Smart Tanning involves understanding your skin type and using controlled UV exposure to achieve a desired tan while minimizing risks. Whether you tan indoors or outdoors, the fundamental process remains the same: your skin produces melanin, a pigment that darkens your skin as a natural defense against sunburn. However, indoor tanning offers a controlled environment where you can customize your tanning experience for optimal results.
Controlled UV and Customized Tanning Programs
Unlike the unpredictable nature of sunlight, indoor tanning beds allow for precise control over UV intensity and exposure time. This minimizes the risk of uneven tans and sunburns. Most sunbeds emit a similar UV mix to sunlight (95% UVA and 5% UVB), but they are typically 2-4 times more intense. This higher intensity explains the shorter session times in a tanning bed.
Smart Tan member salons utilize the Smart Tan Skin Type System™ to personalize your tanning program. This system assesses your individual skin type to determine the most appropriate exposure schedule, ensuring a safe and effective tanning experience tailored to your needs.
How Your Skin Tans: The Science Behind the Glow
Tanning occurs in the epidermis, the skin’s outer layer. Specialized cells called melanocytes produce melanin when exposed to UVB light. UVA light then darkens the melanin, resulting in a tan. This process is your skin’s natural way of protecting itself from the harmful effects of overexposure to UV radiation. Because epidermal cells are constantly regenerating and shedding, tans naturally fade over time, necessitating continued exposure to maintain your desired color.
Skincare for a Long-Lasting Tan
Achieving a beautiful and long-lasting tan requires more than just UV exposure. Professional-grade indoor tanning products are essential for preparing your skin, accelerating the tanning process, moisturizing for a longer-lasting tan, and maintaining healthy skin. Skin care consultants at Smart Tan salons can guide you in selecting the right products and developing a comprehensive tanning regimen that meets your individual needs and goals.
Sunburn Prevention: Protecting Your Skin
Sunburn, characterized by redness and pain, indicates skin damage from excessive UV exposure. A tan, on the other hand, is a natural protective mechanism. Melanin shields skin cells, while the thickening of the outer skin layer further enhances sunburn resistance.
A base tan can significantly boost the effectiveness of sunscreen. For instance, an SPF 15 sunscreen applied to skin with a base tan providing 2-4 times more sunburn resistance results in a net SPF of 30-60. This enhanced protection is crucial for outdoor activities.
SPF 15 x 2 = SPF 30
SPF 15 x 4 = SPF 60
Vitamin D Production: The Sunshine Vitamin
Vitamin D, crucial for bone health and overall well-being, is often called the “Sunshine Vitamin.” Most sunbeds, like sunlight, emit enough UVB to trigger vitamin D production in the skin. While tanning is not necessary for vitamin D production, and supplements are available, indoor tanning can be a convenient way to boost your vitamin D levels.*
*Note: You do not need to tan to produce vitamin D.
Safety Precautions for Smart Tanning
Smart Tan salons prioritize hygiene and safety. Tanning rooms are thoroughly cleaned and sanitized before each session to minimize the risk of infection.
Protecting your eyes and lips is paramount. Federal law mandates the use of proper eye protection in tanning salons. Ensure eyewear fits snugly and blocks all UV light. Consider removing contact lenses before tanning to prevent dryness. Lip balm with SPF can protect your lips, which are susceptible to sunburn.
Inform your tanning salon staff about any medications you are taking, as some drugs can react with UV light. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or have any health concerns before tanning. Pregnant women should be particularly cautious about overheating and physical strain.
