TANNING 101
Tanning is the human body’s natural and intended response to ultraviolet light exposure. Throughout human evolution a tan has served as the body’s natural acquired protection against sunburn and overexposure. Today we know that a suntan achieved in a non-burning fashion, combined with proper use of sunscreen outdoors when sunburn is a possibility, is the best way to maximize the potential benefits of regular sun exposure while minimizing the risks that are associated with overexposure.

Q: How long does it take to get a tan?
A: Building a base tan usually takes 5 sessions. We recommend the use of a quality lotion to increase your tanning potential and to keep your skin feeling healthy and soft. The sessions should be used with-in a 14-day time period for optimum results.

Q: Why do I need to wear eye protection?
A: Eye protection is required by law. The eyelid does not effectively block ultraviolet light while tanning. Therefore the use of approved eyewear is required to insure that our clients do not suffer ill effects, such as cataracts or night blindness.

Q: What is the purpose of using lotion in the tanning bed? How will it benefit me? Is it necessary?
A: The purpose of using a tanning accelerator/lotion is to keep your skin moisturized and to provide you with maximum tanning results. Dry skin reflects UV light, so if you are not using an indoor tanning accelerator, you can lose up to 50% of your tanning session.

Q: Is tanning safe?
A: Indoor UV tanning provides the same benefits and risks as outdoor tanning. Both feel good and can improve your appearance; both also call for moderation and proper skin care. Indoor tanning, however, provides a more reliable, controllable exposure of UVA & UVB tanning rays. Each tanning bed or stand-up is regulated by the Federal Drug Administration and rated for maximum exposure time. In addition, Urban Sun employees are Smart Tan Certified to recommend the best, most responsible way to get the result you’re looking for.
Wherever you tan, always keep in mind the Golden Rule of Smart Tanning: Never burn. Sunburn does not turn into tan; it actually keeps your body from tanning while exposing you to increased risk. It’s always better to build up your tan – your body’s natural defense against UV overexposure – slowly, safely and in moderation.
For additional information from the International Smart Tan Network go to www.tanningtruth.org.

Q: How does UV tanning work?
A: Two types of light rays are emitted by the sun and UV tanning equipment that work together to get you tan.
UVA rays are mainly browning rays that turn the melanin in your skin from pink to brown. This reaction is the body’s natural protection from the sun. UV-A rays penetrate a little deeper into the skin than UV-B rays, are less likely to burn you, and take a few hours longer to produce their full result.
UVB are the “activation rays” that stimulate your skin’s melanocyte cells to bring more melanin to the surface. UV-B rays penetrate less deeply, provide a slightly quicker effect, and add a natural glow to skin color.
While top equipment provides higher UV-A percentages, a little UV-B is important in maximizing your tan.


Q: How does UV-free spray tanning work?
A: A fine mist of DHA (Dihydroxyacetone) is sprayed onto the skin as a self-tanning agent. It does not produce a "real tan" by increasing skin melanin levels, but it can create the tan appearance by way of the development of a brown skin coloring. The action of DHA is limited to the upper layer of the skin and involves a reaction between DHA and skin proteins. The development of color takes anywhere from 2 - 24 hours and the intensity is dependent on the formulation concentration of the DHA in the product. Most first-time customers are amazed at how natural and attractive the resulting tan is. Spray tans generally last around a week depending on your individual body chemistry and other factors like how often you shower, shave or exfoliate, each of which can remove some of your “tanned” skin cells.