How Does Your Skin Tan?

The tanning process is really quite simple and works the same whether you tan indoors or outdoors. Tanning takes place in the skin’s outermost layer, the epidermis. About 5% of the cells in your epidermis are special cells called melanocytes. When exposed to ultraviolet B light (short wave ultraviolet), melanocytes produce melanin—the pigment which is ultimately responsible for your tan. The pinkish melanin travels up through the epidermis and is absorbed by other skin cells. When exposed to ultraviolet A light (longer wave), the melanin oxidizes or darkens. This darkening is your skin’s way of protecting itself against too much UV light.

What Are the Benefits of Indoor Tanning?

Although getting a tan is certainly the main benefit of tanning, there are other benefits of using a tanning bed. For one, you are able to control your exposure to UV light. We promote moderate tanning to build your tan gradually. Another benefit is that scientific research has shown that exposure to UV rays actually helps the body create a natural supply of Vitamin D. Since there are so many diseases that are linked directly to Vitamin D deficiencies, such as both osteoporosis and osteoarthritis, using a tanning bed to increase these vitamin levels is a huge benefit to strengthening your bone. Moderate, indoor tanning is helpful in reducing the side effects of psoriasis. Speed: It doesn’t take all day to get a tan indoors. Depending on your skin type, it may just take a few minutes, not hours. Control: Our state-of-the-art equipment allows 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 degrees in the shade, you never have to worry about the weather with your pleasant, climate-controlled environment.

Why is the Protection of Your Lips and Eyes Important When Tanning?

Lips don’t produce melanin and eyelids are too thin to block UV. That’s why it’s important to wear lip balm with sunscreen. It’s also important to wear protective eye goggles. Eyewear must be certified and approved by the FDA. 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. When you tan outdoors, you are exposed to uncontrolled and often excessive amounts of multi-frequency UV that can cause sunburn and permanent damage.

If I Am on Any Medications, Can I Still Tan?

Some medications can cause reactions with UV light. If you are taking any medications, please let your doctor know you are tanning.

Why Should I Use Tanning Lotions? What Are the Benefits of Using Lotions?

Moist skin tans best. We highly recommend using an accelerator lotion, it helps you to tan faster by generating melanin growth to get a deeper tan, and to keep it longer in between tans. Sorry, no baby oil or outdoor sunscreens (SPF) are allowed to be used in the beds. These products cause damage to acrylics.

Vitamin D

Though vitamin D can be absorbed into the body through foods and supplements, the most effective way to get it is through the skin in the form of sunlight. Researchers have found that to get the optimal amount of vitamin D, it is practically impossible through only enriched foods and supplements. This healthy amount of sunlight can be achieved through controlled exposure to the sun and through indoor tanning. Click here for more
Vitamin D info.

S.A.D.

Clinically known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), can trigger feelings of depression, lethargy, fatigue and other health problems. Indoor tanning has proven to help counter react the effects of lack of sunshine in the long winter months, as we have all experienced living in the Pacific Northwest.

Tan Responsibly

Intuit Tanning believes your skin is worth protecting. Overexposure to ultraviolet rays, whether indoors or outdoors is counterproductive to a tan and causes irreversible damage to your skin! Build tanning times gradually and refer to our SMART Tan certified staff for suggestions on tanning time and tanning habits for the best results no matter your reason for tanning.