Is tanning safe?

Indoor UV tanning provides the same benefits and risks as outdoor tanning. Both feel good and can improve your appearance; both also call for moderation and proper skin care. Indoor tanning, however, provides a more reliable, controllable exposure of UVA & UVB tanning rays. Each tanning bed or stand-up is regulated by the Federal Drug Administration and rated for maximum exposure time. In addition, Tan’n Time employees are Smart Tan Certified to recommend the best, most responsible way to get the result you’re looking for.

Wherever you tan – at Tan’n Time, another salon or in the great outdoors – keep in mind the Golden Rule of Smart Tanning: Never burn. Sunburn does not turn into tan, it actually keeps your body from tanning while exposing you to increased risk. It’s always better to build up your tan – your body’s natural defense against UV overexposure – slowly, safely and in moderation.

For additional information from the International Smart Tan Network go to www.tanningtruth.org.

Those of you who are unable to tan outdoors or are concerned about UV exposure will love our UV-free spray tanning in the incredible, new VersaSpa®. (See info on UV-free tanning below.)

How does UV tanning work?

Two types of light rays are emitted by the sun and UV tanning equipment that work together to get you tan.

UVA rays are mainly browning rays that turn the melanin in your skin from pink to brown. This reaction is the body’s natural protection from the sun. UV-A rays penetrate a little deeper into the skin than UV-B rays, are less likely to burn you, and take a few hours longer to produce their full result.

UVB are the “activation rays” that stimulate your skin’s melanocyte cells to bring more melanin to the surface. UV-B rays penetrate less deeply, provide a slightly quicker effect, and add a natural glow to skin color.

While top equipment provides higher UV-A percentages, a little UV-B is important in maximizing your tan.

Do I really NEED eye protection?

Absolutely!!! Our eyelids have ZERO ability to block UV light, UV light is damaging to the eye. The FDA requires that tanners wear the correct protective eye wear during their entire tanning session. Eyewear must be shown before each tanning session. Eyewear is available to purchase at Tan’n Time.

Why should I use indoor tanning lotions?

Indoor tanning lotions add nutrients your body needs to produce melanin. Our line of quality accelerators and bronzers contain vitamins A, C, E, and botanicals that moisturize and increase blood flow, thus increasing oxygenation of melanin cells to help speed up the tanning process. UV rays reflect off of dry skin, the moisturizers in tanning accelerators help you absorb UV rays for better results. You will tan about twice as fast and keep your tan twice as long.

Is it okay for pregnant women to tan indoors?

While there is not current scientific evidence that expectant mothers cannot tan, this is something that needs to be discussed with your physician beforehand. There are some researchers that believe that the increased production of vitamin D that is produced by exposure to UVB may be beneficial to both the mother and the fetus. But you must also consider the possibility of increased body temperature, which does occur when tanning indoors, just as it does when taking a bath or using a Jacuzzi. Please make sure to discuss this thoroughly with your doctor prior to tanning.

Why should I tan all year long?

Sunlight Has Benefits! People are often confused about tanning. It’s not surprising. Some doctors, even dermatologists, are confused or misinformed. The truth is that a sunburn (or erythema) is your skin’s worst enemy. Sunburn is an injury to your skin caused by uncontrolled overexposure to ultraviolet light (outdoor sunlight). This injury doesn’t turn into a tan.

That’s why tanning in an indoor, controlled environment is so much better. It allows you to control exactly what kind of light and how much of it your skin receives. It also allows you to eliminate many environmental variables that can’t possibly be controlled outdoors.

What’s even better? There is proven, scientific research to show that controlled UV exposure received in a non-burning fashion outweighs the risks. Here’s the research to prove why:

• Tanning beds with UVA and UVB are good sources of Vitamin D (The Lancet Medical Journal). Sunlight is the only reliable source of Vitamin D and provides the requirements for most of the world’s population (Boston University).
• Vitamin D produced from controlled UV exposure is activated in the body by the liver, kidneys, breasts, ovaries, colon and prostate. The activated form tells your cells to grow properly, thereby helping inhibit cancer growth (Dr. Michael Holick, Boston University).
• Regular exposure to controlled UV light treats osteoporosis and osteomalacia (Journal of Gatroneurology).
• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), with symptoms such as sadness, insomnia and carbohydrate cravings, is most common in northern areas where exposure to sunlight in the winter months is significantly decreased (National Institute of Mental Health).
• Exposure to controlled UV light increases the body’s ability to metabolize cholesterol, leading to a 13% decrease in blood cholesterol levels (New England Journal of Medicine).
• Studies indicate that exposure to controlled UV light may have similar effects as exercise: a decrease in blood pressure, a lower resting heart rate, and a 39% increase in the heart’s output of blood (University of Frankfurt, Germany).
• Reports from the National Psoriasis Foundation indicate that 80% of those suffering from this skin disease improve when they are exposed to controlled UV light.
• Ten minutes of exposure to controlled UV light one to three times a week has been demonstrated to reduce the frequency of colds up to 40.3% (Dr. Z. Kime, Sunlight, World Health Publications).