• How does tanning work?

• Is indoor tanning the same as tanning outdoors in the sun?

• How long does it take to get a tan?

• How often should I tan?

• Why is it recommended that I wear eye protection when I tan?

• What are Bronzers?

• What are hot action/tingle lotions and what do they do to my skin?

• How does tanning work?

  Tanning beds use ultraviolet light (UV) to tan people. There are three types of UV- UVA, UVB and UVC. Tanning beds are designed to concentrate optimal levels of UVA, in conjunction with very low percentages of UVB, on the outermost layers of the skin so as to stimulate the production of Melanic pigment, which is slightly pink in it's dormant state, and cause it to turn brown after excretion. The more melanin cells that are present in the skin determines the amount of pigment that will be excreted and distributed, and therefore the extent of the tan. Tanning beds are designed to filter out UVC as this is a harmful type of UV.

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• Is indoor tanning the same as tanning outdoors in the sun?

  Yes and no. The process of tanning is the same- skin is tanned by ultraviolet (UV) light. The main difference, however, is that a person can not control the amount of UV light they are exposed to while outside due to changes in the earth's atmosphere. Also, the sun emits what is called UVC light which is the most harmful of all ultraviolet rays. Tanning beds filter this UVC light out.
  
  

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• How long does it take to get a tan?

  This depends upon the skin type of each individual person as well as the tanning equipment that they are using to develop their tan. While some may notice significant results in just a few sessions, it can take others several weeks of tanning three times a week to get their "base" tan. The output of the tanning equipment and the tanning lamps is also a factor.

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• How often should I tan?

  This is dependant upon each individual person's skin type. While some can tan once every 24 hours it is generally recommended that you wait at least 48 hours between tanning sessions.

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• Why is it recommended that I wear eye protection when I tan?

  This is because the human eye is susceptible to both temporary and permanent damage from UV exposure and is unable to protect itself from UV light- even when the eyes are closed.

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• What are Bronzers?

  Bronzers give your skin a natural looking color that develops in a few hours and continues to deepen after application. Bronzers contain a small percentage of self tanning agents that causes the outer layers of your skin to brown for 4-5 days. The two self tanning ingredients used in Tahiti Tan lotions are Dihydroxyacetone and Erythrulose. Both high quality cosmetic ingredients have been approved by the FDA to provide your skin with a safe and natural looking golden tan.

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• What are hot action/tingle lotions and what do they do to my skin?

  Hot action and tingle lotions cause a temporary red and flushed appearance to your skin. This action occurs from a combination of the two ingredients Methyl Nicotinate and Benzyl Nicotinate. These ingredients increase the microcirculation of the skin and increase your blood flow which in turn helps the skin's nutrients distribute throughout the skin. The sensation/flushed appearance lasts anywhere from 45 minutes to a few hours after applied.

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