Tanning FAQs

It's amazing the amount of misinformation and misconceptions people have about the tanning process and tanning safety.

We've compiled here a list of frequently asked questions about tanning in general, home tanning, and the tanning industry.

If you don't see your question answered here, feel free to contact us and we'll be sure to help you find the answers you are looking for.

How the body tans, indoors and out.

What happens during the tanning process?
Is there a difference between tanning outdoors with the sun and home tanning?
Why do tans fade?
If I've never tanned in the sun, will I be able to tan indoors?
How often can I tan?
How do I measure time in the tanning bed so it equals an hour in the sun?
When can I get maximum exposure to the sun's rays?
Should I be worried about the depletion of the ozone layer?
What are "self-tanners"?
Are "tanning pills" safe?

Why, how, when and when not to tan.

What is a base tan, and why is it important?
What is an exposure schedule, and what does it tell us?
What is my skin type, and how will that effect my tanning schedule?
Should I tan at all?
How do I make sure I am tanning correctly?
How often can I tan?
It's been a while since I've tanned, do I resume the same exposure time?
What conditions can make me "photosensitized", therefore at an increased risk for burn?
Can I let my teenagers or children tan?
I'm pregnant, is it safe for me to continue tanning?
I've had skin cancer in the past, is it ok for me to tan?
Must protective eyewear be worn while tanning?
Can I use a tanning accelerator to speed things up?
What does SPF mean?
What broadband sunscreen mean?
What is the difference between a sunscreen and a sun block?
Are lotions, oils and creams beneficial to the tanning process?

Indoor tanning health questions.

Can we tan year round with out harmful effects?
Are the UV rays in tanning beds so strong they can pass through our body and affect internal organs?
Is it okay to wear my contact lenses while tanning?
Do the UV lights disinfect the acrylic sheets on the tanning beds?
Why do we hear warnings against sun exposure?
What would cause itching after tanning in a bed?
Why do I get white spots on my skin after tanning?
Is tanning in a bed safer than tanning in the sun?
Can exposure to the tanning bed's lights help acne sufferers?
Is skin cancer caused by tanning?
Is it possible to catch an STD or other illnesses from tanning equipment?
Can the tanning lights help with depression or seasonal affective disorder (SAD)?
Can tanning lights help treat illnesses like psoriasis, osteoporosis or arthritis?
Can UV light suppress the immune system?
Does tanning cause premature wrinkling of the skin?
Should people with lupus use tanning equipment?

Tanning Equipment

How much UVB can be emitted by an indoor tanning lamp?
What are lamp UVB percentages and what do they mean?
What is compatibility?
How do I maximize lamp life?
What is a production date code, and is that important?
Why are lamps rated 10 minute, 20 minute and 30 minute, is there a difference?
What are high output (HO) and very high output (VHO) lamps?
What is a Wolff system?
What is the difference between high pressure and low pressure tanning equipment?
Must acrylic shields be replaced periodically?

The tanning industry.

Who oversees the tanning industry in the United States?
What representations can the indoor tanning industry legally make regarding their products and services?