Tanning FAQ

Tanning FAQ

Is UV light harmful?

Too much sun and/or sun burn is bad for you.

Moderate exposure to sunlight is the body's natural SPF and will lower your chances of sun burn. Indoor tanning is in a controlled environment where you can maintain a base tan without overexposure to too much UVA/UVB. iTAN practices Smart Tanning by using our education and your skin type and expectations to customize a smart tanning session for you everytime.

Which one is better for me, UVA or UVB?

UVA and UVB rays have different functions. UVB helps produce melanin and UVA bronzes the melanin. You need both UVA and UVB to tan.

Do I have to be a certain age to tan?

If you are 13 years old or younger you cannot tan in a tanning salon.

If you are 14 or 15 years old, you can tan if you have a parent or guardian with you at all times.

If you are 16 or 17 years old you can tan with your parent's or guardian's consent during your first visit.

Can I tan if I am pregnant?

Doctors suggest that pregnant women don't tan because they don't want your body temperature to increase, as it can in some tanning beds. We suggest tanning in an air conditioned unit to avoid over-heating. If you are pregnant, you should always consult with your physician before any tanning.

How quickly can I get a tan?

How fast you tan really depends on your skin type. Every skin type can benefit from using tanning lotions and will accelerate and lead to long-lasting results!

Should I use a tanning lotion?

Your body naturally tries to block out UV light to protect you from burning. If you were to tan without lotion your body would start blocking the light in a few minutes. When you use a lotion, you're allowing the UV rays to be absorbed quicker, enabling your body to tan a little longer. Lotions help keep your skin moisturized and feeling silky smooth. Also, when you are directly exposed to UV light, you may lose essential vitamins that keep your skin healthy. Lotions help to put those vitamins back into your skin for a beautiful, long-lasting and healthy tan!

Can I put my tanning lotion on my face?

iTAN carries lotions designed specifically for your face. The skin on your face is different than the skin on the rest of your body and doesn't tan as easily. Facial indoor tanning lotions enhance your tan while nurturing your delicate skin at the same time.

Why is Bronzer Solution different?

Bronzer solutions have a cosmetic tint to give you immediate color while your tan fully develops. The bronzer part wears off while the rest of your tan remains.

What will a tingle lotion do?

Tingle lotions are designed to bring the oxygen in your blood right to the surface of your skin. This allows you to tan a lot faster because oxygen is a key ingredient to tanning. You will feel a tingling or hot sensation and experience some reddening of your skin that will last about an hour. If you don't want to experience this, but still want the results of a tingle, try a tingle-free tingle lotion! It works just like a tingle lotion without the sensations!

Should I keep my tanning lotion in my car?

We don't recommend keeping tanning lotions in your car at any time. The heat in your car can actually separate the product leaving it watery and decreasing the effectiveness of the ingredients.

Can I buy my tanning lotions online?

Most lotion manufacturers warn against purchasing products online for a variety of safety reasons. Lotions not sold in authorized tanning salons could be contaminated, tampered with, or expired (lotions have a shelf life). To ensure that you are receiving a new, safe and clean product, tanning lotions should only be purchased from certified salons that guarantee its effectiveness directly from the manufacturer.

How soon can I shower after tanning?

If you use a lotion, you should wait at least one hour after tanning to get the full benefits from the moisturizer in the product. If your lotion has a bronzer in it, you should wait at least two hours after tanning so that the bronzers can develop.

Why do I have to wear tanning goggles?

UV light exposure to your eyes can lead to cataracts, poor night vision and color blindness. Even with your eyes closed, eyes are still exposed to UV light. Goggles block out 100% of the UV rays and keep eyes safe. Goggles are always provided and are not optional.

Should I put anything over my hair or on my lips before tanning?

You should use a solar cap to protect your hair from UV damage. Continuous exposure to UV light can dry your hair out and fade your color.

Your lips do not produce melanin, which potentially leaves them susceptible to damage. Using a lip balm with an SPF will protect your lips from blistering or peeling, and to maintain moisture.

Do I have to flip over in the tanning bed?

You don't have to turn over unless you feel that your back is getting more color than your front, or if you have white spots on your back from pressure points.

Why can't I tan the full time?

The best way to build a tan is two minutes at a time, at a steady pace. If you do not have a healthy base tan, trying to tan for the maximum allowable time will increase your chances of burning, which in turn will slow down the tanning process.

Can I tan twice in one day?

FDA regulations allow only one tanning session in a 24 hour period. We recommend that you wait at least 48 hours between sessions to allow your melanin to reproduce and also avoid overexposure.

When will I see color?

Tanning results depend on a number of factors, including your skin type, level of tanning bed and the lotion you use. Faster results are caused by using high quality indoor tanning lotions. If you are just beginning to tan, it will take approximately three to four visits before you start to see color. You don't want to rush this process in order to avoid overexposure or skin damage. Keep in mind the smart and safe way to build a tan is two minutes at a time.

Is it safer to tan inside or outside?

Indoor tanning provides a controlled environment which can help prevent overexposure. Indoor tanning allows you to know exactly what rays you are being exposed to, and for how long. The amount of exposure in outdoor tanning cannot be controlled, which can therefore lead to unpredictable results. Your UV exposure varies from hour to hour, day to day, and depends on the weather, altitude, smog, and other immeasurable factors.