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.

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.

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.

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.

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. Including reviewing information available in order for the consumer to make an informed decision. When in doubt, the consumer should exercise prudence, caution and good judgment when tanning.

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 consumers to ensure that they make an informed choice regarding indoor tanning. It may be 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.

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 tanworld® we do not allow pregnant women to tan without a written doctor's note. 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.

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.

Is pigmentation induced by exposure to indoor tanning equipment the same as a tan obtained from the sun?

Yes. Both the sun and 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.

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. Eyewear manufactured with straps must have straps attached. Disposable eyewear is for one-time use only.

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.

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.

Are any lotions or creams beneficial to the tanning process?

It is recommended that in order to achieve the best tan, you must keep your 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. At tanworld® we recommend using a body wash formulated for tanning. To achieve the deepest, darkest, longest lasting results our tanologists will recommend a product for your skin type.

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 contain 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.