FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What kinds of beds do you have?
What’s the difference between types of lotions?
Can I use my Designer Skin Brand tanning lotion outdoors?
Is it okay to shower right after tanning?
How often should I tan?
What skin type am I?
What are some precautions I should take?
What medications may affect my tanning ability?

Antihistamines
Coal Tar and Derivatives
Contraceptives, Oral & Estrogens
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
Phenothiazines
Psoralens
Sulfonamides
Sulfonylureas
Thiazide Diuretics
Tetracyclines
Tricyclic Antidepressants

What kinds of beds do you have?

We have Up-to-Date Ergoline brand beds and Mystic Tan UV Free Spray Booth. We offer 4 levels of tanning. Level 1 is the 226 model and is a 20 minute max time bed. Level 2 is the Advantage 400 and is a 15 minutes bed with 140 watt bulbs that’s equipped with high pressure facial tanners. Level 3 is the Evolution 600 and is a 12 minute bed with the high pressure facial tanners. The Saturn is a 10 minute stand-up high pressure tanning experience. And of course the Mystic Tan which is a sunless spray on tan.

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What’s the difference between types of lotions?

“An Accelerator, helps to'naturally' produce results; a Bronzer, 'boosts' or 'enhances' the natural level of tan with the use of added bronzing agents; a Tingle, is for advanced tanners, breaks through the tanning plateau, and tans through increased 'microcirculation' and 'oxygenation'; and lastly, a Coolant, simply provides a 'cool, refreshing' sensation while tanning. All four types of lotions can be intermixed, (i.e., Bronzer with Coolant, Accelerator with Tingle, etc.”

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Can I use my Designer Skin Brand tanning lotion outdoors?

Yes, you can with the exception of the sizzle or tingle factors. However, I recommend applying a sunscreen a half hour before you apply your Designer Skin lotion as there is no protection against the sun with your indoor lotion alone.

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Is it okay to shower right after tanning?

Yes, it is. However, if you use a lotion with a bronzer you’ll want to wait at least four hours to give the bronzing agents in the lotion ample time to absorb into the skin and oxidize.

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How often should I tan?

Tanning 3 days a week is a pretty good rule of thumb. Some people can achieve great results with less time but going more then 3 days a week is not recommended as it can lead to drying of the skin.

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What skin type am I?

According to the American Academy of Dermatology skin types are as follows:

The American Academy of Dermatology suggests that, regardless of skin type, a broad-spectrum (protects against UVA and UVB rays) sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15 should be used year-round.

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What are some precautions I should take?

Protect your lips with lip balms or sunscreens.

While tanning in the nude, cover previously unexposed areas for the majority of your tanning time for the first few visits. Gradually increase exposure to these areas until they catch up with the rest.

While taking any medications, please let one of our staff members know. Some medications can cause reactions with UV light.

Most importantly, protect your eyes! Simply closing them while you tan is not adequate protection against the harmful effects UV light may have. Damage to your eyes may not be noticed for months or even years. The possibility of eye damage can easily be eliminated by protecting them when you tan. The eye protection we offer meets FDA regulations by blocking 99.9% of UVB and 99% of UVA. For these reasons, we insist that you use eye protection every time you tan.

Although indoor tanning uses the best blend of ultraviolet light, the combination of heat and light can dry your skin. Therefore, you should moisturize your skin to get the most out of each visit.

Do not rush your tan. A tan should be obtained gradually to avoid damage to the skin and sunburn. Gradually increase your exposure time and do not tan burned skin.

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What medications may affect my ability to tan?

Certain medications and foods can affect your ability to tan properly. They can cause photosensitivity and/or a rash as a reaction to ultraviolet light. Below is a list of medications and foods that have been linked to such reactions. PLEASE NOTE THIS IS NOT A COMPLETE LIST AND IF YOUR CONCERNED ABOUT A MEDICATION YOUR CURRENTLY TAKING PLEASE ASK YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST. NOT all individuals who use or take these medications will experience a photosensitive reaction. Also, an individual who experiences a photosensitive reaction on one occasion will NOT necessarily experience it again or every time. A medication will NOT cause the same degree of skin reaction in all individuals. Brand names of products should be considered only as examples; they do NOT represent all names under which the generic product may be sold.

Primary Classes of Medications Responsible for Photosensitizing Reactions:
(Examples by Generic Name)

• Antihistamines
• Coal Tar and Derivatives
• Contraceptives, Oral & Estrogens
• Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
• Phenothiazines
• Psoralens
• Sulfonamides
• Sulfonylureas
• Thiazide Diuretics
• Tetracyclines
• Tricyclic Antidepressants

Note: If you are using a medication in any of these classes, you should take precautions even if your particular medication is not listed.

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SOURCES OF DATA 1. Medications that Increase Sensitivity to Light: A 1990 Listing, prepared by Jerome I. Levine, M.S., R.Ph., 12/90, US Dept of Health & Human Services, FDA 91-8280.