Sun Splash -- Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions about Indoor Tanning

Sun Tanning FAQ

Why tan at Sun Splash Tans?

All tanning salons are NOT the same. The tanning results you get will vary wildly depending on the tanning equipment, the frequency of lamp changes, and just overall maintenance. We know there are many factors that go into your decision, such as how close the salon is to your home, how expensive they are, etc. We encourage you to NOT just go with the first salon you find, but to do a bit of homework and even visit several salons to see how clean the store is, how well the beds are maintained, how knowledgeable to the staff is, and how the experience is as a whole. Here are just a few reasons why you can expect only the best from Sun Splash tans.

  • Plans starting as low as $29.95 a month [more...]
  • Frequently changed lamps ensuring the best tan
  • Sun Splash is one of top 250 salons in nation [more...]
  • Free spray tans for cancer patients [more...]
  • Free tan for those with psoriasis [more...]
  • Can't make your appointment? No problem and no fee.

Is Indoor tanning safe?


 

This is an often disputed question with advocates and critics on both sides.  Anyone who has ever researched the issue has heard "there's no such thing as a safe tan." However, the sun is responsible for our very existence and through millions of years of evolution our bodies have evolved to intentionally tan. Avoiding the sun at all costs is like avoiding water because people drown in it.

Most of us tan for the beauty of it. However, there are many medical reasons as well, such as for vitamin D, mental health, and even physical health. According to Dr. Lewey, of the University of Oregon, exposure to controlled Ultraviolet rays has a positive psychological effect for most people. A sense of well being and lessening of depression are experienced by many. According to Dr. Zane Kime, author of "Sunlight Could Save Your Life", UV sun-tanning rays produce an effect similar to that of physical training, causing a measurable improvement in physical fitness.  Also, he says that "other benefits include: Decrease in blood sugar and blood pressure and an increase in endurance, energy, and strength. UV is known to elevate moods in people and kills pathogens and is linked to the reduction of at least 18 different forms of cancer" and by some estimates helps reduce 4 out of every 5 cancers.  Many studies have also shown a SIGNIFICANT reduction of colon, ovarian, and breast cancers among those that tan regularly. The fatality rates of colon and breast cancers are between 20-65 percent and claim 138,000 lives every year in the USA. Osteoporosis, a bone disease which is inhibited by regular sun exposure, affects 25 million Americans with 1.5 million osteoporosis patients suffering bone fractures per year, which can be fatal in elderly cases. Studies have shown that non-tanners sunburn more often than those that tan indoors. According to NBC's "Today Show" and the Associated Press, sun exposure prevents more forms of cancer than are caused by it. In short, there are many positive affects of the sun.

Despite the many good reason to tan, tanners should also be aware that there are some negative effects especially when overexposure (sunburn) occurs and according to the National Cancer Institute, approximately one-third of one percent (0.003) of Americans are told they have skin cancer each year. There are two types of skin cancer--melanoma and non-melanoma--with the most threatening being malignant melanoma. Melanoma, which is the most rare kind, is estimated to account for 75% of all skin cancer deaths, (roughly 7,600 deaths annually,) the majority of whom are fair-skinned men over 50 years of age and who worked indoors. However, melanoma most often appears on parts of the body that do not receive regular sun exposure and is more common in people who work indoors than in those who work outdoors and appears to be linked to hereditary. The conventional thinking is that people who are in the sun frequently are less-susceptible to sunburns--a leading cause to skin damage. This helps explain why outdoor workers aren't as likely to get melanoma.

Overall, those that tan (both indoors and outdoors) should realize that like most things in life, there are both positive and negative effects. Moderation and education are the keys to safer tanning.  Our goal at Sun Splash Tans is to minimize the negative effects of tanning through education and superior modern equipment while maximizing the positive to ensure the best possible experience.

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How much does tanning cost?

The cost varies based on the machine selected and the number of sessions desired. However, Sun Splash is pleased to offer the highest quality equipment at fair prices. A partial list of prices can be found on our Prices page. For a full list of current pricing, visit us today.

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What results should I expect when tanning (indoor or outdoor)?
Because we are all so wonderfully unique, we all tan very differently. Tanning potential varies significantly based on your ethnicity, hair color, and many other factors. To determine your tanning potential, Sun Splash has created an online Skin Type analyzer tool to get you started.  Call or visit us today for more assistance on determining your tanning potential.

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What is a tan?
A tan is the darkening of the outermost layer of skin (epidermal) from exposure to the sun or comparable ultraviolet (UV) light, which causes melanocytes to increase their production of melanin to the skin. When stimulated by the shorter waves of UVB light, the melanocytes produce melanin. The melanin then moves up through the epidermis and is absorbed by other skin cells. When exposed to the longer waves of UVA light, the melanin oxidized or darkens, producing a tan. In short, UVB synthesizes pigment, while UVA ensures their oxidation. Together, the two create a tan. The more melanin production, the darker the skin.

A tan is your body's way of creating is own natural SPF (sun protection factor.) Over thousands of years, those closer to the equator needed more protection from the intensity of the sun and thus evolved to continuously produce melanin resulting in darker skin. Those farther from such intensity found light skin was more efficient and evolved to only produce melanin when needed. Yet seasonal changes, such as hot summers, meant that the protection of darker skin was sometimes needed and thus the ability to tan developed.

A good tan for a normal Caucasian person is equal to about SPF 4, which means it takes 4 times longer before mild sunburn sets in. Using SPF 15, for example, means it takes 15 times longer before sunburn sets in. Unfortunately that does not tell us much about how long we should stay in the sun. That depends on your skin type, which is whole different topic.

A sunburn, by contrast, results when your body's can no longer process the UV rays and tiny blood vessels in the skin burst resulting in the redness that we see. A sunburn does NOT turn into a tan and should be avoided at all costs since sunburn, not tanning, is most distinctly associated with skin damage, such as skin cancer. On the other hand, moderate tanning has been shown to have many positive health benefits.

 For a better understanding of UV rays, see "What are the different types of Ultraviolet Radiation."

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Why tan indoors?
Modern indoor tanning facilities strive to offer many more benefits than just being safer due to more controlled exposure to indoor tanning rays. Indoor tanning is cooler than sitting in the "blistering" sun, as well as far more likely to limit sunburn due to the emphasis on education and moderated exposure. The privacy of an indoor tanning bed or booth allows more complete exposure to the benefits of the tanning rays, allowing a more even, golden tan than uncontrolled outdoor tanning. All without any sand clinging to your skin, and no insects with which to contend. Tanning indoors has the following advantages:

  • Fast (just minutes over hours)
  • Full body tan with no tan lines
  • Convenient and easily accessible
  • Relaxing
  • More controlled environment
  • Educated staff on tanning safely
  • Clean and sand-free
  • Weather independent
  • Year round tan
  • Private (no crowds or onlookers)
  • In preparation for prolonged sun (to prevent a painful and damaging burn)

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Why don't I look any darker when I've just come from tanning?
Don't be surprised if when you leave a tanning center your color is only slightly darker.  It will continue to darken over the next few hours as your body reacts and produces skin pigmentation.  Furthermore, people with fairer skin may find it takes several weeks before a base tan is firmly established while others will see immediate and sweeping bronzing.

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Is there anything I should do to prepare before tanning?
Yes.  There are many things you can do to prepare for your tan to ensure best results.  The single most significant thing is to use indoor tanning salon-formulated lotions just before tanning (see "Do I really need lotion?"). However, for even best results, consider the following:

The day of:

Just before tanning:

The day after tanning:

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How long will my tan last?
The length of time it takes before your tan completely fades varies slightly from person to person and depends on the depth of your tan.  However, the epidermal (outer layers of skin) is constantly and slowly renewing itself with the regenerating process taking approximately one month for the all layers to reach the surface and be shed. In short, your tan will not likely last more than one month.

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Why do I need to wear eye protection?
A tan is created by UV rays penetrating the upper layers of your skin. The skin around your eyes is the thinnest in your body and UV light can easily penetrate that skin to reach your eyes even when your eyes are closed. Repeated unprotected exposure to UV light (whether indoor or from Mother Nature) may cause long-term damage to your eyes. In fact, the eyes are very sensitive and any damage that happens to them is cumulative, which is why as kids so many of us are told to never look directly at the sun. Here at Sun Splash we want to ensure that your eyes are well protected. All of our tanning eyewear complies with at least the minimum Federal Regulation 21 CFR 1040.20, which states that indoor tanning eyewear transmit less than 0.1 percent of UVB, and less than 1 percent of UVA as proved in carefully controlled tests. In short, it is important that you always protect your eyes whether it be while tanning indoors or when outdoors. Besides, you have nothing to lose!

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Why is it suggested I remove my contact lenses?
If you are wearing FDA approved contact lenses while the eyes are kept closed and proper protective eyewear worn, then UV light is blocked from penetrating the eye or lens. However, the heat generated by indoor tanning equipment could cause the eye to dry making the lens uncomfortable. As a result, it is suggested that contact lenses be removed even if tanning outdoors. At a minimum, eye drops should be used both before and after tanning.

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Do I really need lotion?  What does it do?
Just about everyone benefits from using a good quality tanning lotion. The skin is constantly drying out. Although it replenishes, it is often not quickly or adequately enough, especially for the tanner. Dry skin has many negative consequences including reflecting UV light (reducing the results from tanning) and leaving the skin feeling less soft and more inelastic. Tanning lotions help in three ways:

1. Intensify tanning results. Salon-quality indoor tanning lotions are created to react specifically to UV rays to help you tan as quickly, evenly, and as fully as is naturally possible. Unlike most retail-bought lotions, many indoor tanning salon lotions are specially formulated to temporarily stimulate the skin to oxygenate more quickly during tanning resulting in a richer and darker tan with up to 70% more color.

2. Get a longer-lasting tan. Indoor tanning lotions re-moisturize and care for your skin to create a beneficial, soft skin barrier helping you to both tan faster and to have a longer-lasting tan.

3. Condition the skin. Indoor tanning lotions have many other ingredients in them to care for your skin, such as anti-oxidants, to minimize any sun damage. Have you ever skipped the condition when washing your hair? You probably noticed your hair felt dry and rough. You skin reacts the same way when lotion isn't used.

Your skin is like a rubber-band. If left out in the sun with nothing on it, it is much more likely to become damaged, dry, and crack. However, the same rubber-band left outside in the sun will retain it's soft-elastic feel much longer when a good lubricant is used on it. Since most professional-grade lotion manufacturers prohibit the sale of indoor tanning lotions at retail chains, the best (and likely only) location to buy a quality tanning lotion is from an indoor tanning salon.

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Can I just use a good moisturizer rather than a tanning lotion?
Although some moisturizers work exceptionally well for home use, only those designed for indoor tanning contain the proper ingredients for use in a tanning salon. Many non-tanning salon lotions smear and cloud the acrylics on tanning beds leading to physical damage and poor tanning quality through the damaged acrylic surface. The only way for a tanning salon to fix the surface is through expensive replacement of the acrylic, which is why most salons prohibit the use of non-professional grade lotions. Also, indoor tanning lotions are specially formulated to absorb into your skin quickly as described in the question "Do I really need lotion?"

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What are the different types of ultraviolet radiation?
The sun puts out three different types of ultraviolet radiation (UV): UVC, UVB, and UVA.  According to NASA, UVC rays are the most harmful, but fortunately are completely absorbed by the ozone layer and normal oxygen. UVB rays--often called the "burning rays"--are mostly absorbed by the ozone layer, but a portion of UVB rays do get through. UVA is NOT absorbed by the ozone.

Because UVC rays are completely absorbed by the ozone, they pose no threat to those of us here on Earth.  UVB is typically the most destructive form of UV radiation because if overexposure occurs, it has enough energy to cause photochemical damage to cellular DNA, yet not enough to be completely absorbed by the atmosphere. UVB effects can include erythema (sunburn), cataracts, and development of skin cancer if overexposure occurs. UVA is the most commonly encountered type of UV light. UVA exposure has an initial pigment-darkening effect (tanning) followed by erythema if the exposure is excessive. Atmospheric ozone absorbs very little of this part of the UV spectrum. UVA is needed by humans for synthesis of vitamin D. Most phototherapy and tanning booths use lamps that primarily produce UVA with a hint of UVB to kick-start the tanning process.

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What does SPF do for me?
SPF (sun protection factor) is a multiplier showing the number of times the skin is protected against ultraviolet rays (usually UVB) compared to unprotected skin. SPF's are put into sun screens to either deflect or absorb UV rays helping a person prolong his or her time outdoors before sun burning. For example, a fair-skinned person often times turns red after only 15 minutes in the sun in Hawaii (sometimes called the initial burning time.) If that person uses a sunscreen with SPF 2, it takes 2 times as long, or 30 minutes for the skin to turn red. Using SPF 15 multiplies the initial burning time by 15, so it takes 225 minutes, or 3 hours forty-five minutes, for that person's skin to turn red. Sunscreen takes about 20 minutes to be absorbed and interact with the skin so apply it before you head out and reapply about once an hour or so, especially after swimming. Also, ratings are based on tests where a liberal amount of lotion is applied; usually more than what most of us use meaning you may not be as protected as you think. For that reason, it is usually not true that SPF 30 will give you 3 times the protection of SPF 10. Here is a short guide to help you decide what SPF to use.

Recommended SPF
Skin Type 1 hr 2 hr 3 hr 4 hr 5+ hr
1, Very Fair / Extremely Sensitive 15 30 30 30 45
2A-2B. Fair / Sensitive 15 15 30 30 45
2C-3A. Fair 15 15 15 30 30
3B. Medium 8 8 15 15 30
4.. Dark 4 8 8 15 15

Not sure of your skin type? Give us a call at Sun Splash Tans (735-3777)  and we are happy to help you determine it or go to our skin type analyzer. If in doubt, use a higher SPF. SPF 15 blocks 93.3% of the most harmful rays while SPF 30 blocks 96.7%. Although some sunscreens claim SPFs higher than 30, the added protection at such higher levels is often insignificant.

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Why does my skin sometimes have a "burnt skin" smell after tanning?
The smell is NOT burnt skin at all. This "after tan" odor that some get is caused by a friendly bacteria that lives on the surface of the skin. The smell is a result of the bacteria getting hot on the skin. Most of the indoor tanning lotions we carry include both antibacterial ingredients to eliminate the odor and fragrances to minimize the after-tan odor.


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Sunless Tanning FAQ (more about sunless tanning...)

I. What is sunless tanning?
Sunless tanning is the process by which the skin color is darkened from exposure to a colorless sugar-based hygroscopic crystalline powder compound called dihydroxyacetone (DHA).  DHA combines with the amino acids in the outermost 25% of the skin causing them to form brown-colored melaninoids giving the skin the appearance of a tan.
 

DHA was first discovered in the 1920's by a German scientists doing X-ray experiments. The exact process they used to first discover DHA is not clear, but it was derived from sugar beets and sugar cane. After spilling some on their skin, the scientists noticed it turned the skin brown. Nothing much happened with DHA for 20 or so years. Then it was used to treat vitilgo, which is a rare skin depigment disorder. Finally In 1960 Coppertone figured they could make some money selling DHA as a sunless tanning produce and it introduced QT or Quick Tanning. The color was not very authentic and the sunless market was nearly destroyed before it got started. In the 1970s the Food and Drug Administration added DHA to their list of approved cosmetic ingredients. It wasn't until sometime in the 1980s that the cosmetic companies refined the processing giving much better and more consistent results [browner, rather than orange] with DHA. Today the color has been perfected and users find the results to be excellent and natural-looking.

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II. Why sunless tanning?
Sunless tanning is a great alternative or compliment to a UV-based tan.  In addition to the same reasons individuals tan indoors, indoor sunless tanning does not include any UV rays, which allows tanners to tan more often without any concern for overexposure.  Furthermore, those with fair skin may find they achieve much better results than just UV-based tanning.

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III. Can I do sunless tanning at home? Is it the same?
Yes, you can do sunless tanning at home using a wide variety of products available at your local drug stores, though there are significant difference between salon sunless sprays and those used in the home. The largest differences between the home sunless solutions and the salon solutions are 1) the duration the tan lasts, 2) a balanced distribution, and 3) quality of lotion. Many home-based lotions only last two to three days before fading and users frequently find it impossible to get an even-looking tan, especially in those hard to reach places leaving the tanner with streaks and a messy clean-up. Furthermore, similar to the reason you go to a hair salon for a hair cut, you will find the experts at Sun Splash Tans will leave you with a much more natural and professional-looking tan that's of a much higher quality.

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IV. Why don't I look any darker when I've just come from my sunless tanning session?
Although many spraying formulas include a bronzer to give immediate color, don't be surprised if when you leave a tanning salon your color is only slightly darker if at all.  Skin coloration typically takes anywhere from two to six hours for the DHA spray to combine with your skin to produce skin coloration. Your skin will continue to darken over the next few hours as your body reacts and could take as much as 18 hours to see the full color.

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V. How long does a sunless tan last?

The epidermal (outer layers of skin) is constantly and slowly renewing itself with the regenerating process taking approximately one month for all layers to reach the surface and be shed. Because sunless tanning only penetrates the outermost 25% of the skin, a sunless tan will last approximately 7 days. Exfoliating prior to tanning and proper skin care, including use of high quality moisturizers and tan extenders may help extend the life of your tan to 10 days or more.

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VI. What should I do to prepare for my sunless tan?
Although not all of these suggestions need to be followed, for best results prepare for your sunless tan by reading our Sunless Prep and Care page.

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VII. Can I do sunless tanning on a regular basis?
Yes.  However, it is recommend that you let your skin rest for 10 days for every 5 weeks of spray tanning. This allows you to completely loose your sunless tan periodically which helps eliminate patchiness or uneven areas of wear. These areas are caused by normal contact with clothing and other surfaces, which cause unintended exfoliation. Healthy, moist skin will retain the results of your sunless tanning session longer. Sunless spray results will vary by individual.

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VIII. Can I combine sunless and sun-based tanning?
YES!  In fact, that's what many do since it allows tanners to achieve an even darker tan that lasts longer than a sunless tan alone.

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IX. What do I wear?
During tanning, dark colored swimwear is recommended though you may also elect for a no tan line option. Ultimately, what you wear is based on your comfort level.

After tanning, dark colored loose fitting clothes are best since it is possible that those areas that were not given enough time to completely dry or be absorbed may smear onto clothes and potentially stain, especially in fabrics like silk. Also, wearing clothes that are too tight may leave lines on your tan.

Do NOT wear wool, nylon and silk during or after the spray tanning session for at least eight hours as the DHA in the spray tanning solution may stain these fabrics.

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X. Will it discolor my hair?
Light blonde and platinum hair may be temporarily discolored as our technicians feather the spray lightly into the hairline to give a natural tan effect. Discoloration of the hair will typically disappear after the hair is washed the first time after the sunless process. We generally provide hair caps upon request if you wish to minimize any temporary discoloration.

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XI. Will it fade evenly? My friend said her spray tan peeled in some areas.
In most cases, a sunless tan fades just like a regular tan (though more quickly since a sunless tan doesn't last as long). Though we have had reported cases of it fading unevenly or even looking like it peeled in some areas; most commonly between the breasts. Although the exact causes are not known, it is likely due to sunburn peeling, perfumes, or excessive sweating, or higher areas of friction, such as from an underwire bra. If this occurs for you, exfoliating these areas will help blend them together for a more natural look. If it happens excessively within a day of being sprayed, it's best to come back into the store so we can touch it up for you.

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XII. Is sunless tanning safe?
Sunless tanning is FDA approved and does not involve any ultraviolet rays.  The sugar-based compound (DHA) interacts ONLY with skin cells that are already dead posing no known side effects or harm to the body in any way.

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