Q: Do I need lotion to go tanning?

A: Yes! UV light bounces off of dry skin. If you do not use a lotion, it will take 6-7 minutes for the UV light to begin tanning your skin. If you use a lotion, the UV light will begin tanning your skin within 30 seconds! We carry only the finest tanning and moisturizing lotions to help you achieve your best possible tan. All of our tanning lotions begin as a skin care product, then the tanning ingredients are added. You will keep your skin healthy, moisturized and have an amazing tan when you use a lotion. Let us help you find the perfect lotion for your skin type.

Please also visit the following websites that go into depth about the benefits of tanning indoors.

http://www.tanningtruth.com

http://www.tanresponsibly.com

http://www.tanningfacts.com

The First Time You Visit Our Salon

1. You will fill out a client form and you will be skin typed.

2. If you are UNDER 16 years old you will be required to bring in a parent your first time to provide written consent.

3. A recommendation will be made on the most appropriate equipment, exposure time and package options for you based on the information you provide in your client form.

4. A tour of the salon will be provided for those interested.

5. Any questions will be answered in a knowledgeable and professional manner.

General Tanning Information

Last year the American Cancer Society and the Canadian Cancer Society joined health officials in Australia in finally recognizing that individuals need some ultraviolet light exposure in order to be healthy, and that sun avoidance may be contributing to vitamin D deficiency.

UVA and UVB light waves cause skin to tan.

The ultraviolet portion of outdoor sunlight is approximately 95 percent UVA and 5 percent UVB, although atmospheric, seasonal and geographic variables change that ratio each time you step outside.

UVB is the portion of sunlight responsible for natural Vitamin D production in the body, it is also more intense than UVA light. Being more intense, UVB is significantly more effective at causing a sunburn than UVA.

UVB is more efficient at signaling melanocytes in your skin to begin producing more melanin.

UVA is more efficient at oxidizing the melanin your skin has already produced, turning it brown.

What is sometimes called damage to the skin from non-burning UV exposure is actually just the skin protecting itself from sunburn. If your body can develop a tan, doing so is natural. It is what your body is designed to do. It is one of the ways your body protects itself.

The sum of research conducted to date indicates that repeated overexposure and sun burning are the primary sun-related factors responsible for an increased risk of permanent skin damage. That is why the prevention of sunburn and overexposure are so important.

© 2006 the International Smart Tan Network