1. Do I have to wear eyewear?
Yes! Federal law requires that you wear approved eyewear while exposed to UV light. Sunglasses, towels, or closing your eyes are not permitted & will not prevent cumulative damage. Remember, your skin tans, your eyes do not! Keep your eyes free of danger, Always wear your eyewear!
Back to Top2. How do I tan?
When the skin is exposed to UV light, natural or manufactured, it stimulates the production of the pinkish-brown pigment found in the body called melanin. When melanin is activated, it ascends to the surface of the skin & is oxidized, turning you a golden color.
Back to Top3. How long should I wait between sessions?
You should wait at least 24 hours between tanning sessions. Following the FDA approved schedule is the best recommendation. Absolutely no one should tan more than once every 24 hours.
Back to Top4. What are the advantages of indoor tanning?
Because you are in a controlled environment you are less likely to burn. Indoor units are designed to help you minimize your risk of sunburn. You can slowly increase your tanning time depending on your skin type.
Back to Top5. Why should I try the Orbit or VHR?
The Orbit bed & VHR booth are intense units featuring advanced UVA tanning power for Superior results. You will receive a gentle, deep, dark tan, which will last longer. Both units have a 12 minute maximum.
Back to Top6. Why do I get white spots on my shoulders and back?
There are a few reasons that you may have "white spots"
- If you are going in a lay down unit, your shoulder blades and/or your tailbone may be pressing on the acrylic causing a pressure point. This pressure does not allow blood, which contains oxygen, to flow. Since your skin need oxygen to tan, you will not tan in these areas. Shift periodically to relieve the pressure point or try a stand up booth.
- Tinea Versicolor - You may be seeing a fungus, similar to the one that causes dandruff, which has fallen onto your upper torso. These affected areas will not tan. To clear up your white spots, try a medicated dandruff shampoo, see your physician for a prescription, or ask you tanning consultant about a sunspot relief lotion. Please note - This condition is not caused by tanning, but becomes evident when exposed to UV light.
- Vitiligo - Common condition made by irregular patches of what skin that was once unable to tan when bordered by normally pigmented skin. If you suspect Vitiligo please see your physician for diagnosis.
7. How do I start a bed?
Apply your favorite indoor tanning product. For your own safety, remember to put on your eyewear. Press the start button on the side of the bed or on the wall once you are ready. Pull down the top of the bed, or close the booth doors. Lay back, relax, & enjoy the soothing sensation of your tanning session.
Back to Top8. Why should I wear a lotion?
You should wear an indoor lotion while tanning to maximize the results of your visit. Moist skin tans 25% faster than when dry. Therefore you receive a better tan for your money while using an indoor lotion. They allow more of the UV light to penetrate the skin, some of which would normally bounce off.
Back to Top9. What should I wear?
That's up to you! Undress and tan as you wish! Swimwear, underwear, etc. All beds & booths have locked dressing rooms for your privacy.
Back to Top10. Can I tan when I'm pregnant? and other situations when not to tan
No you may not tan at Total 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.
You also may not tan while taking a photosensitive medication. Nearly all of these medications will have a label indicating that you should avoid sunlight, but if you have any questions, please consult your pharmacist. Another reason not to tan is if you are sunburned or have sun poisoning. Avoid UV light until all traces of the sunburn and/or blistering have disappeared or a physician clears you.
Back to Top11. Are there certain medications that will make me sensitive to UV exposure?
Yes, refer to the Photosensitive Medications listing. This is NOT an all inclusive listing. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions.
Back to Top12. Why does blood flow matter?
Blood is essential to the oxidation of the melanin, and it is very important to the whole tanning process. This is why areas like your stomach & buttocks, areas with fatty tissue, organs & strong blood flow show much more color faster. Pressure points on the bed will also decrease blood flows to those areas. Reposition yourself in the bed to change pressure points and allow these areas to experience normal blood flow.
Back to Top13. How do I keep my Tan?
MOISTURIZE! MOISTURIZE! Your skin is constantly renewing itself. The dryer your skin is, the faster it wants to shed it's top layers and bring new skin to the surface. You loose the top layers, you loose your tan. Also, the healthier your skin is, the better it tans. Dry layers on the surface of your skin will block the UV rays from getting to the other layers to tan them. Even if you moisturize you still need to maintain a tanning schedule of every 4 to 5 days, or at least once a week, to keep your tan, because your skin is reproducing new cells all the time.
Back to Top14. Does heat matter?
No, the temperature of the tanning unit does not play a roll in your tanning results. You will not receive a better tan if the unit is scorching hot or average to the touch.
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