Solarium

Solarium tanning involves lying in an enclosure that surrounds you with ultraviolet light. It is UV light that causes the skin to tan. However, over-exposure to UV light also causes skin cancer. Some experts recommend exposure to a certain amount of UV for therapeutic purposes, for skin conditions such as acne, for example.

Solarium FAQ

Is indoor tanning the same as tanning outside in the sun?
When you tan at an indoor tanning facility, your skin produces a tan the same way it does when you lay out in the sun: through ultraviolet (UV) light. There is one important difference, though. When you are out in the sun, you cannot control the amount of UV light you are exposed to, because it is affected by changes in the atmosphere. Indoor tanning is one way to regulate the amount of UV light you are exposed to, because it is a controlled environment. You can gradually increase your exposure time to make sure you don't get a sunburn, which is harmful to the skin.

How do the beds and booths work?
Tanning beds and booths basically imitate the sun. The sun emits three kinds of UV rays (the ones that make you tan). UV-C has the shortest wavelength of the three, and is also the most harmful. The sun emits UV-C light, but then it's absorbed by the ozone layer and pollution. Tanning lamps filter out this type of UV light. UV-B, the middle wavelength, starts the tanning process, but overexposure can cause sunburn. UV-A has the longest wavelength, and it completes the tanning process. Tanning lamps use the best ratio of UV-B and UV-A light to provide optimal tanning results, with a lowered risk of overexposure.

What is VHR Tanning?
VHR (Very High Output Reflector) tanning utilizes florescent lamps with up to 80% more power than those used in base beds. One side of the lamp is coated with a reflector to direct all the UV rays back onto the tanner. Although the lamps are more powerful, they have less UVB (the burning ray), making sunburn less likely. The more powerful lamp combined with the larger size of the VHR tanning systems allows for much shorter session times.

What is High-Pressure Tanning?
High-Pressure tanning utilizes very small lamps that produce up to 20 times the power of those used in base beds. These extremely powerful lamps emit less than 1% UVB making sunburn highly unlikely. While VHR systems often use these lamps for facials, high-pressure tanning systems feature full body coverage. These luxurious systems will let you achieve an incredibly deep, dark tan in only 3 short sessions.

How often should I tan?
Tanning everyday is not recommended. You should only expose yourself to ultraviolet light once every 48 hours to limit your chances of overexposure. Your skin needs time to recuperate and rejuvenate itself in between tanning sessions. Tanning a few times a week, spacing each session out properly, will establish your tan more quickly.

How long will it take for me to get tan?
This will depend on your skin type, the tanning system you use, and whether or not you are using a tanning accelerating lotion. Generally, if you use a good lotion, start the tanning process slowly, and gradually increase your tanning time, within a few weeks you should have a nice base tan.

What should I wear?
It's totally up to you. (But long pants and sweaters aren't recommended for good results!) Some people choose to tan in their bathing suits or underwear, and others prefer a more "natural" approach. The only thing required is that you do wear eye protection every time you tan, because eyes are unable to protect themselves from UV light, even when they are closed, and the light can cause temporary and permanent damage to them.

Can I tan when I'm pregnant?
No you may not tan while you are pregnant. Although UV light will never penetrate your skin to harm your child, heat overload is not recommended during gestation. Please inform your tanning consultant if you become pregnant.

Why is moisturized skin important for a tan?
Healthy, moist skin will tan quicker, get darker and keep its tanned appearance longer because the melanin is produced rapidly and the skin also will not exfoliate as quickly when it is properly moisturized.

What should I ask when shopping for a place to tan?
There is one very important question to ask of a tanning facility to be sure it will meet your needs. What you need to know, obviously, is if you will get the best tan for your money. This isn't just based on the prices, though. Be sure you don't settle for a cheap tanning session that doesn't give you results.