ULTRA SUN TANNING SALONS
FAQ'S
Q. Why should I tan?
The application of light is absolutely essential to all life
on earth. Yet there are various reasons, both biological and psychological,
why exposure to light is desirable. In addition, most people believe
they look better with a tan. Thus, having a tan can provide a psychological
uplift for some.
Q. What is the tanning process?
The ability to develop a tan is influenced by an individual's
predisposition. Yet the process itself is the same for everyone. Generally
speaking, mainly UVB stimulates the melanocytes in the upper skin layer
(called the epidermis) which then produce melanin. The pale pink melanin
granules formed in the melanocytes are stored around the core of the keratin
cells there. In this manner the pigment granula protect the sensitive DNA
located inside the nuclei without impeding the other parts of the cell receiving
ultraviolet light. UVA then darkens the melanin, thereby giving the skin
a dark appearance. A tan gradually fades as the skin cells migrate to the
surface.
Q. How often is a person allowed to tan?
Since 1986, the Food and Drug Administration guidelines maintain
that a 48 hour time interval should pass between tanning sessions. Pigmentation
and/or erythema (sunburn) may not be fully visible for between 12-24
hours. Thus, two tanning sessions within this 24 hour period could cause
an unintentional burn. In general, maximum pigmentation should be built
up gradually in 8-10 tanning sessions.
Q. Can we tan throughout the year without
harming the skin?
Yes, in moderation. Skin damage will occur if a person overexposes
the skin indoors or combines exposure indoors with exposure to the natural
sun. One should always be mindful of the dangers of overexposure, as it
can lead to chronic skin damage.
Q. How can one be sure he/she is tanning
properly?
Probably the most practical advice regarding proper UV light
exposure is common sense. It is recommended that all exposure, whether
indoors or outside, be gradual and moderate. For the commercial tanning
salon operator, it is necessary that each customer's skin type be determined,
and that the corresponding recommended exposure schedules be strictly
followed. Each indoor tanner must bear responsibility for his/her tanning
priorities. It is the responsibility of those in the retail business to
provide enough information for customers to enable them to make an informed
decision. When in doubt, the equipment operator should exercise prudence,
caution and good judgment when giving advice on tanning practices.
Q. Can teens and children tan indoors?
Yes. There exists no biological reason why teenagers and children
couldn't tan indoors. However, it is incumbent upon all salon operators
to ensure that customers make an informed choice regarding indoor tanning.
It is questionable whether a minor can make such a decision. Many states,
for example, have used the following guidelines -- recommending that
persons under 18 years old obtain the written consent of their parent
or legal guardian. Such precautions may be necessary for liability considerations.
In addition, those states which have enacted their own regulations for
the indoor tanning industry often include provisions which include parental
consent for minors.
Q. May pregnant women tan indoors?
Even though there is no current or scientific and/or biological
reason why a pregnant woman cannot tan indoors or outdoors, at Ultra
Sun we do not allow pregnant women to tan. Some researchers believe the
production of vitamin D caused by exposure to UVB may be beneficial to
both the mother and fetus. However, there is concern that the heat buildup
which inevitably occurs when tanning indoors or outdoors may adversely
affect some pregnant women just as a sauna or jacuzzi might. Furthermore,
for liability reasons, it is recommended that pregnant women consult
their physician before tanning indoors or outdoors.
Q. Why do some people itch after tanning
indoors?
Itching and/or rashes may be linked to several unrelated causes,
so it is important to get a tanning history on each customer. Some people
are naturally photosensitive; that is, they may have an allergy which
becomes symptomatic upon exposure to UV. Others are susceptible to heat
rashes, a cause totally unrelated to UV light. Certain chemicals or ingredients
found in cosmetics, lotions, shampoos, and even the acrylic cleaner may
cause itching as well. Rashes caused by the products generally occur in localized
areas on which the products were applied. Customers should be advised to
tan with the skin as clean as possible. If discontinued use of a suspected
product does not inhibit the rash, a person should discontinue any exposure
to UV light until the condition subsides or see a physician. If the customer
wishes to tan thereafter, his/her exposure schedule should be adjusted to
shorter sessions over a longer period of time.
Q. Is pigmentation induced by exposure
to indoor tanning equipment the same as a tan obtained from the sun?
Yes. Both the sun and low pressure indoor tanning equipment emit
UVA and UVB, a combination of ultraviolet light which most efficiently
produces pigmentation and darkening in the skin. The most prominent difference
in exposure are the times in which the tanning process takes place and
also the external factors existing in outside sunlight. Some examples include
the angle of incidence (time of year and day), altitude, cloud coverage,
pollutants, proximity to the equator, reflective surface, etc.
Q. Must tanning eyewear be worn while tanning
indoors?
Yes. The Food and Drug Administration (21 CFR 1040.20) requires
that protective eyewear which meets its transmission specifications
be supplied to each indoor tanner. Some state regulations require the
salon operator to refuse tanning devices to those who will not wear eyewear.
Customers should be instructed to always wear protective eyewear in the
manufacturers' recommended manner.
Q. Is it harmful to where contact lenses
when tanning indoors?
Even though there exists no known reason why contact lenses may
not be worn while tanning indoors, we highly recommend removing contact
lenses prior to tanning. When the eyes are kept closed and proper protective
eyewear is worn, it is impossible for UV light to penetrate to the eye
or lens. However, the heat generated by indoor tanning equipment could
cause the eye to dry a bit, thereby making the lens uncomfortable. Just
as one should moisturize the skin after tanning, contact lens wearers should
also use the eyedroppers recommended by his/her optometrist. There is no
evidence which indicates the heat buildup in indoor tanning equipment will
cause contact lenses to melt.
Q. If a person cannot tan in the sun, will
he/she tan indoors?
Normally, a person tans indoors only as well as he/she is able
to tan outdoors. Yet, those fair-skinned people who generally cannot tolerate
the uncontrollable rays of the sun often achieve some color when tanning
indoors. This can be attributed to a different spectral output as well
as carefully timed tanning sessions in a controlled tanning environment.
Skin type and individual photosensitivity's determine who will have success
tanning indoors.
Q. Are any lotions or creams beneficial
to the tanning process?
It is recommended that in order to achieve the best tan, one
keep the skin healthy. This includes regular cleaning and moisturizing.
It is particularly important that before tanning, the skin be as clean
as possible. However, one must ensure that the soaps, cleansers and moisturizers
used do not contain photosensitizing substances which could cause a skin
rash or burn upon exposure to UV light.
Q. Does the UV light emitted by indoor
tanning lamps kill germs in the acrylic sheet?
Even though UV lamps are commonly used to kill germs on objects
such as surgical equipment and hairdressers' combs, the rays emitted
from such lamps are of a very different wavelength than those of indoor
tanning lamps. Germicidal lamps UVC. The light which transmits through
a unit's acrylic sheet is UVB and UVA. Therefore, it is unlikely that
this light will destroy germs and bacteria which collect on the acrylic.
Thorough cleaning of the acrylic sheet with a proper sanitizer is absolutely
essential after each use.
Q. Why do dermatologists warn people against
sun exposure?
While not all dermatologists advocate total avoidance of all
sun exposure, the media seems to quote only those who do. If pressed,
many dermatologists will acknowledge the need for moderate sun exposure,
while advocating the use of sunscreens and medication.
Q. Is it possible to contract AIDS and
other sexually transmitted diseases from indoor tanning equipment?
The passing on of most sexually transmitted diseases requires
the exchange of bodily fluids from one person to another. This exchange
does not take place by using indoor tanning equipment. It is absolutely
essential that the acrylic be sanitized with the appropriate sanitizer after
each use.
Q. Can tanning cause wrinkles?
Yes. Excessive exposure, particularly the high-intensity UVA,
can destroy the resilient fibers of the lower skin layer, thereby causing
the top skin layer to sag. Thus, wrinkling appears. UVA, if not blocked
by pigmentation and skin thickening in the outer skin layer, can penetrate
to the dermas and destroy skin elasticity. Thus, if one makes the decision
to tan, it is recommended that one use a light source which contains both
UVA and UVB. Even if a person uses a sunscreen, if it does not block both
UVA and UVB, damage to the lower skin layer can still occur upon overexposure.
Q. Are "tanning pills" safe?
The active substance in tanning pills is called canthaxin. Canthaxin
is typically used as a food additive for color. However, the Food and
Drug Administration has not approved its use for tanning purposes. Tanning
pills work by "dyeing" the skin an orangish color, thus giving the appearance
of a tan. In fact, the tanning process has not taken place. Therefore,
the color achieved by ingestion of tanning pills does not provide a natural
photoprotection in the skin as does exposure to UV light. While a person
appears to be darkly pigmented, a severe burn can develop should one be
exposed to UV light. Furthermore, the long term effects of Canthaxin ingestion
have yet to be determined.
Q. What is the difference between a sunblock
and a sunscreen?
Sunblocks are opaque formulations which absorb, reflect and scatter
up to 99% of both UV and visible light. They are often used on localized,
sun-sensitive areas such as the nose, lips, ears and shoulders. Because
they are messy and may stain clothing, they are not acceptable for application
over large areas. An example of a sunblock is zinc oxide. On the other
hand, sunscreens absorb specific wavelengths and are classified as drugs
by the FDA because they are "...intended to protect the structure and
function of the human integument against actinic damage." Sunscreens are
considered more cosmetically refined due to their pleasing consistency and
are, therefore, typically used over a prolonged period of time for effective
photoprotection.
Please call or e-mail
us if you have any specific questions or concerns not listed on this page.