Frequently Asked Questions

Is indoor tanning the same as tanning in the sun?

YES. A photon of UV light is the same whether it comes from the sun or from a UV lamp. When tanning indoors, your body produces a tan in the same manner as when you tan outdoors. An important advantage of tanning indoors is that the amount of UV light you receive is regulated. And there is greater control of exposure. You can gradually increase your exposure times to get a tan, while helping to minimize sunburn.

Do I have to wear eye protection when tanning indoors?

YES!!! Your eyelids do not provide adequate protection from UV light. Although there may be no immediate symptoms, damage may be occurring to your eyes which can lead to vision problems. Always wear your eye protection when tanning—you only get one pair of eyes.

Is it alright to sunbath outside immediately before or after I go tanning?

NO. Going tanning before or after sunbathing outside can lead to overexposure and possible damage to your skin. If you have spent considerable time in the sun, chances are that you have received significant UV exposure. Jumping in a tanning bed after a day on the beach will not make you tan quicker; it will only increase the chances of burn, and the likelihood of damaging your skin.

As a beginning tanner, how long should I tan on my first session?

Well, this is a question we receive a lot, but unfortunately it is one that cannot be answered easily. Initial tanning exposure times are really dependant on a number of things such as skin type, the type and strength of sun beds, and the condition of the bulbs. Without knowing these variables, it is very difficult to determine exact tanning times. Salon employees who know their equipment are better suited to help with initial tanning times in sun beds. If you are in a new salon, and have not received good guidance on tanning times, start off with extremely short exposure times and always work your way up. Some units may require initial exposure times of five minutes or less depending on skin type.

Will showering immediately after a tanning session affect my tan?

As odd as it sounds, this is a question that is asked or thought of by a lot of people. A tan is not something that can be washed off. The process does not take place on the skin’s surface and cannot be cleansed away with soap and water.

How many days a week should I tan?

GoldenSun Tan suggests no more than 3 - 4 days a week. Tanning 5 or more days a week may not affect your skin now, but it will eventually make your skin look leathery.

What can I do to help my tan last longer and stay healthy looking?

Keep your skin hydrated. Lotion after showering/swimming etc. Drinking plenty of water during the day may also help your skin look healthier. If you tan in a tanning bed, wear an SPF of some sort when exposed to the sun to prevent over exposure. Over exposure will hurt more than help your tan look healthy.

Should/Can I tan nude?

It is completely up to you and how comfortable it is for you. Tanning nude is perfectly fine. It does no harm. The only difference in tanning nude and tanning with coverage is the tan lines. Please consider certain areas may have not seen the sun in a while so please apply sunscreen, which GoldenSun Tan will provide you at no charge.

What are the white spots I see on my body since tanning?

The little white spots that won’t tan, usually found on the upper torso, shoulders, and neck are called "sun spots." They are a type of fungus, similar to dandruff, and are harmless. They can be pretty common to tanners and are easily treatable. There are sun spot products available at our salon, which should eliminate the problem. Or you can try a dandruff shampoo, such as Selsun Blue. Apply it to the affected area twice a day for two weeks and the spot should go away.

What do you clean the beds with?

We clean the beds with a highly effective non-irritating disinfectant spray which cleans away all bacteria that may have been left on the bed.

How often are the beds cleaned?

The beds are cleaned after EVERY tan. We make sure to spray, and wipe the beds and headrest after every session. After we clean the bed, we make sure to place a clean towel and eyewear in each unit.

Should I tan with make up/foundation on?

NO. A lot of foundations now-a-days have an SPF in them. Tanning with a cleansed face tans a lot easier than if you were to have a layer of foundation on. It is also better for your pores to have them cleansed and free of any dirt or oils when tanning.

If you still have questions or concerns about tanning that were not addressed in our FAQ then please do not hesitate to contact us. We will respond to your inquiry within 24 hours.

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Web Master: Michael McCarthy - Content Creator: Mischell Neville

Page Design: Michael McCarthy Last update September 2005