How do we TAN?
The degree to which you are able to tan is determined by your body’s ability to produce melanin. Melanin is a pigment that is found in the skin – except for the palms of the hands, soles of the feet and lips. Melanin is produced through cells called melanocytes. Differences in skin color and degrees of tanning are attributed to the amount of melanin the cells can produce. The actual tanning process, whether using indoor tanning equipment or tanning outdoor in the sun, begins when the melanocytes are stimulated by ultraviolet (UV) light. Exposure to UVB stimulates the melanocytes and leads to the formation of pigment granules. Exposure to UVA oxidizes the pigment causing the skin to tan. Tanning occurs in two phases. The first phase is IPD or Immediate Pigment Darkening. This is most noticeable in darker skinned individuals who have a higher degree of melanin already present in their skin. IPD may fade quickly after the first tanning sessions. As exposure times increase, the IPD will last longer. (Not all skin types experience IPD.) The actual biosynthesis of melanin in the skin requires 3 to 8 days to develop. Accordingly, phase two of the tanning process is known as Delayed Tanning. As your tanning sessions continue in accordance with the schedule for your skin type, a steady migration to the skin’s surface of newly formed, darkened pigment begins. This allows you to maintain your tan with just one or two sessions per week. The calculated combination of UVA and UVB administered in accordance with exposure schedule for your skin type allows the tanning process to occur within the controlled environment of the tanning system.
Why does a tan fade?
Cells in the epidermis are constantly reproducing and pushing older cells upward toward the surface of your skin, where they are sloughed off in about one month. As your skin replaces its cells, the cells laden with melanin are removed. So the tanning process must continue with the new cells.
Why Indoor Tanning is Better
Speed
It doesn’t take all day to get a tan indoors. Depending on your skin type, just a few minutes, not hours. Maintain your tan for as little as 60 minutes a month.
Control
Our state-of-the-art equipment allow us to monitor and scientifically control your ultraviolet UV-A and UV-B exposure. We make sure you tan and not burn.
Climate
Overcast, rainy, or 109 in the shade, you never have to worry about the weather with our pleasant, climate-controlled environment. Not to mention those pesky ’skeeters.
Outdoors
When you tan outdoors, you are exposed to uncontrolled and often excessive amounts of multi-frequency UV that can cause “sunburn” and permanent damage. When you are outside wear appropriate protection.
Lip and Eye Protection
Lips don’t produce melanin and eyelids are too thin to block UV. That’s why it’s important to wear lip balms with sunscreen and protective goggles. Eyewear must be certified ‘21CFR’. We offer a selection of goggles that meet these Federal standards. You can avoid “Raccoon Eyes” by gently adjusting your goggles while you tan, but never remove them completely. We also offer 1x disposable use *Wink-Ease & i Wear.
Medication
Some medications can cause reactions with UV light. If you are taking any medications, please let your doctor know you’re tanning.
We have a full list of these meds at the front counter.
Tattoo Protection
Ask your tattoo artist for the appropriate waiting period after receiving a tattoo. Once you are cleared to tan we offer TATTOO STICKS these are specifically formulated to protect your tattoo and color of your tattoo from UV light, they may also be used outdoors.
*Sun Solution is a proud member of the International Smart Tan Networks ® – dedication to teaching you how to maximize your benefits of sun exposure while minimizing the risks of either too much or too little sunlight.
** After Base Tan: 3-5 sessions within 7-10 days.
