The
following will introduce you to the tanning experience by answering some
of the most frequently asked questions. We encourage you to ask questions,
and solicit your cooperation in adhering to the recommended tanning times
and the policies posted or instructed by our staff members.
| Q) |
Why am I "SAD"
or have the "BLUES" in the winter? |
| A: |
It's a fact that millions of people the world over suffer
from depression when sunshine hours are reduced. Seasonal Affective Disorder,
or SAD, is a type of depression that usually begins to develop as days
grow shorter in the fall, and lifts as spring and summer days come back.
The symptoms vary from a mild case of the 'BLUES', to a debilitating lack
of motivation. According to research, exposure to light activates certain
brain chemicals that make us feel good. Take a mini-vacation in the warmth
of the tanning salon. |
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| Q) |
Sun vs. Tanning
equipment--what's the difference? |
| A: |
The sun radiates ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B
(UVB) rays in uncontrolled amounts. Although UVA and UVB rays are involved
in the tanning process, uncontrolled amounts and overexposure to these
rays can result in burning as well as long-term damage. Indoor tanning
equipment has the same kinds of rays as the sun, but the rays in the beds
can be produced in controlled amounts. The tan you will get is not a "fake"
tan . . . it's the real thing. Linda's Oasis Tan tanning beds are designed
to provide a controlled environment in which the burning (UVB) rays have
been reduced to a minimal level needed to start the tanning process, while
the more gentle UVA rays have been intensified. We feel this system will
produce a more desirable tan and minimize the potential risks involved
in tanning, provided recommended times and frequency of exposure are followed. |
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| Q) |
How does my
body get tanned? |
| A: |
Gradually, with layers of oxidized melanin. The operative
word here is gradually. There is no such thing as a quick tan! The first
time you expose yourself to the ultraviolet rays, UVB rays penetrate the
skin and stimulate the tanning cells to produce melanin. The UVA rays then
add oxygen to the melanin, causing it to turn brown within 24-48 hours.
This browned (oxidized) melanin is the first layer of a tan. Each time
you expose yourself to the ultraviolet rays, another layer of oxidized
melanin is formed. These layers build up gradually over several consecutive
exposures and give your skin that brown color you're looking for--your
tan! |
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| Q) |
How long will
it take to get a tan? |
| A: |
Everyone's skin is different, and the tanning process
occurs at different speeds depending on a person's skin type. Those with
darker complexions will usually tan faster than those with fair skin. As
a general rule, 10-15 consecutive sessions (every other day or not more
than 4 times per week) will give you a base tan. This also depends on whether
or not you use an accelerator and the condition of your skin. We recommend
3 sessions a week to maintain your tan. |
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| Q) |
Do I have to
use protective eyewear? |
| A: |
Absolutely yes! The potential risks of eye injury from
unprotected UV exposure is serious and real. Failure to wear goggles may
result in burns, cataracts, poor night vision or possible permanent loss
of sight. We require that every tanner purchase their own eyewear. A small
price to pay and remember you only have one set of eyes. Take good care
of them! |
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| Q) |
Can medicines
affect the tanning process? |
| A: |
There are some medicines that can cause a photosensitive
reaction when the skin is exposed to
ultraviolet rays. If you are taking any medication,
please check with your physician or pharmacist
before tanning. If you begin taking a photosensitive
medication while tanning, please inform us so that
your tanning program can be adjusted accordingly.
|
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| Q) |
Do I have to
use a tanning lotion? |
| A: |
Your first and most important consideration in using lotions
should be moisture retention. Tanning indoors or outdoors is immediately drying to
your skin. A suggested tanning lotion will naturally speed up the production of melanin
immediately, so the pigments will begin to darken immediately. Healthy skin care
suggested lotions
will tan you faster, tan you darker, and you will keep your tan longer.
A suggested tanning lotion will help you tan 80% faster and maintain your tan
90% longer. Without the use of a suggested accelerator (lotion), the tanning process can be delayed
3 to 5 minutes, while the melanin in your skin is being activated by the UV
rays. Dry, neglected non coated skin reflects UV light, not allowing it to
absorb the UV rays to tan . It also exfoliates
faster, causing the tan to fade quickly. All of our suggested tanning products
are used for indoor tanning. Remember if you plan to use the
products we sell outdoors, they do not have sunscreen.
Note: it is important to know that only those products designed for indoor
tanning should be used only in our tanning beds. Other products may contain
ingredients that could slow down the tanning process as well as damage
the expensive acrylic shields in the beds. These products leave a film
that causes the acrylic to break down and crystallize. This film will not
allow customer to receive the best tan. If you are unsure about a product
you have, please ask our trainned Sales Associate. Remember after tanning—Moisturize,
Moisturize, Moisturize!!! |
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| Q) |
Does an accelerator
make me burn? |
| A: |
No, it stimulates the melanin so that you get the best
results for your skin factor. You only burn if you are given too much time
in the tanning beds. |
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| Q) |
Why do my lips
become so dry when tanning? |
| A: |
Your lips do not have melanin and are vulnerable to drying,
burning, and blistering. Your lips need at least a sunscreen with an SPF-15
whether you are tanning indoors or outdoors. |
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| Q) |
What should
I wear while tanning indoors? |
| A: |
This is your personal choice. At Linda's Oasis we do not
recommend tanning in the nude. If you chose to do so, tan sensitive areas
slowly--expose them part of the time and cover them part of the time until
that area of the body is conditioned to tanning. |
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| Q) |
What are some
experiences peculiar to indoor tanning? |
| A: |
Heat rash: Some customers experience a slight reddening
and itching in the beginning. Usually this is a rash caused by a combination
of the heat from the lamps and the body being in contact with the acrylic
shield on the bed. This condition should disappear as you continue with
your tanning sessions. Solution: Tan every other day until you build up
a good base tan, shift the position of your body so that you are not lying
flat on the acrylic, and apply a good moisturizer after tanning as well
as in-between sessions.
The three "white spots": after a period of time, you may notice
three untanned areas at the base of your spine and on each shoulder blade.
These are the primary pressure points in supporting your body weight when
you are on your back. These areas are not getting enough oxygen to tan
because blood circulation is poor due to the weight of the
body. Solution: Shift the position of your body so that you are not lying
flat on the acrylic, and lay part of the time with your arms at your sides
and part of the time with arms underneath the head. You can also lay on
your stomach.
|
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| Q) |
Why do my stomach
and back tan darker than my face, legs, and arms? |
| A: |
The flat areas of your body have more fat cells, therefore
there is more oxidized melanin and you will tan darker on the stomach and
back. The Specialty products will help the face, legs, and arms tan better.
If you are having a hard time tanning your legs or feet, you should try
our Legacy Leg Tanner for “hard to tan legs”.
Our Standups provide the best, overall, even tan that can also help these
areas.
|
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| Q) |
How can I get
rid of the white lines underneath my bottom? |
| A: |
When you lie down, lift your hips and pull your bottom
towards the trunk of your body.
Note: Our Standups provide the best, overall, even tan that can
help these areas. |
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| Q) |
Will I see
color after my first visit? |
| A: |
You may notice a little color, but if you are tanning
moderately you will see the best results between your third to fifth visit.
We want our customers to tan moderately and never sun burn. Sunburn is
an injury to the skin. |
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| Q) |
Can I tan indoors
and outdoors on the same day? |
| A: |
No! You should only do one or the other within a 24 hour
period. If you do both on the same day you will overexpose your skin. |
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| Q) |
Can I tan if
I am pregnant? |
| A: |
There is no proven danger from moderate use of indoor
tanning equipment. However, because some women are very sensitive to the
heat generated by indoor tanning units, it is our policy not to tan pregnant
women.
Exception: pregnant women can use our Legacy Leg Tanner. |
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| Q) |
How does indoor
and outdoor tanning time compare? |
| A: |
You cannot compare the time because of these factors:
cloudy day, time of day, reflective surfaces (water, sand), altitude, latitude,
air pollutants, and the seasons of the year. |
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| Q) |
Should I take
a shower before or after I tan? |
| A: |
It does not matter. Just remember moist skin tans better
and looks better. Always use an accelerator after you shower and before
you tan. Exception: when using skin stimulating products, you should wait
30 minutes to 1 hour after tanning to shower. Showering directly after
will intensify the heat and redness from the product. |
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| Q) |
Will tanning
indoors lighten or dry out my hair? |
| A: |
Some people feel that it does. If you are concerned, you
may want to wrap your hair in a towel. |
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| Q) |
Should I wear
sunscreen in the tanning beds? |
| A: |
No, unless there is a part of your body that you do not
want to tan at all. Remember the sunscreen should not touch the acrylic
shield. |
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| Q) |
Does the tanning
bed need to become hot for me to tan? |
| A: |
No, the cooler the tanning bed the more efficient it is.
Electrical components do not like too much heat. When you get really hot,
it is just your body's reaction to heat (heat flux) and has no bearing
on actual tanning. |
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