Indoor tanning allows you to control the amount of UVA and UVB exposure to your specific skin type. All our staff are Smart Tan certified to help you get just the right exposure to tan, and not burn. Outdoor tanning is different than indoor because you can’t control how much UVA and UVB you are getting. The sun is stronger at certain parts of the day, so this opens up the risk of getting too much exposure leading to sunburn and skin damage.

Healthy skin is the foundation of a successful tan. Indoor tanning lotions are designed to provide critical moisture to skin before and after tanning. The healthier your skin, the longer you keep the tan; this allows you to build upon your foundation tan to get a deeper, darker tan. Dry skin flakes away your tan layer by layer. Indoor tanning lotions provide you with the deep, constant moisture your skin needs during the tanning process. Most tanning lotions have important vitamins and ingredients to help you extend your tan. People who avoid using tanning products will not get the extra moisture or a stable tan, since tanning tends to dry the skin. They will lose their tan more quickly between sessions, due to dry skin flaking away. Indoor tanning products have unique ingredients that should be used only as directed to ensure the finest tan possible.

Consumers may not be getting the indoor tanning products that they think they are when they purchase them through unauthorized outlets like discount websites, local flea markets or non-tanning outlets. Outdated, discontinued, damaged and tampered-with products are often the products that are diverted into these outlets. REMEMBER: Professional tanning products should be recommended by a qualified indoor tanning specialist to insure proper use. Indoor tanning products have unique ingredients that should be used only as directed to ensure the finest tan possible.

Sunburns occur when the skin is exposed to excessive amounts of UV light. The severity can vary from mild pink with only minor discomfort to severe “lobster-red” burns that blister. Sunburn results when the amount of exposure to the sun or other ultraviolet light source exceeds the ability of the body’s protective pigment, melanin, to protect the skin. A serious sunburn is as serious as a thermal burn, and may have the same systemic effects such as blistering, edema and fever. A sunburn is better prevented than treated. When outdoors for an extended amount of time, you should use a sunscreen.

With the risks involved in individuals who overexpose themselves to UV light, it is the responsibility of the tanning salon owner and operator to eliminate the opportunity for consumers to sunburn while visiting an indoor tanning salon. It is also the responsibility of the tanning professional to make sure individuals who cannot biologically acquire a tan (skin type 1) do not tan indoors. The promotion of moderate, sensible and responsible exposure to ultraviolet light is the goal of a professional tanning salon.

Indoor tanning salon owners and operators are obligated to verify every client using tanning equipment is using federally compliant eyewear. It is their goal to educate customers about the fact that towels, scarves or eyelids do not adequately protect eyes from ultraviolet exposure. In addition to possible state laws, Federal regulations (CFR 21 1040.20 (c)(4) require that tanners wear protective eyewear that block 99.9% of the UVB light and 99% of UVA. It is the operator’s responsibility that ALL tanning clients use federally compliant eyewear. Acceptable eyewear must state the product’s compliance with federal regulations on the package.

When proper eyewear is not used during the tanning process, the potential for eye injury is greatly increased. Some eye injuries and disorders include Photokeratitis (Cornea Sunburn), Cataracts, Pterygium (Abnormal tissue growth) and damage to the cornea.

You should shower, shave and exfoliate before your session. You also should not wear any makeup or any moisturizer. Wear dark loose clothing.

Avoid water and sweating for minimum 6 to 8 hours after your season, you can shower after that. Use only body wash, not bar soap, and do not use any exfoliates. You tan will fade as your skin exfoliates so keeping your skin moist will help you tan last longer. Also using an alcohol free moisturizer is recommended.

Bronzer is a cosmetic color, like make up, that you will see right after you tanning session. This will wash off with your first shower but this is not your tan. Your tan will come from the DHA which is mixed with the bronzer. This is what gives you your dark tan.

DHA (dihydroxyacetone) is the active ingredient used in sunless tanning products. It is a sugar molecule that reacts to the amino acids on the surface of the skin. The level of DHA controls how dark and natural the color looks. Too much DHA can lead to a “rusty”, irregular look. Too little DHA results in an ineffective tan that fades too quickly.