I'VE
NEVER TANNED BEFORE - WHAT IS IT LIKE?
To begin with, your first tan is 50% off to try us out. The knowledgeable
staff at Casa Del Sol will determine your exposure time based on your
skin type and recommended a tanning schedule. Your first session is
usually between 5-10 minutes in length.
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HOW
LONG IS ONE SESSION?
The first time in a sun tan bed can be anywhere from 5-15 minutes, depending
on your skin type. Many studios have different equipment and lamps -
therefore you should follow the recommended exposure time and schedule
made by our Casa Del Sol Sun Tan Technician.
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HOW
LONG BEFORE YOU START SEEING RESULTS?
Most people start seeing results by the second or third visit. Note:
a tan doesn't happen overnight - you need to build a base tan. And remember
to tan smart - never burn.
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HOW
OFTEN IS A PERSON ALLOWED TO TAN?*
*as taken
from the Wolff System Technology Corporation's Frequently Asked Questions
Booklet
A 48-hour time period should pass between tanning sessions. Pigmentation
and/or over-exposure may not be fully visible for 12-24 hours after
your original session. Two tanning sessions within this 24-hour period
could result in an unintentional burn.
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WHY
IS IT IMPORTANT TO DEVELOP A BASE TAN? *
*as taken from the
Wolff System Technology Corporation's Frequently Asked Questions Booklet
Moderate exposure to UVB rays help develop a natural barrier in the
skin to protect the body from excessive UV light. UVB rays stimulate
the production of melanin, which absorbs and scatters radiation to thicken
the epidermis (the top skin layer), thereby limiting the amount of UV
light. If this photo-protection (base tan) is not developed or a sunscreen
is not used, sunburn can occur and the DNA of the skin cells may become
damaged.
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CAN
TANNING CAUSE WRINKLES? *
*as taken from the
Wolff System Technology Corporation's Frequently Asked Questions Booklet
Excessive exposure can destroy the resilient fibers of the lower skin
layer, thereby causing the top skin layer to sag. Thus, elastosis or
wrinkling appears. UVA rays, if not blocked by pigmentation and skin
thickening in the outer skin layer, can penetrate to the dermis and
destroy skin elasticity.
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WHY
DOES A TAN DISAPPEAR? *
*as taken from the Wolff System
Technology Corporation's Frequently Asked Questions Booklet
A tan disappears because the top layer of your skin replaces all of
its cells every 28-30 days. Keeping your skin moisturized, will prolong
a tan, however a tan can be maintained only by repeated exposure to
UV light.
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I
AM PREGNANT - CAN I TAN INDOORS? *
*as taken from the
Wolff System Technology Corporation's Frequently Asked Questions Booklet
There is no current scientific and/or biological reason why a pregnant
woman cannot tan indoors or outdoors. In fact, 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 some concern that the
heat build-up that occurs when tanning indoors or outdoors may adversely
affect some pregnant women, just as a sauna or jacuzzi might. It is
recommended that pregnant women consult their physician before tanning
indoors or outdoors.
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IF
A PERSON CANNOT TAN IN THE SUN, WILL HE/SHE TAN INDOORS? *
*as taken from the
Wolff System Technology Corporation's Frequently Asked Questions Booklet
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 uncontrolled 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, heredity, and individual photosensitivity all determine who
will have success tanning indoors.
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IS
IT HARMFUL TO WEAR CONTACT LENSES WHEN TANNING INDOORS? *
*as taken from the
Wolff System Technology Corporation's Frequently Asked Questions Booklet
When the eyes are kept closed and proper protective eyewear worn, UV
light is blocked from penetrating 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, you may also use eye drops recommended by your
optometrist to remedy dryness.
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WHEN
IS THE SUN THE STRONGEST? *
*as taken from the
Wolff System Technology Corporation's Frequently Asked Questions Booklet
The suns rays are the strongest between the hours of 10:00 am and 2:00
p.m. UVB rays (the UV light most responsible for burning) are more intense
in summer months. Therefore, it is especially important to apply sunscreen
during this time to minimize your risk of sunburn.
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HOW
DOES THE DEPLETION OF THE OZONE LAYER AFFECT US? *
*as taken from the
Wolff System Technology Corporation's Frequently Asked Questions Booklet
A very thin level of ozone surrounds the earth and serves as a filter
against UV rays. The use of chlorofluorocarbons has influenced the depletion
of the ozone layer, allowing increased amounts of shorter wavelengths
of UV light to reach the earth's surface. Even though indoor tanning
can help gradually build pigmentation (the body's own way of avoiding
excessive exposure to UV light), with a depleting ozone layer, there
are now more chances to over-expose your skin. Precautions should be
taken to avoid the risk of sunburn at all times.
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WHY
DO SOME DERMATOLOGISTS WARN PEOPLE AGAINST SUN EXPOSURE? *
*as taken from the
Wolff System Technology Corporation's Frequently Asked Questions Booklet
While some dermatologists may advocate total avoidance of all sun exposure,
the media seems to quote only those who do. Many dermatologists and
others from the medical community have acknowledged the need for moderate
sun exposure, while advocating the use of sunscreens.
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CAN
TANNING INDOORS CAUSE CANCER? *
*as taken from the
Wolff System Technology Corporation's Frequently Asked Questions Booklet
Excessive exposure to any UV light source may lead to skin damage, which
may cause skin cancer. While there has been no comprehensive study on
the causes of skin cancer, three high risk groups have been identified:
1) severe sunburns at a young age 2) history of skin cancer in the family
and 3) very fair skin, red hair, freckles or moles. If you fall into
one or more of these groups, any UV light exposure should be treated
with even greater caution. The fact is, most forms of skin cancer are
treatable. Even melanoma, which accounts for only 5% of all skin cancer,
is 90% treatable if caught in its early stages. Early diagnosis is essential.
It is recommended that all UV exposure be moderate.
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MAY
PEOPLE WHO HAVE HAD SKIN CANCER TAN INDOORS? *
*as taken
from the Wolff System Technology Corporation's Frequently Asked Questions
Booklet
It is strongly recommended that those who have suffered skin cancer
avoid tanning either indoors or outdoors. Such people may be genetically
predisposed to contract skin cancer or be unusually susceptible to it.
Any exposure may trigger another outbreak.
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WHAT
IS A "PHOTOSENSITIZING AGENT"? *
*as taken from the
Wolff System Technology Corporation's Frequently Asked Questions Booklet
Photosensitivity is defined as a chemically induced change in the skin
that makes an individual unusually sensitive to light. Diseases, allergies,
cosmetics or medications may cause photosensitivity. Medications such
as psoralen, diuretics, birth control pills, tranquilizers, antibiotics
and high blood pressure medicine may also affect one's photosensitivity.
Certain substances such as citrus fruits, celery, cosmetics and soaps
can also increase photosensitivity. Harsh disinfectants, some lotions
and sunscreens may also cause sensitizing reactions. If you are unsure
if your medication is a photosensitizing agent, consult your pharmacist.
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CAN
I TAN ALL YEAR LONG WITHOUT HARMING MY SKIN? *
*as taken from the
Wolff System Technology Corporation's Frequently Asked Questions Booklet
Moderation is key. You may tan throughout the year if you are taking
care not to overexpose your skin at any time. You should always be aware
of the dangers of overexposure, as it may lead to chronic skin damage.
Take precautions not to indoor and outdoor tan on the same day, wear
sunscreen outside and always allow a 24-hour time period to lapse between
tanning sessions.
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WHAT
DOES IT MEAN TO TAN SMART?
To tan smart is to build up your tan in a controlled and gradual manner.
This gives your body a natural tan without burning, giving pigment a
chance to develop and increasing your protection to UV light. It may
take longer but you reduce the risk of over exposure and skin damage.
Gradual exposure utilizing the advice of a Fabutan Sun Tan Technician
will not only build a better tan but will prevent the negative aspects
of over exposure.
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WHY
DO SOME PEOPLE ITCH AFTER TANNING INDOORS? *
*as taken from the
Wolff System Technology Corporation's Frequently Asked Questions Booklet
Itching and/or rashes may be linked to several unrelated causes. Some
people are naturally photosensitive to UV exposure while 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 might cause itching. 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, discontinue any exposure
to UV light and consult your physician. Heat rash, or tanner's itch,
may also indicate that the light and heat generated by tanning bulbs
or the sun have dried your skin, especially in previously unexposed
areas. Discontinue tanning for a few days, then slowly build your time
allowing melanin production to increase. For temporary relief try an
unscented emollient cream. If symptoms persist, discontinue tanning
and consult your doctor.
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WHAT
CAUSES WHITE SPOTS? *
*as taken from the
Wolff System Technology Corporation's Frequently Asked Questions Booklet
There are several reasons why white spots become noticeable on the body
once the tanning process begins: · Patches of skin, which do not tan,
could be the result of genetic determination. · White spots could also
appear due to the presence of a fungus, which lives on the skin's surface.
While the fungus is harmless, it does absorb UV light, which would normally
penetrate the skin. This fungus did not appear as a result of tanning;
it merely becomes noticeable once tanning occurs. It can be remedied
though the use of prescription drugs or some other topical lotions.
· White patches of skin, which are often prominent on the shoulder blades
and just above the buttocks, can be caused by the pressure from the
body as it reclines on a hard tanning bed surface. This pressure inhibits
the flow of blood through that area of skin. Since blood carries oxygen,
which is essential to the tanning process, this area does not tan. Periodic
body shifting during tanning will make these patches disappear. · Certain
medications can react unfavorably with exposure to UV light. For example,
birth control pills can cause blotches and uneven pigmentation of the
skin.
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MUST
PROTECTIVE EYEWEAR BE WORN WHILE TANNING INDOORS? *
*as taken from the
Wolff System Technology Corporation's Frequently Asked Questions Booklet
Although they may seem like a nuisance, the goggles that you wear while
tanning are very important. Your eyelids alone offer almost no protection
against UV light, which can damage the cornea and retina and lead to
cataracts. Not using proper eye protection may also result in short
term effects such as tired, itchy eyes, headaches and loss of night
vision. No one should ever be in a tanning bed without eye protection.
Buy your own pair to avoid the risk of infections like pink-eye which
are easily transmitted. Don't take chances with your eyes.
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SHOULD
I WEAR SUNGLASSES WHEN I'M OUTDOORS? *
*as taken from the
Wolff System Technology Corporation's Frequently Asked Questions Booklet
Yes. More and more scientific evidence indicates that exposure to UVB
rays can cause damage to your eyes. Generally, UVB rays can cause short-term
injury, such as burning. Snow blindness is an example of immediate eye
damage due to sunlight reflecting off snow, particularly at high altitudes.
Prolonged unprotected exposure to the sun is cumulative and can result
in cataracts, a clouding of the lens of the eye. Therefore, it is recommended
you should wear sunglasses treated with UV resistant coating when outdoors.
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IS
IT POSSIBLE TO CONTRACT A SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASE FROM INDOOR TANNING
EQUIPMENT? *
*as taken from the
Wolff System Technology Corporation's Frequently Asked Questions Booklet
Contracting a sexually transmitted disease requires the exchange of
bodily fluids from one person to another. This exchange does not take
place by using indoor tanning equipment. However, this does not mean
that other infectious conditions cannot be passed on by the use of unsanitary
equipment and protective eyewear. At Casa Del Sol, tanning equipment is properly
sanitized after each use and we recommend that you do not share your
eyewear with others.
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CAN
INDOOR TANNING CURE ACNE? *
*as taken from the
Wolff System Technology Corporation's Frequently Asked Questions Booklet
Phototherapy (or use of UV light) has been effective in easing the skin
problems common to this condition. However, there are also many drugs,
including tetracycline and Retin-A, widely used for the treatment of
acne that can render the skin photosensitive. Therefore, one should
avoid UV exposure when medicated. Treatment of acne should be administered
by a qualified physician.
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DOES
TANNING HELP TREAT DEPRESSION OR SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER (SAD)?
*
*as taken from the
Wolff System Technology Corporation's Frequently Asked Questions Booklet
There exists a growing body of scientific evidence, which indicates
that some people actually require more light exposure in order to function
properly. Exposure to bright light, such as that emitted by the mid-day
summer sun, causes the brain to suppress the release of the hormone
melatonin. Melatonin acts as a depressant in the body if generated during
the daytime. Thus, when affected people are exposed to longer hours
of bright light, they feel happier, euphoric and more able to enjoy
life. Bright light sources emitting only visible light are now frequently
used to successfully treat Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and Sub-syndromal
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SSAD).
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DOES
INDOOR TANNING EQUIPMENT AID IN THE TREATMENT OF OSTEOPOROSIS? *
*as taken from the
Wolff System Technology Corporation's Frequently Asked Questions Booklet
Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by frequent bending and/or breaking
of the bones due to a lack of sufficient calcium. Adequate calcium intake
is essential for the development of strong bones and teeth. It is widely
recognized that the body in the intestine does not absorb calcium unless
vitamin D3 is present. Vitamin D3 is often referred to as the "sunshine"
vitamin because it is produced in the skin upon exposure to UVB rays.
Some studies show that indoor tanning lamps (which emit a certain amount
of UVB) may initiate the production of vitamin D3 which in turn aids
in calcium absorption.
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WHICH
IS SAFER, TANNING INDOORS OR IN THE SUN? WHY?
Indoor tanning is a controlled environment, which allows you to slowly
build a gradual tan, to develop pigmentation and increase your natural
SPF - thus providing a safer environment. The external factors of tanning
in the sun, such as time of year and day, altitude, cloud coverage,
pollutants, reflective surfaces, etc. are harder to control or predict
- which increases your risk of overexposure.
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WHAT
IS IN TANNING CREAMS THAT ACCELERATES A TAN AND ARE THEY SAFE TO USE?
The main active ingredient in tanning lotions is Tyrosine. Tyrosine
is essentially amino acids from proteins that are converted through
several metabolic steps to produce melanin. Melanin is the pigment responsible
for causing your skin to darken and provides a natural SPF factor of
up to 10. Tyrosine is added to tanning accelerator products to supplement
the body's normal level of tyrosine at the skins cell level thereby
speeding the tanning process. Indoor tanning lotions also helps counter
the drying effects of tanning, prepare the skin to tan more efficiently,
and makes a tan last longer.
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WHY
DO PEOPLE USE LOTIONS?
Many people use indoor tanning products to maximize their tanning experience.
The following are reasons why consumers enjoy using tanning lotions:
- They
supply the skin with essential nutrients necessary for a tan and help
moisturize the skin to keep it looking young and healthy.
- Moist
skin tans more quickly and efficiently than dry skin, resulting in
a better tan in fewer visits.
- Indoor
tanning products help counteract the drying effects of heat and light
associated with tanning (moisturized skin is healthier).
- Active
ingredients supplement the skin's cells with the same proteins that
enhance the tanning process naturally.
- Specially
formulated indoor tanning lotions help your tan last by retaining
ultraviolet induced melanin longer.
- The
latest lotion technology includes antioxidants that help prevent fine
lines and wrinkles.
