Tanning takes place in the skin's outermost layer, the epidermis, with special cells called melanocytes. When exposed to UV-B light (short wave ultraviolet), melanocytes produce the pigment, melanin. The pinkish melanin travels up through the epidermis and is absorbed by other skin cells. When exposed to UV-A light (longer wave), melanin oxidizes or darkens. This is your skin's way of protecting itself against too much UV light.
Cells in the epidermis are constantly reproducing and pushing older cells upward toward the surface of your skin, where they are sloughed off in about one month. As your skin replaces its cells, the cells laden with melanin are removed. So the tanning process must continue with the new cells.
Speed - It doesn't take all day to get a tan indoors. Depending on your skin type, just a few minutes, not hours. Maintain your tan for as little as 60 minutes a month. Control - Our state-of-the-art equipment allows us to monitor and scientifically control your ultraviolet UV-A and UV-B exposure. We make sure you tan and not burn. Climate - Overcast, rainy, or 109 degrees in the shade, you never have to worry about the weather with your pleasant, climate-controlled environment.
Lip and eye protection - Lips don't produce melanin and eyelids are too thin to block UV. That's why it's important to wear lip balm with sunscreen and protective eye goggles. Eyewear must be certified and approved by the FDA. We offer a selection of goggles that meet these Federal standards. You can avoid "Raccoon Eyes" by gently adjusting your goggles while you tan, but never remove them completely.
Outdoors - When you tan outdoors, you are exposed to uncontrolled and often excessive amounts of multi-frequency UV that can cause "sunburn" and permanent damage. When you are outside, wear appropriate protection.
Medication - Some medications can cause reactions with UV light. If you are taking any medications, please let your doctor know you're tanning.
For more information visit:
http://www.tanningtruth.com
www.theita.com
F.A.Q.
It can be a combination of the type of self tanner used and the level of DHA (the active self tanning ingredient). Self Tanners have come a long way since their introduction. Traditional self tanners relied solely on DHA to create a temporary "tan". Recently, many self tanners started including Erythrulose, a similar type ingredient that delivers a more golden color to the skin, whereas DHA tends to be more red/orange. The use of these two self tanning ingredients together and with the right balance allows for a more golden-brown hue and a more natural looking "tan". In addition, Erythrulose takes longer to react than DHA, therefore allowing for longer lasting sunless color.
Arrive showered, shaven, free of make-up, perfume, oil, body sprays, deodorant and moisturizer for optimal results. Bring loose, dark fitting clothing for after your session. Your Sunless session will last less than sixty seconds plus dry time for the application and a total of 10 to 15 minutes with prep and post preparation.
You should use a moisturizer regularly to keep your skin hydrated and healthy, which will contribute to a more even, natural looking sunless tan. However, it is recommended NOT to apply moisturizers 2 hours prior to self tanning and 4 to 6 hours after.
It is important to keep skin moisturized after your Sunless session as dry, flaky skin will slough off faster and color will fade sooner. Sunless tan-extending products with a light self-tanning bronzer helps hydrate skin and maintain even, natural looking color longer by providing subtle bronzers.
It is best to wait at least 6 hours after the sunless tan application before you shower to give the DHA time to fully react with skin proteins.
It is best to wait about 6 hours after your Sunless session before partaking in any strenuous activites that may cause perspiration. This will give the DHA time to fully react with skin proteins as well as prevent streaking that could result from excessive perspiration.
The longevity of a Sunless tan depends on the skin's natural exfoliation process, and on the skin regimen followed before and after application. On average, a sunless tan will last 4-7 days. The "life span" of a Sunless tan also depends on your skin's natural exfoliation. The faster your skin regenerates, the faster the sunless tan will fade. The tan created by the DHA and Erythrulose affects only the top layer of the skin and will begin to fade after 4 to 5 days as the skin naturally begins to exfoliate.
The frequency of Sunless tanning application depends on your skin cell turn over and preference of color intensity. People with quick cell turn-overs may want to do a Sunless session every 3-4 days to keep color fresh, while others may need to apply only once every 7-10 days.
No. According to the FDA, a customer may only tan once per day, regardless of session time or type.
Some of the bronze "cosmetic tint" color may rub off on clothing or bed sheets. This is most likely to happen when you get dressed immediately after tanning. To minimize the chance of the tint transferring to clothing, we recommend that you wear loose-fitting, darker clothes after your Sunless session. The Cosmetic tint is water-soluble. Therefore, in most cases, the color will come out of clothing in the wash.
Barrier Cream is applied as a protective barrier to prevent unwanted color on the porous areas such as hands, feet, nails and cuticles. Dispense a generous amount of Barrier Cream onto your hands and apply an even coating to the palms of the hands, in-between the fingers, tips of fingers, covering nails and around the cuticles. Also apply a generous layer of Barrier Cream to the bottom of feet, in-between the toes, covering toenails and cuticles.
Although you may feel and look like you a real tan, a sunless tan is only the temporary appearance of a tan and therefore provides your skin with no real sunburn protection. It is absolutely necessary you wear a sunscreen when outdoors to protect your skin from burning.
