces a consistent and controlled amount of ultraviolet light. Unlike outdoor
sun, you always know how much ultraviolet light you receive.
The tanning process and the energy produced from indoor and outdoor tanning are the same, but the light spectra are
different. In most U.S. made equipment, indoor tanning relies on lamps that emulate a light spectrum similar to that of
the sun.
Other benefits that differentiate indoor tanning from outdoor exposure are convenience, privacy, relaxation, and control
of environment (i.e. elimination of the dust, chemicals, and other particles present in the outdoor air.) Indoor tanning
eliminates variables such as season, time of day, reflection, and atmospheric conditions. Another difference between
indoor and outdoor tanning is that indoor exposure programs can be tailored to individual needs with regard to skin
type and previous exposure experience.
Can the UV rays from indoor tanning lamps 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.
Is it harmful to wear contact lenses when tanning indoors?
There exists no known reason 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 eyedrops recommended by
his/her optometrist.
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 that 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 ARREST topical
lotion sold at the front counter.
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, a qualified
physician should only administer the use of UV light for acne treatment.
Can indoor tanning equipment be used to treat psoriasis?
Phototherapy (or UV light treatment) can be used to ease the symptoms of psoriasis. A trained physician renders the
treatment with equipment specifically designed for such a purpose. Many salon operators report that customers who
suffer mild forms of psoriasis improve after indoor tanning.
May 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, that 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.
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-syndrome Seasonal Affective Disorder (SSAD).
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How well do tanning lotions really work?
Lotions that have been created for indoor tanning help you tan faster, replace and
maintain moisture. Many lotions help to reduce and combat the signs of aging. By
supplying your skin with needed vitamins, minerals, amino acids and moisture these
lotions can help you tan faster than using no lotion at all. By using these lotions you
can tan faster in less sessions with less UV exposure.