Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is the Tanning Process?

A. The tanning process is the skins natural reaction to ultraviolet exposure that occurs in both long term events and short term events. Tanning is your skins natural defense mechanism and protection against burning. Tanning takes place in the skin's outermost layer, the epidermis. When the melancytes in your epidermis are exposed to ultraviolet "B" light (UVB-short wave ultraviolet), melanocytes produce melanin (the pigment which is ultimately responsible for your tan. Also, visit www.tanningtruth.com

Q. Are there gudelines to follow when tanning?

A. YES! Please abserve the following precautions:

1. Some medications can increase one`s sensitivity to uv light, we call this photosensitivity and precautions must be taken. Many prescription and non-prescription drugs contain photosensitizing agents that can cause sunburn, blistering, hives, rash or other skin reactions. These reactions are classified as either photoallergic or phototoxic.You should consult with your physician before tanning if you are taking medication. Photsensitivity list
2. A tan should always be optained gradually and in incremental doses. Never tan more then once every 24 hours.
3. Do not apply any type of cosmetics or perfume before tanning, they can act as a photo sensitizer.
4. ALWAYS were protective eyewear while tanning, ultraviolet light penetrates the eyelids and the intense light can be harful to your eyes.
   SunBurn is the bodys warning that the skin has been overexposed to UV light. Do not ignore this warning. If one continues to expose sunburned skin to UV rays , the skins natural repair mechanism becomes overloaded and could lead to skin damage.
   

Q. Will burning first give me a darker better tan?

A. NO ! Burning causes damage to the surface layers of the skin. Many people say " my burn turns to tan " This myth is very dangerous , tanning and burning are two totally different processes. Burning leads to premature aging, sunspots, drying, flaking and peeling of the skin, and should be avoided at all cost! A burn may heal and disappear at the same time a tan is developing , giving you the appearance that your burn is turning tan. Your actually causing damage to your skin, repeated damage could lead to some forms of skin caner. The tanning process is not something that can be rushed. It may seem like nothing happened, but it can take up to 48 hrs for melanogenisis to begin. Adjust your session slowly till you reached your desired color. Remember everyone is different, and while building a base tan 48 hrs is the recommended time between sessions.

Q. What is sunburn?

A. Sunburn is an inflammation of the skin that is caused by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. A similar burn can follow overexposure to a "sun" (tanning) lamp. UV radiation can also damage the eyes, although no surface burn is apparent. Please ask a tanning professional how many minutes your skin type can handle.

Q. Can tanning bake your internal organs?

A. NO ! UV light from a sun bed is similar to UV light from the sun, and cannot penetrate deeper than the skin to harm internal organs.

Q. Why does a Tan Disappear?

A. A Tan is a pigmentation process that occurs in the epidermis (top layer of the skin). Everyone's skin naturally exfoliates. The epidermis replaces skin cells usually every 28 days. There for, to maintain a tan it requires repeated exposure to UV light. We suggest you build a base tan and maintain it in one of our higher end beds. 1 to 2 times a week.

Q. What causes white spots?

A. These white spots are not from a dirty tanning bed. White spots are usually caused by a skin condition that effects tanners called Tinea Versicolor, a microscopic fungus from the scalp. White spots are treatable and should avoid ultraviolet light exposure until those areas have begun developing melanin again. Use special shampoo, or cream found at your local tanning center. There a several reasons why white spots become noticeable on the body when tanning.

1. When patches of the skin do not tan its because of Melanocytes in that certain area may simply not be producing enough melanin.
2. Birth control pills and some other medications can cause blotches and uneven pigmentation of the skin when exposed to UV light.
3. White spots could also be appear due to fungus which lives on the skins surface, once again this is harmless. It can be remedied through the use of a special shampoo or cream found in most tanning salons.
4. Pressure points are white patches of the skin. These patches are usually found on the shoulder blades, and just above the buttocks. These patches are caused from the pressure of the body as it reclines on the hard surface. The pressure inhibits blood flow through that area of the skin. This area will not tan because blood carries oxygen and is essential to the tanning process. To make these white patches disappear try shifting your body during your tanning session.

Q. Can i use outdoor oils and lotions in tanning unit?

A. Outdoor Products should ONLY be used outdoors! This is why it says outdoor. Solar Escape does not allow the use of outdoor lotions. It inhibits the tanning process, rather then acting as an amplifying agent. By using an indoor lotion, you will be amazed at the quicker, darker, more long lasting results. They will increase your Tanning Results by 30% and contain ingredients that produce melanin in the skin, amplify UV light and contain skin conditioners that restore lost nutrients during the tanning process. Ask a tanning professional how to assist you with an indoor lotion.