What should I wear?
Some people choose to tan in their bathing suits or underwear, and others prefer nothing at all.
Since you are in a private room, you can wear whatever you like. The only thing required is that
you do wear eye protection every time you tan, because your eyelids are too thin to protect your
eyes from UV light, and the light can cause temporary and permanent damage to them. Many
different eye protection options are available, or sometimes even provided free of charge, at all
tanning facilities. If you are tanning a previously unexposed part of your body, be sure to cover
it up for part of your tanning time, so it can catch up safely with the rest of your tan.
What should I look for when shopping for a place to tan?
Don't just look for the best price. Find out how often the salon changes there bulbs. A salon that
changes their bulbs often may be a little more expensive but it is well worth the money. Settling for
a cheap tanning session that doesn't give you good results is not a bargain. Knowing how new the bulbs
are will help you determine how long you should tan, too. If the bulbs are newer than those you are
used to, you should decrease your tanning time to prevent burning.
If I get really hot in a bed or booth, am I getting a better tan?
When you lay out in the sun, you usually get really hot, so many times this is associated with getting
a tan. However, although the heat and the UV light both come from the sun, only the UV light affects
tanning. This is why you can get sunburn in the middle of winter. If the sun is out, it is emitting UV light,
even when it's cold out. The same thing is true with tanning bulbs. If you get too hot while tanning, it could
indicate that there isn't enough air conditioning, or the ventilation is poor, which can actually cause the
tanning lamps to work less efficiently. You should be comfortable while tanning.
When shouldn't I tan?
It is not recommended to tan, either outdoors or indoors, if you are taking photosensitizing
medication that can greatly increase the risk of overexposure. If you aren't sure, ask your doctor,
or ask a tanning consultant at the tanning facility if you can see a list of the medications. You should
also avoid tanning if you are pregnant, unless your doctor approves it. It is strongly recommended that
those who have suffered from skin cancer avoid tanning either indoor or outdoors. These people may be
genetically predisposed to contract skin cancer or be unusually suseptible to it.
Do I need to wear lotion when tanning indoors?
Exposure to UV light depletes essential vitamins and nutrients from the skinn, so it is highly
advisable to wear lotion while tanning. Indoor tanning products are specifically designed
to help moisturize the skin & supply it with the vitamins and nutrients it needs, while helping
you tan faster. These professional lotions can be purchased at the tanning facilities. There are
a wide variety to choose from; such as, "Tingle" lotions designed to enhance micro-circulation
which increase the effects of the UV exposure or "Bronzers" which include self tanning agents.
