F.A.Q.

1. I’ve heard people say that tanning is harmful because it can burn your internal organs. Is that true?
   NO. Clearly you can’t burn your internal organs by tanning because the process takes place in the epidermis, or upper layer of the skin only. UVA with your average tanning bed penetrates about tow mm deep (thickness of cardboard) UVB, which doesn’t penetrate nearly as deep as UVA.
   
   
2. True or False? By using shower gels instead of bar soap, you can increase the life of our tan.
   TRUE. Shower and bath gels, which have a lower pH aren’t as likely to remove protective oils. Many times, too, these gels have many added moisturizers, which will keep the skin hydrated.
   
   
3. Is it really possibly to “shave the tan off” your legs?
   SORT OF. The epidermis replaces itself naturally approximately once a month. During this exfoliation process, skin cells that have finished their cycle rest on the skin’s surface until sloughed off. Since these skin cells also tan, the skin loses some o its tan appearance and “fades” as the cells are shed. Washing and shaving will obviously speed up the shedding process.
   
   
4. What is the difference between a bronzer and a self tanner.
   Unlike a self-tanner, bronzers don’t produce the chemical reaction that self-tanners incite on the skin. They work as a more superficial “tanning” agent and will wash off in the shower.
   
   
5. Why is tanning indoors smarter than outdoors?
   That one word is “control”. When you tan outside, you have no control over how much exposure your body is getting.
   
   
6. What are some of the variables that make tanning outdoors “uncontrollable?
   ” The most obvious variables are time of day, time of year, geographic location and altitude.
   
   
7. True or False, A suntan is an indication of skin damage.
   That’s absolutely false. In fact, a tan is the body’s best defense against sunburn. Doesn’t it just make more sense that people tan before a tropical vacation? It’s so they are less likely to burn later.
   
   
8. Who might experience the white spots known as pressure points?
   Tanners who sleep in the tanning bed, or those who don’t’ move at all during the entire session.
   
   
9. True or False. Infections such as herpes or staph can be easily acquired from a tanning bed?
   False, thank goodness. It is virtually impossible to contract bacterial or viral infections such as herpes, crabs, scabies, staph or any other infestation from physical contact with a properly sanitized indoor tanning bed.
   
   
10. True or False, As a tanner, sunscreen isn’t necessary and should be avoided.
    False, Sunscreen should be used outside whenever overexposure is a possibility (i.e. when traveling to an unknown destination, when you’ll be outside for an indeterminate amount of time) AND inside to cover up sensitive areas of the body.
    
    
11. Is a tan is a sign of skin damage, how should that be effectively and truthfully argued?
    Tell them that tanning is the body’s natural protection against sunburn, which is true damage. Your skin is designed to tan as a natural body function and indoor tanners have activated this defense against burning.
    
    
12. Vitamin D is necessary, but can’t you get it through vitamins and supplements?
    You can definitely get some of your vitamin D through supplements, but for millions of years, animals (humans included) have been getting their D through the most natural source the sun.
    
    
13. How deep does UV light travel within the skin?
    Two millimeters. Therefore, not even close to being able to travel near the internal organs, including the baby of a pregnant woman.
    
    
14. True or False, A pregnant woman may develop an uneven tan because of being pregnant?
    True, An expectant mom might develop an uneven tan on her face and body, thanks to hormones. Those same hormones can also increase the risk for sunburn.
    
    
15. True or False, Heat from a tanning bed can “cook” internal organs, including a developing fetus.
    That old myth needs to go away! As discussed in #1 neither UV light or temperature can “cook” internal organs. However, high temperatures may make the baby uncomfortable and could cause complications. Perhaps suggest to your pregnant client that she may want to tan early in the morning while the units are still cool.
    
    
16. Should a pregnant woman use a standup unit instead of a bed?
    The extra weight out front can cause the large blood vessel in front of the mother’s spine to constrict. A nauseous feeling and cramping pain may be a result. Therefore, a standup unit may be more comfortable.
    
    
17. How might tanning affect the condition of varicose veins?
    Varicose veins are actually enlarged veins that are close to the surface of the skin, and most often appear in the legs. The generation of heat during tanning also increases blood flow. If varicose veins or the finer, smaller “spider” vein condition is already present, these conditions might possibly cause veins to temporarily become more apparent.
    
    
18. What is “medium pressure” equipment is.
    Medium pressure equipment has either a combination of low and high pressure lamps, or only higher wattage fluorescent lamps.
    
    
19. What should be done to protect a tattoo during tanning?
    If the tattoo is new and hasn’t fully healed yet, it needed to be covered. The inks at this time can cause sensitivity to ultraviolet light. Once healed, the tattoo’s colors should ideally be protected with sunscreen. A high SPF factor lip balm is good for this, as the tattoo can be carefully outlined. Some lotion manufacturers also now offer products specifically for tattoo protection.
    
    
20. The differences between the UVA and UVB that reaches us from the sun versus the UVA and UVB we receive from tanning equipment?
    The actual UVA and UVB waves are the same. The differences is in the fact that many variables affect the dosage of UV waves that reach us from the sun. These variables, such as atmospheric conditions, are not a factor in the tanning salon. Additionally, equipment is designed to emit a precise amount of each type of UV light wave.
    
    
21. What is DPD, and what skin types experience it?
    Delayed Pigment Darkening is the complex response of melanocytes to ultraviolet light that accounts for the fact that it can take from 3 to 10 days for fairer skinned people to see a tan. Any color seen more quickly is damage in the form of sunburn.
    
    
22. What is a sunburn?
    Sunburn is described as the disruption of blood vessels and the associated damage that goes along with that redness of skin.
    
    
23. The steps in the home remedy for sunburn.
    It’s a two step process: cool soaks, then a good moisturizer.
    
    
24. What parts of the body that may be exposed don’t’ have melanin, so can’t form the protection of a tan?
    Skin on the lips contains no melancyte cells, so can’t make protective melanin. Other body parts like the underarms, ears, genitalia, sole of the feet and palms of the hands are often sensitive because they are not normally exposed to much light.
    
    
25. What are the basic ways that a good indoor tanning product enhances your ability to tan?
    By moistening the skin, which helps it to absorb the maximum amount of UV light, and by providing nutrients to maximize tanning potential. Manufacturers are constantly researching new ingredients to improve your tan even more.
    
    
26. How does smart tanning involve moderation?
    For those who can develop a tan, moderate tanning is the smartest way to maximize the potential benefits of sun exposure while minimizing the potential risks associated with either too much or too little sunlight.
    
    
27. What are the four rules of smart outdoor tanning?
    1) Wear proper eyewear, 2) don’t double expose indoors and out in the same 24 hour period, 3) Precondition the skin by indoor tanning before any sunny vacation, and 4) Use sunscreen for extended outdoor periods, even if you have preconditioned.
    
    
28. What factors are contribute to the shelf life of tanning products over time and how?
    The key factors are preservative and temperature. And higher the quality of preservatives added rather than the amount added the amount added the longer it will last. Extreme hot or cold can also diminish the potency of products, besides allowing them to separate, change color and smell. It’s best to keep products at room temperature, rather than in your car.
    
    
29. What is the only proper eye protection to wear while tanning indoors and why?
    Eyewear meeting federally approved guidelines and locking 99 percent of UVA light and 99.9 percent of UVB light must be worn. Closed eyelids are too thin to prevent UV light from reaching the eye and other materials, such as sunglasses, towels or cotton balls, cannot ensure adequate protection. The eyes have no cells like the skin to form a protective tan. Without sufficient protection serious long term eye injury ranging from loss of color perception, macular degeneration, problems with night vision and cataracts can result.
    
    
30. What is rosacea and how does it affect tanning?
    Rosacea is chronic acne like condition that appears on the cheeks and nose as a reddish, irritated looking coloration. It is most often seen in skin types I and II as these people reach their 30s and 40s. Because sun exposure and hot weather are among the factors that trigger outbreaks, people with rosacea need to know this and weigh the decision to tan. Covering the face while in the equipment, then using a facial self tanner might be a solution for some.
    
    
31. Why might cellular phone usage be prohibited in tanning rooms?
    While there is no scientific proof that using a cell phone in conjunction with UV light from a tanning bed is dangerous, you need to take other people into consideration. For many tanning is a time to rest, relax and let off some stress and a noisy phone conversation in the next room may be bothersome.
    
    
32. How does UVB affect vitamin D production?
    UVB causes the skin to create previtamin D which makes vitamin D that is necessary for good health, bone formation and repair and the absorption of calcium and phosphorous in the body.
    
    
33. What makes indoor tanning lotion an important part of indoor tanning?
    The indoor tanning lotions sold in this salon are specifically formulated to maximize the results of each tanning visit and increase the quality of the tan. They provide the moisture and essential nutrients that skin needs to achieve the best tan possible and keep it looking young and healthy.
    
    
34. Should people tan who had skin cancer in the past?
    No They should not tan indoors or outdoors even though a doctor has removed all the skin cancer. You don’t know whether or not another one may be forming in its place. It is also possible that another skin cancer may be developing somewhere else on that person’s body. Although not every skin cancer is caused by overexposure to UV light, why would you want to risk it?
    
    
35. What’s causing the scent that I smell after tanning?
    Melanin, UV light in the UVA range causes melanin to enlarge and turn brown. During the process, melanin releases it own distinctive scent. This release is a natural as the tanning process itself. The scent is easily removed with a shower.
    
    
36. For all practical purposes, ultraviolet light is the same thing as microwaves, True or False.
    False
    
    
37. The dangers of pregnant women tanning include miscarriages from ultraviolet penetration. True or False?
    False
    
    
38. A slight pink or redness in skin can actually speed up the tanning process a little. True or False?
    False
    
    
39. Protective eyewear: Is really more hype than it is necessary, Should be worn most of the time, but closing eyes for brief exposures is sufficient protection if needed, Must be worn without exception, every second the tanning lights are on?
    Must be worn without exception, every second the tanning lights are on.
    
    
40. Melanoma has a direct connection with excessive UV exposure. True or False?
    False
    
    
41. How come I'm tanning, but my legs aren't getting as dark as the rest of me?
    A couple of things are happening. First the skin on your legs is thicker than other parts of your body, making it more difficult for the light to penetrate. There is not as much fatty tissue (especially on the shins); therefore there is not as much blood flowing around as places like your stomach and buttocks. Also women whenever you shave your legs, you take some of the top layers of skin off. Those top layers were your tan.
    
    
42. My face and legs don't' tan very well. What should I do?
    Our face is the only part of our body that does not produce its own moisture. Our legs become a little dryer because of clothing, hosiery etc. Fact is that moist skin tan much better than dry skin. Use a moisturizer twice a day.
    
    
43. I get white spots, little patches that won't tan, what are they?
    Most likely it's a harmless fungus that lives on the skins surface. It wasn't noticeable before because they don't absorb UV rays. The rest of your body tanned but you didn't tan where ever those patches of fungus were. There are prescription medications available.
    
44. For More Information visit www.tanningtruth.com