FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Light is essential to all life on earth. Outside of the various psychological and physiological reasons, there’s a growing body of scientific evidence showing that people actually require light exposure to function effectively. Light exposure causes the brain to suppress the release of the hormone Melatonin, that acts as a depressant in the body. Exposure to light produces various health benefits, such as the production of Vitamin D3, which is necessary in the prevention of bone diseases like osteoporosis and the improvement of psoriasis symptoms.

Indoor tanning offers you control. Regardless of the time of day or season, you can obtain light therapy in a relaxing, controlled environment.

The outermost layer of skin, the epidermis, contains special cells called melanocytes. Ultraviolet B rays stimulate these cells and cause them to produce melanin. As these cells migrate to the surface of the skin, Ultraviolet A rays oxidize them; thus creating a tan. Each person has a different amount of melanin. Fair-skinned, fair-haired people generally have less melanin than dark-haired, dark-skinned people. This determines for the most part, how quickly and how dark your skin will tan.

Skin types are the way an individual’s skin is categorized based on its reaction to Ultraviolet light. Our tanning consultants will consider your skin type when recommending tanning session exposure times.

• TYPE I - Very fair skin, always burn easily, severely, never tans.
• TYPE II - Fair skin, burns easily, tans minimally or lightly peels.
• TYPE III - Burns moderately and will eventually tan.
• TYPE IV - Burns minimally and will tan well.
• TYPE V - Always tans, rarely burns.
• TYPE VI - Always tans profusely, never burns.

What you wear is a personal choice; some choose to wear swimsuits or undergarments, while others choose to avoid any tan lines by tanning in the nude. The privacy of indoor tanning allows you to make the choice that is most comfortable for you. If you choose to tan in the nude, we remind you that this skin may have never been exposed to Ultraviolet light and will be more sensitive. These areas must acquire a tan slowly, cut down the exposure time for these areas to 1/3 or less of the total time recommended by your tanning professional. When you can’t see any tan lines on your body, it’s ok to expose that skin the same length of time as the rest of your body.

An SPF should always be used on your lips because they are sensitive and are very susceptible to over exposure.

Your eyelids are not thick enough to protect your eyes from UV damage. Federal law requires all tanning salons to supply clients with proper eye protection. The eyewear must meet federal government standards by blocking 99% of UVA and UVB rays. Closing your eyes, using sunglasses, cotton balls, or a towel is not adequate protection, the UV rays will easily penetrate them and continue into the eyes. Failing to protect your eyes properly can potentially cause burning to the cornea and more severe damage to the lens and retina. In addition to night vision loss, excessive unprotected exposure to UV light will also damage color vision.

The time necessary to build a great tan depends on several factors:

• Your skin type
• The equipment
• Product (if used)
• Frequency of tanning

Our tanning consultants will work with you to develop a tanning regimen that meets your goals, while promoting a healthy tan. Most people will see a skin color change after the first few sessions, and have a good base tan in 6-10 sessions. Maintenance of your tan is then achieved with as few as 1-2 sessions per week.

Trying to build a tan too quickly can have undesired results. You cannot tan more than once in any day and tanning more than what is appropriate for your skin type will only result in an undesirable outcome. However, there is a strategy that will give you an instant tan with a boost, our Tanning Cocktail - Sunbed+Sunless. By utilizing the VersaSpa Sunless tanning booth immediately after tanning in a sunbed, you can have the natural looking color you desire, quickly and effectively. The sunbed prepares your skin to accept the sunless tanning solution. For best results use a lotion specifically formulated for Tanning Cocktails while tanning in a sunbed before a Sunless session. Ask an associate for which products will work best for you.

The FDA requires at least 24 hours between Sunbed tanning sessions. We recommend at least 2 days in between Sunbed sessions, whenever time allows.

It is not advisable to tan outdoors or indoors if you are taking photosensitizing medication. If you aren’t sure, consult your doctor. Many common medications can cause photosensitivity, leading to overexposure while tanning. It’s always safe to consult your doctor before using a tanning bed.

Although we know that there is no fetal danger from UV rays (since they cannot penetrate deeper than the dermis -skin layer) it is always best to consult your doctor before using a tanning bed if you’re pregnant. Pregnant women are advised to be cautious with saunas, hot tubs, and other systems that can cause excessive heat to build up in the uterus. Once your doctor has given you the “go ahead,” speak to one of our tanning consultants about which units, and times of day are the coolest.

Moisture is the key to a long-lasting tan. Healthy skin tans faster, darker, and retains a tan longer. Plenty of water and a quality lotion; especially one formulated for tanning, will help keep your skin moisturized. Your skin is constantly renewing itself, drier skin will shed its top layers and bring new skin to the surface. Since tanning only affects the epidermis (top layers of your skin) as those layers are shed, you lose your tanned skin. Dry layers on the surface of your skin can also block the UV rays from getting to the healthy layers of your epidermis in order to tan them. Along with moisturizing, you will need to tan regularly—1-2 times per week to maintain your color.

Moisturizers are recognized as the single most important factor in maintaining your skin’s tanning potential and to prevent the drying that often occurs with exposure to Ultraviolet light. The products carried at Seattle Sun Tan are specifically designed for indoor tanning. We are always happy to recommend products that would work best for your skin.

Using lotions will enhance your tanning results and promote healthier skin. Lotions are formulated with a variety of ingredients and each product is unique; they generally include both nutrients and other components to encourage the skin’s production of melanin. Melanin is what creates the pigment in your skin. Your product will provide your skin with the moisture it demands to maintain the skin’s healthy appearance and feel. It is important that you never wear oil in a tanning bed. The results can be dangerous, undesirable, and can damage the clear acrylic surface of the tanning beds.

The VersaSpa spray system lasts on average 3-5 days while the professional SunFX Air Brush spray system can last anywhere from 7-10 days. Depending on your pre-tan prep, and your aftercare they may last longer. Prior to your session it’s important that you are showered and your body is well hydrated and moisturized. This will ensure maximum adhesion of the bronzing solution. Opting for the prep spray before the bronzing spray will also help maximize the length of your tan. Immediately after your session do not exfoliate your skin, as this can remove your color. We also carry a line of after spray tan extenders and moisturizers to help you get the most out of your sunless spray session.

There are no expiration dates on packages or sessions purchased. They are there until you use them.

To ensure the security of your account, all changes must be made in person. We do not make any changes to accounts or allow any purchases to be made over the phone. Changes may also be made in writing, to our customer service department by the last day of the month (changes will take effect the following draft cycle). A freeze of your account must be made at least 24 hours before the monthly draft date. Membership cancellations must be made 15 days before the draft date, or by the last day of the month.