Why should I tan?
Sunlight is absolutely essential to all life on earth. There are various reasons, both biological and psychological, why exposure to light is desirable. In addition, many people believe they look better with a tan. Thus, having a tan may provide a psychological uplift for some.

Why does a tan disappear?
The "tan," or pigmentation process, occurs in the epidermis, the top skin layer. The epidermis replaces all its skin cells every 28-30 days. Cells in the inner portion of the top skin layer divide themselves, migrate to the surface, gradually die and slough off. Skin cells contain melanin, and as a result of UV exposure, rise to the surface and flake off. Therefore, a tan can be maintained only by repeated exposure to UV light.

How often is a person allowed to tan?
Since 1986, the Food and Drug Administration guidelines suggest that a 48 hour should pass between tanning sessions. Pigmentation and/or erythema (sunburn) may not be fully visible for between 12-24 hours. Thus two tanning sessions within this 24 hour period could cause an unintentional burn. In general, maximum pigmentation can be build up gradually, following the exposure schedule, in 8-10 tanning sessions.

A 20 minute session in a tanning bed is equivalent to how many hours in the natural sun?
It is difficult to make a simple comparison between the sun and modern indoor tanning equipment. Just as various kinds of indoor tanning lamps and equipment differ in spectral output and energy emitted, the sun's strength is dependant on server factors as well, such as the time of day or year, the latitude, cloud cover, pollution and reflection. Consequently, there is no formula for relating indoor tanning exposure times to outdoor exposure times.

Can the UV rays emitted by indoor tanning lamps pass through the skin and affect internal organs? The UV rays emitted by indoor tanning lamps do not emit sufficient energy to penetrate past the skin layers. Thus, despite claims and rumors to the contrary, internal organs are not directly impacted by longer wave UV light.

Is it harmful to wear contact lenses when tanning indoors?
There exists no known reasons why contact lenses may not be worn while tanning indoors. When the eyes are kept closed and proper protective eyewear worn, UV light is blocked from penetrating the eye or lens. However, the heat generated by indoor tanning equipment could cause the eye to dry a bit, thereby making the lens uncomfortable. Just as one should moisturize the skin after tanning, contact lens wearers may also use the eyedrops recommended by his/her optometrist.

Why do some dermatologists warn people against sun exposure?
While some dermatologists may advocate total avoidance of all sun exposure, the media seems to quote only those who do. Many dermatologists and others from the medical community have acknowledged the need for moderate sun exposure, while advocating the use of sunscreens.

Why do some people itch after tanning?
Itching and/or rashes may be linked to several unrelated causes, so it is important to obtain a tanning history on each customer. Some people are naturally photosensitive upon exposure to UV. Others are susceptible to heat rashes, a cause totally unrelated to UV light.

Certain chemicals or ingredients found in cosmetics, lotions, shampoos, and even the acrylic cleaner may cause itching as well. Rashes caused by these products generally occur in localized areas on which the products were applied. Customers should be advised to tan with the skin as clean as possible. If discontinued use of a suspected product does not inhibit the rash, a person should discontinue any exposure to UV light until the condition subsides or see a physician.

Can indoor tanning cure acne?
Phototherapy (or use of UV light) has been effective in easing the skin problems common to this condition. There are also many drugs, including tetracycline and Retin-A, which are also widely used for treatment of acne. Because these drugs can render the skin photosensitive, one must avoid UV exposure when medicated. Furthermore, the use of UV light for acne treatment should only be administered by a qualified physician. The Food and Drug Administration prohibits indoor tanning equipment operators from asserting that equipment use is beneficial for any purpose other than obtaining cosmetic coloring.

Does tanning cause melanoma, a fatal form of skin cancer?
There is no conclusive evidence which substantiates that malignant melanoma is caused by gradual, moderate UV exposure. However, those who are predisposed to develop melanoma due to hereditary factors may intensify this condition with exposure to indoor or outdoor UV.

While some studies have suggested a link between severe sunburn and malignant melanoma, there are other studies available that prove an inverse relationship. In a study published in the International Journal of Cancer in 1989 (known as the Western Canada Melanoma Study), Canadian researchers found a significant inverse association between melanoma and chronic or long-term occupational sun exposure in men, with the lowest risk in those with maximum occupational exposure. This may suggest that repeated exposure can be protective. Gradual, moderate exposure is not believed to be a strong influential factor as melanoma generally develops on those areas not normally exposed to UV light.

Is it possible to contract aids and other sexually transmitted diseases from indoor tanning equipment?
The passing on of some sexually transmitted diseases requires the exchange of bodily fluids from one person to another. This exchange does not take place by using indoor tanning equipment. However, this does not mean that other infectious conditions cannot be passed on by us of unsanitary equipment and protective eyewear. Therefore, it is absolutely essential that both the acrylic and reusable protective eyewear be sanitized with the appropriate disinfectant after each use.

Does tanning help treat depression or Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)?
There exists a growing body of scientific evidence which indicates that some people actually require more light exposure in order to function properly. Exposure to bright light, such as that emitted by the mid-day summer sun, causes the brain to suppress the release of the hormone melatonin. Melatonin acts as a depressant in the body if generated during the daytime. Thus, when affected people are exposed to longer hours of bright light, they feel happier, euphoric and more able to enjoy life. Bright light sources emitting only visible light, are now frequently used to successfully treat Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and Sub-syndromal Seasonal Affective Disorder (SSAD).

Can indoor tanning equipment be used to treat psoriasis?
The FDA and the Federal Trade Commission forbid making representations regarding the benefits of indoor tanning other than its cosmetic effect. Therefore, one may not make medical claims about indoor tanning equipment.

However, phototherapy (or UV light treatment) can be used to ease the symptoms of psoriasis. The treatment is rendered by a trained physician with equipment specifically designed for such a purpose.

Many salon operators report that customers who suffer mild forms of psoriasis improve after indoor tanning, and many psoriatics do purchase indoor tanning beds.

Can tanning cause wrinkles?
Excessive exposure, particularly to high intensity UVA, can destroy the resilient fibers of the lower skin layer, thereby causing the top skin layer to sag. Thus, elastosis or wrinkling appears. UVA, if not blocked by pigmentation and skin thickening in the outer skin layer, can penetrate to the dermis and destroy skin elasticity. Thus, if one makes the decision to tan, it is recommended that a light source which contains both UVA and UVB is used. Even if a person uses a sunscreen, if it does not block both UVA and UVB, damage to the lower skin layer can still occur upon overexposure.

How often is a person allowed to tan?
Currently, the Food and Drug Administration guidelines suggest that a 48 hour time interval should pass between tanning sessions. Pigmentation and/or erythema (sunburn) may not be fully visible for between 12-24 hours. Thus two tanning sessions within this 24 hour period could cause an unintentional burn. In general, maximum pigmentation can be build up gradually, following the exposure schedule, in 8-10 tanning sessions.

May pregnant women tan indoors?
There is no current scientific and/or biological reason why a pregnant woman cannot tan indoors or outdoors. In fact, some researchers believe the productions of vitamin D caused by exposure to UVB may be beneficial to both the mother and fetus. However, there is some concern that the heat build-up which inevitably occurs when tanning indoors and outdoors may adversely affect some pregnant women, just as a sauna or jacuzzi might. A pregnant woman may not be comfortable in the tanning equipment. Furthermore, for liability reasons, it is recommended that pregnant women consult their physician before tanning indoors or outdoors