How Do the Beds and Booths Work?

Tanning FAQs

Is indoor tanning the same as tanning outside in the sun?

When you tan at an indoor tanning facility, your skin produces a tan the same way it does when you lay out in the sun: through ultraviolet (UV) rays. There is one important difference, however. When you are out in the sun, you cannot control the amount of UV rays you are exposed to because it is affected by changes in the atmosphere. Indoor tanning is one way to regulate the amount of UV light you are exposed to because it is a controlled environment. You can gradually increase your exposure time to make sure you don't get sunburned, which is harmful to the skin.

How do the beds and booths work?

Tanning beds and booths basically imitate the sun. The sun emits three kinds of UV rays (the ones that make you tan). UVC has the shortest wavelength of the three, and is also the most harmful. The sun emits UVC rays, but then the ozone layer and pollution absorb it. Tanning lamps filter out this type of UV ray. UVB, the middle wavelength, starts the tanning process, but overexposure can cause sunburn. UVA has the longest wavelength, and it completes the tanning process. Tanning lamps use the best ration of UVB and UVA rays to provide optimal tanning results with a lowered risk of overexposure.

What is the difference between UVA and UVB rays?

UVB rays stimulate increased melanin production, which starts your tan. UVA rays will cause the melanin pigments to darken. The best tan comes from a combination of receiving both rays at the same time.

If I never get a tan outside because I burn, can I get a tan indoors?

If it takes you a while to get a tan outside, it may be easier for you to get the color you want (brown, not red) by tanning indoors. You would need to start with a short exposure time and increase very gradually. However, if you NEVER tan from the sun, you will probably not tan from tanning lamps, since they emit the very same tanning rays as the sun does.

How often should I tan?

In order to build a tan, it is important to tan regularly. Don't let too much time go by between visits or your tan will begin to fade. You can tan up to once every 24 hours, but it is generally recommended that you wait at least 48 hours in between each session to allow your tan to fully develop in between visits. You can build up your tan by going to an indoor facility three to four times a week. Once you have a tan, you can maintain it by tanning two or three times a week.

How long does it take to get a tan?

You will usually begin to notice results after a few tanning sessions, but it may take a few weeks of regular tanning (at least three times a week) to get the color you are looking for. Everyone tans differently and the type of bed you choose also affects this. If you are developing a base tan before going on a trip, you would want to start tanning about three to four weeks before you go.

What is the difference between Regular Beds and Super Beds?

Regular Lay-Down (Pink Beds/Packages)

·  30 - 100W bulbs in bed

·  1 - 500W facial tanner

·  3 to 5 sessions per week to maintain tan

·  5% UVB

·  Sessions are 20 minute max.

Big Frame Lay-Down (Green Beds/Packages)

·  34 - 100W bulbs in bed

·  2 - 500W facial tanners

·  2 to 4 sessions per week to maintain tan

·  5% UVB

·  Sessions are 15 minute max.

Super Wide Body Lay-Down (Yellow Beds/Packages)

·  42 - 160W reflector bulbs in bed

·  3 - 500W facial tanners

·  Only 1 to 2 sessions per week to maintain tan

·  Great, golden brown color

·  Less than 3% UVB

·  Larger than regular and big frame lay-down

·  Strong fans

·  Sessions are 10 minute max.

Super Stand-up (Yellow Packages)

·  55 - 160W reflector bulbs

·  Only 1 to 2 sessions per week to maintain tan

·  Great, golden brown color with no pressure points

·  Less than 3% UVB

·  Strong fans

·  Sessions are only 10 minute max.

How can I check what I have on my account?

Call or stop by Tan Lines Optional. A tanning consultant will be happy to look at your account and give you your current information and answer any other questions you may have.

Have more questions not answered here?

Feel free to give us a call, stop in, or go to our CONTACT US page and submit your questions in the comments section.