FAQs

ESBtans Top 10 FAQs

1. Can I Get Vitamin D from the Sun or Indoor Tanning Equipment?
2. How Does The Tanning Process Occur?
3. How Often Should I Tan?
4. Why Does a Tan Fade?
5. Is Tanning Indoors More Responsible than Outdoor Tanning?
6. What is the Benefit of Using Tanning Lotions Specifically Formulated for Indoor Tanning?
7. Should I Wear Protective Eyewear When Tanning?
8. What Causes White Spots to Appear on the Skin When Developing a Tan?
9. Why Do Some People Itch After Tanning?
10. Is it True that Tanning Helps to Treat Depression or Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)?

Can I Get Vitamin D from the Sun or Indoor Tanning Equipment?

Sun / UV exposure in moderate amounts is the only method for the human body to naturally produce Vitamin D. If indoor tanning equipment emits UVB rays, just like the Sun. approx (300-320) nanometer / wavelength, then yes your body will produce Vitamin D.  In fact the Vitamin D Council reports, "Sun tanning equipment is one of the best methods of obtaining your Vitamin D, especially during the Fall-Winter months in over half of the US when the Sun is just too far from the earth.

How Does The Tanning Process Occur?

Ultra Violet Light, UVA and UVB rays produced (from the sun or indoor tanning unit) and necessary to create a tan. This is a natural process of the human body. When UVB rays enter the skin it stimulates the melanocytes in the upper skin layer (called the epidermis) which then produce melanin.  The UVA ray as it enters the skin darkens the melanin, thereby turning the skin a browner color.

How Often Should I Tan?

In 1986 the US Food and Drug Administration, USFDA, developed specific guidelines stating that a 48 hour should pass between tanning sessions. Tanning or pigmentation and/or erythema (sunburn) may not be fully visible for 12-24 hours. Thus two tanning sessions indoors or outdoors within this 24 hour period could cause an unintentional burn. In general, a tan can be build up naturally and gradually, following a proper exposure schedule based on skin type and time over the course of 8-10 tanning sessions. This does depend on a person’s skin type and level of tan. Just remember, always tan Smart, tan gradually to build your base tan. Then to maintain your tan, continue with one or two sessions weekly. Note: Everyone’s skin tan’s differently. So know what works best for you, If you never develop a tan outdoors, you will also never tan with indoor tanning equipment. Never burn, No redder is not better, always tan moderately.

Why Does a Tan Fade?

A tan or pigmentation process occurs naturally in the epidermis, or outer layer of the skin. And every 28-30 days you body the epidermis is replaced with new skin cells. During this period cells in the inner portion of the top skin layer divide themselves, migrate to the surface. They gradually die and fall off or exfoliate. Skin cells contain melanin, or pigment and as a result of UV exposure, they rise to the skin’s surface and eventually flake off. Therefore, a tan will be lost if or fade. But can easily be maintained by repeated exposure several times a week to UV light. Tan Smart, Tan Responsibly, Redder is Never Better.

Is Tanning Indoors More Responsible than Outdoor Tanning?

If you can body / skin type can develop a tan from the sun, then you can tan indoors too.  But indoor tanning is a much more controlled and smarter way to minimize the risk of overexposure or sunburn. When tanning outdoors there are many variables impossible to control that will adversely affect the tanning process: where you live, time of day, season, weather, and pollution.  Tanning indoors is a very controlled process and all tanning equipment must comply with strict US FDA regulations and guidelines.

What isthe Benefit of Using Tanning Lotions Specifically Formulated for Indoor Tanning?

Indoor tanning lotions designed to be used with indoor tanning equipment provide two main benefits. When about 1 oz of good quality indoor tanning lotion, (preferably one that does not contain cheap or low cost mineral oil or petrolatum, that will clog the skin’s pores) when carefully applied and allowed to be fully absorbed into the skin prior to tanning…will first help to stimulate or accelerate the tanning process and second moisturize the skin while tanning. Well cared for skin tans quicker, darker, and remains tan longer than neglected skin. A lotion will help to increase your skin’s overall health and enhance and maintain your tan longer.

Note: Outdoor lotions containing SPFs, Sun Protection Factors, help to block or slow down the tanning process.

Should I Wear Protective Eyewear When Tanning?

Absolutely Yes! The proper UV eyewear approved by the USFDA protects your eyes from overexposure to ultraviolet light. Ultraviolet damage is to your eyes is cumulative. No closing your eyes and not wearing FDA approved UV protective eyewear will not protect them from potential long term ultraviolet damage. Tan Smart Always Wear FDA approved UV eyewear.

What Causes White Spots to Appear on the Skin When Developing a Tan?

White spots sometimes become noticeable on the body once the tanning process begins.  These white spots may appear due to the presence of a fungus which lives on the skin's surface. While the fungus is harmless, it does absorb UV light which would normally penetrate the skin. This fungus did not appear as a result of tanning; it merely becomes noticeable once tanning occurs. It can be remedied through the use of prescription drugs or some other topical lotions. Sometimes patches of skin which do not tan could be the result of genetic determination. The melanocytes in that certain area may simply not be efficient at producing melanin.

Why Do Some People Itch After Tanning?

Itching and/or rashes may occur as a result of photosensitivity or allergic reactions to chemicals in products like cosmetics, tanning lotions, shampoos, acrylic cleaners, prescription and over the counter drugs. And sometimes reaction occurs from certain foods or drinks. Some people are naturally photosensitive upon exposure to UV. Others are susceptible to heat rashes, a cause totally unrelated to UV light. Rashes caused by these products generally occur in localized areas on which the products were applied. Your skin should as clean as possible. If discontinued use of a suspected product does not eliminate the rash or itching, a person should discontinue any exposure to UV light until the condition subsides or see a physician.

Is it True that Tanning Helps to Treat Depression or Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)?

There exists a growing body of scientific evidence which indicates that some people actually require more light exposure in order to function properly. Exposure to bright light, such as that emitted by the mid-day summer sun, causes the brain to suppress the release of the hormone melatonin. Melatonin acts as a depressant in the body if generated during the daytime. Thus, when affected people are exposed to longer hours of bright light, they feel happier, euphoric and more able to enjoy life. Bright light sources emitting only visible light are now frequently used to successfully treat Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and Sub-syndromal Seasonal Affective Disorder (SSAD).

ESBtans continues to prudently pursue our commitment of communicating the many benefits of Photo-therapy.

Hippocrates from ancient Greek times is said to be the Father of Medicine, extolled the virtues and benefits of Sunlight.  Tanning is very natural process of the human body that has been occurring since our existence on the planet Earth.  Moderate exposure to Sun / Ultraviolet light definitely has been medically proven as the best method of producing our essential Vitamin D, extremely important for optimum and lifelong health.

Tanning moderately is the key to looking and feeling good, but never burning. And always maintaining proper skincare both pre and post tanning. As in every lifestyle choice we all must carefully weigh the benefits and risks.

Worldwide research continues to grow supporting the many benefits and uses Phototherapy as a very natural approach to maintaining and improving our over all well-being.

Get Tan…Be Healthy, with ESBtans home tanning beds.