Common Asked Questions:

Q. I've heard that indoor tanning is more harmful than tanning outdoors?

A. Those who tan indoors are exposed to a scientifically calibrated amount of UV light. When used in accordance with the FDA exposure guidelines (Posted on each machine), tanning beds are designed to maximize tanning without burning. Conversely, tanning outdoors is an unregulated environment.

Q. I heard that in order to get a suntan you have to burn first?

A.  Sunburn does not fade into a tan. Sunburn indicates overexposure to UV-light and actually damages the skin. We promote smart, moderate tanning for those individuals who can develop a tan. The golden rule of tanning is simple - Don't EVER sunburn.

Q. Do indoor tanning lotions/accelerators really work?

A. Yes. Indoor tanning lotions are specially formulated with moisturizers and DNA enzymes to protect the skin cell's structure and maintain moisture balance.

Tanning without lotion depletes the skin of moisture, which can result, in wrinkled, dry, peeling, skin. However it can be almost completely avoided if you use a quality indoor tanning lotion like those carried at Sunsational. 

Dry skin reflects UV light. So if you are not using an indoor tanning accelerator, you can waste up to 50% of your tanning session. Tanning in moderation with quality lotion products will not prematurely age your skin. Not using lotions and moisturizers, will! Be sure to never tan without a lotion.

 Q. Can I use an outdoor tanning lotion?

A. No. Outdoor tanning products are not formulated the same way and contain ingredients, which not only prevent you from achieving optimum results but also are harmful to the acrylics. The only lotions allowed at Sunsational are those purchased directly from us or other professional tanning salons.

Q.  How often can I tan?

A. Once a day if you wish as long as you wait 24 hour between each day. The skin continues to tan 24-48 hours after your session, so do not be concerned about seeing results right away.

Q. Will I be tan after the first session?

A. Not necessarily. The skin needs a few sessions to gradually develop the self defense mechanism known as a tan. This process cannot be sped up. Your tan will develop within 3-6 sessions.

Q. How many times do I have to come to get a tan?

A. We recommend an exposure schedule of 3-4 times per week to develop your base tan, and 1-2 times a week to maintain it.

Q. How quickly can I increase my tanning time after my first session?

A. If you do well your first time in the tanning bed and do not experience any redness, most of our clients are able to increase their time by 2-3 minutes each time thereafter until reaching the maximum tan time for that particular bed.

Q. Can I wear my contact lenses while tanning?

A. Because tanning naturally draws moisture from the body, eyes are sometimes inconvenienced with contacts that lose moisture too. Even with protective eyewear, eyes can dry out a little. If somebody is going to tan with their contacts in, it is recommended that they use moisturizing drops prior to or just after the tanning session to prevent any temporary discomfort.

Q. Why should I use eyewear?

A.  The eyelids are not thick enough to protect the eyes against UV damage. Damage can take the form of Corneal Bums and/or Cataracts, which can result in night blindness, color blindness, and blurred vision. "Raccoon eyes" can be avoided by moving the eyewear up and down during the tanning session