Will I be tanned after the 1st tanning session?

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

Is indoor tanning more harmful than tanning outdoors?

No, those who tan indoors are exposed to a scientifically calibrated amount of light. When used in accordance with FDA exposure guidelines tanning beds are designed to maximise tanning without burning. Conversely, tanning outdoors is a totally unregulated environment.

How many times to I need to tan before I see results?

We recommend an exposure schedule of 3-4 times per week to develop your base tan, approximately every other day. Once your base tan has been achieved it will vary from person to person how often you will need to tan to maintain your desired colour. All skin types are different but typically you will need to tan at least 1-2 times per week. If you have any questions or concerns about the frequency or the best tanning schedule for you please consult a member of staff who can advise you.

How do tanning beds work?

The sun emits two types of Ultraviolet (UV) rays which are called UVA and UVB. Indoor tanning equipment uses powerful lamps to reproduce this UV light with a mix of UVA and UVB rays. UVA are mainly browning rays that turn your skins melanin from pink to brown. This is your bodys natural protection from the sun. UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin than UVB, are less harmful and take a few hours to produce their full results. UVB rays stimulate your skins melanocyte cells which in turn bring more melanin to the surface. These rays penetrate the skin less deeply, add a natural sheen to the skin and take slightly less time to show their full effect.

Do tanning lotions/accelerators really work?

Quite simply, Yes! These lotions help you tan faster, moisturise the skin and many help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. By supplying your skin with much needed vitamins, minerals, amino acids and moisture, these lotions can help you to tan up to 67% better than using no lotion at all. By using lotions you can tan faster in less sessions with less UV exposure which means safer, smarter tanning. Your skin naturally reflects around half of the sunlight it receives. By using a lotion however you can break down this barrier so that the skin absorbs almost 100% of the sunlight, leaving you with a longer lasting, better looking tan.

How long will my tan last?

About 2-3 weeks after your last sunbed session. The uppermost skin cells are gradually shed as a result of the natural process of skin renewal. The skin will have renewed itself after approx 28 days. Looked after properly a tan can be preserved for longer.

How often can I safely tan?

Certain people are not advised to use a tanning bed at all, this includes people with a history of skin cancer, people on certain prescription medications which cause photosensitivity and alter the way the skin reacts to UV rays, people under 18 years of age and people with skin type I (see next question). Most people aside from the group mentioned above can safely tan 2-3 times a week. It is advised that you leave a period of 24 hours between sunbed sessions to allow the skin to repair itself.

What is my skin type?

There are six basic categories we use to describe a persons skin type. You should choose the category which best describes you in order to maximise the benefits and minimise the risks of too much or too little UV exposure.

Skin Type I

Skin Colour: White, very fair, red or blonde hair, blue eyes, freckles.
Characteristics: Always burns, never tans, not advised to use sunbeds at all.

Skin Type II

Skin Colour: White, fair, red or blonde hair, blue, hazel or green eyes.
Characteristics: Usually burns, tans with difficulty.

Skin Type III

Skin Colour: Cream, white, fair with any eye colour, Very common skin type.
Characteristics: Sometimes mild burn, gradually tans

Skin Type IV

Skin Colour: Brown, Typical Mediterranean, Caucasian skin.
Characteristics: Rarely burns, Tans with ease.

Skin Type V

Skin Colour: Dark brown, mid eastern type skin.
Characteristics: Very rarely burns, Tans very easily.

Skin Type VI

Skin Colour: Black.
Characteristics: Never burns, Tans very easily.