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Through its light, warmth and radiant energy, the sun provides the basis for all life on our planet. The sun stimulates the mind and soul. It provides a sense of inner-peace and well-being that both comforts and energizes. When the sun is shining, spirits are lifted and rejuvenated – and there is not a lot that can get us down.

The degree to which you are able to tan is determined by your body’s ability to produce melanin. Melanin is a pigment that is found in the skin – except for the palms of the hands, souls of the feet and lips. Melanin is produced through cells called melanocytes. Differences in skin color and degrees of tanning are attributed to the amount of melanin the cells can produce. The actual tanning process, whether using indoor tanning equipment or tanning outdoors in the sun, begins when the melanocytes are stimulated by ultraviolet (UV) light. Exposure to UVB stimulates the melanocytes and leads to the formation of pigment granules. Exposure to UVA oxidizes the pigment causing the skin to tan.

Tanning occurs in two phases. The first phase is IPD or Immediate Pigment Darkening. This is most noticeable in darker skinned individuals who have a higher degree of melanin already present in their skin. IPD may fade quickly after the first tanning sessions. As exposure times increase, the IPD will last longer. (Not all skin types experience IPD.) The actual biosynthesis of melanin in the skin requires 3 to 8 days to develop. Accordingly, phase two of the tanning process is known as Delayed Tanning. As your tanning sessions continue in accordance with the schedule for your skin type, a steady migration to the skin’s surface of newly formed, darkened pigment begins. This allows you to maintain your tan with just one to two sessions per week. The calculated combination of UVA and UVB administered in accordance with the exposure schedule for your skin type allows the tanning process to occur within the controlled environment of the tanning system.

There is little doubt that having a tan can positively influence your entire outlook on life. For example, many people realize that having a tan makes them feel and appear slimmer. Why? Because dark skin, like dark clothing, absorbs light. Light colors (especially white) actually reflect light and make you appear larger.In fact, many health clubs and weight loss centers observe that people who tan in conjunction with a fitness program are more apt to stay with the program longer than those who do not tan. The reason? People who tan may begin to see a noticeable change in their appearance faster than those who do not tan. For years you have been told “if you want to look slimmer wear something dark” – now you know why. Having a tan can also be a real confidence builder. For example, having a tan before you vacation at a tropical resort allows you to blend in with the crowd – and not stand out like tourist. At the same time having a tan in the middle of winter draws positive attention and is an indication of an active, energetic and successful lifestyle. Indoor tanning allows you to change your appearance, look good and feel great by doing virtually…Nothing!

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Tips

 

 

Never try to hurry a tan and always use common sense. This is the most important rule. In other words: never sunbathe more than once a day. As a rule of thumb: up to ten sessions in two to three weeks. The tan achieved will then be retained by sunbathing once or twice a week.

Follow the recommended exposure schedule for your skin type. It should be listed on the front of the tanning unit. A TAN ESSENTIAL certified tanning consultant will advise you on proper tanning procedure.

Protect your eyes. Keep your eyes closed and always wear compliant, protective eyewear when using any indoor tanning system. Contact lenses should be removed prior to tanning.

Protect your lips. They do not produce melanin and will burn easily unless you protect them with lip balms and sunscreens.

If you are taking medications, please be aware that certain medications may be photosensitive. That is, they may cause an adverse reaction when the body is exposed to UV light. A list, which identifies many photosensitive medications, foods and ingredients, is available at TAN ESSENTIAL. Always consult your physician if you have any questions or concerns.

Before tanning, be sure to remove any make-up or skin care products from your skin and take off all jewelry. Some lotions, sunscreens or other products that are not designed for use in conjunction with an indoor tanning system, may limit your tanning potential. Using moisturizing lotions, etc., designed specifically for use with an indoor tanning system, will maximize your tanning experience.

Before and after tanning use skincare products to keep an attractive tan looking good longer. Quality indoor tanning products are particularly suitable for this type of skin care because they are tailored to the specific needs of the indoor tanner. Ask a TAN ESSENTIAL certified tanning consultant for details.

If you plan on tanning in the nude, cover previously unexposed areas for the majority of you tanning session for the first few visits. Gradually increase exposure to these areas, giving the skin time to build melanin production.

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FAQ's

 

 

How long will my tan last?
About 2 to 4 weeks after the last sunbathing session. The upper-most skin cells are gradually shed as a result of the natural process of skin renewal. The skin will have renewed itself after approximately 28 days. With proper skin care, a tan can be preserved longer.

How can I keep my tan?
After achieving your tan, you should be able to maintain your color with just one to two sessions per week.

How often should I tan?
Although you are allowed to tan once every 24 hours, experts recommend that you wait between 48 to 72 hours between tanning sessions. Just like when a person is weight training, they exercise the muscle groups every other day, avoiding the possibility of over working the muscles. Waiting at least 48 hours between tanning sessions lessens the potential for over-exposure and allows your body to produce your tan gradually.

Why do I have to follow the recommended exposure schedule?
By adhering to the schedule your tan should develop gradually without the adverse effects associated with overexposure. Abusing the schedule by tanning for periods longer than recommended or attempting to accelerate the schedule, may result in negative effects. This in turn can actually limit or prevent the tanning process.

Why doesn’t my skin tan the same all over?
The insides of the arms and legs do not tan as readily because they contain fewer pigment forming cells than the skin on the rest of your body. The face does not tan as readily because it has a naturally thickened horny layer. Freckles contain higher amounts of pigment and therefore become darker much more quickly than other areas of the skin. Areas of the skin that are subject to contact pressure points, such as the shoulder blades, are poorly supplied with blood and oxygen. This may reduce or limit the tanning process on these parts of the body.

Can I tan indoors and sunbathe outdoors on the same day?
This should be avoided. Overexposure to ultraviolet light in any form can lead to sunburn.

Can I tan indoors while I am pregnant?
If you do not have to avoid natural sunlight while pregnant, you may also be able to tan indoors. However, it is always advisable to consult with your physician before doing so. Other factors related to the physical nature of the actual tanning session, such as body positioning, etc., may influence your decision.

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Extend Your Tan

 

 

At Endless Summer Tanning Studio, we strongly advocate responsible tanning and skincare nutrition. Properly hydrated skin is absolutely essential to achieving a healthy, luminous tan. Healthy skin tans faster and stays tan longer. Using specially formulated tanning lotions will aid in keeping your skin healthy and soft and can increase your tanning results by as much as 60%.

Today’s indoor tanning lotions are designed to provide the ultimate in skin nutrition and re-hydration through the use of advanced skincare ingredients such as CoQ-10, Hemp Seed Oil, and Green Tea Extract

Benefits of Using Lotion

Tan Faster
Lotions are accelerators designed to increase your tanning potential by delivering essential vitamins and nutrients that keep the skin healthy.

Tan Longer
Healthy hydrated skin will hold its tan longer.

Tan Darker
Added bronzers boost color. Tingles help break through a tanning plateau.

Protect Skin
Herbal extracts, vitamins, and super antioxidants help fight the damage and reduce the wrinkling caused by UV light.

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