Frequently
Asked Questions
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? 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 an 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: What is a Tingle 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. Why tan indoors? We know that outdoors we are exposed to a wide range of the sun's UV light, including the most intense rays. Indoor tanning systems do NOT utilize these potentially harmful rays. Tanning indoors also eliminates many environmental factors that are present outdoors, allowing us to carefully control each client's UV exposure and reduce the risk of sunburn. The design of the tanning system allows the UV light to reach all parts of your body for an even tan. The indoor tanning industry is at the forefront in educating the public about how to successfully avoid sunburn over the course of one's life. In fact, studies have consistently shown that indoor tanners, once they begin tanning in a professional salon, are up to 81% less likely to sunburn than they were before they started tanning indoors. 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 so 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. 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. 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). Is it safe for pregnant women to 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. Last revised: Date February 2006 |
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