Tanning

The Three Layers of the Skin

  • The EPIDERMIS is the outermost layer and is where the tan is produced.
  • The DERMIS is the middle layer. It contains collagen and other material vital to the skin’s strength, its ability to repair itself and fight infections.
  • The SUBCUTANEOUS is the bottom layer. It serves as insulation, food reserve and binds the skin to the body.

skin-layers

The Epidermis

The layers in the epidermis involved in the tanning process are the horny (outer) layer and the germinative (inner) layer.

The germinative layer is constantly pushing old cells up to the horny layer where approximately every month (4 weeks) they are sloughed off.

At the base of the epidermis are the Melanocytes. Melanocytes make up about 5 % of the epidermal cells and are the pigment cells involved in the tanning process. Melanocytes produce melanin that turns brown when exposed to UV light and oxygen.

When melanocytes are exposed to UV light more melanin is released, making the skin darker. This process is called melanogenesis, better known as tanning. All individuals have the same number of melanocytes but people with darker skin produce more melanin. A person can gradually increase melanin by tanning.

Tan Responsibly Means:

  • Never Burning/ Never overexposing skin
  • Tanning in a controlled environment
  • Using approved tanning products and eyewear
  • Tanning in moderation
  • Building a base tan before vacations and events with a lot of sun
  • Using Sunless tanning to build immediate color

UVA/UVB/UVC

  • UVC is the shortest wave length and harmful. Virtually all UVC is stopped by the ozone.
  • UVB is the medium wave length and responsible for initiating the tanning process. UVB starts the tanning process by stimulating the melanocytes to release melanin. UVB is sometimes referred to as the reddening ray because it is more likely to burn.
  • UVA is the longest wave length and responsible for completing the tanning process. UVA turns the active melanin brown as it is pushed to the outer layer of the epidermis. UVA is sometimes referred to as bronzing ray because it is less likely to burn.

The Tanning Process

The tanning process takes place in two phases.

  1. Phase one is called immediate darkening and is when already existing melanin turns brown. Phase one is induced mostly by UVA and the color can last hours or fade into phase two and last for days.
  2. Phase two is called delayed tanning and is induced mostly by UVB. The color from phase two can become visible up to 72 hours after tanning.

Pacific Beach recommends clients wait at least 24 hours between tans. 

Tanning is the body’s natural process to protect from overexposure. One session is not going to build a tan. Tanning is a process that can take 6-10 sessions. Clients with Skin Type I and Skin Type II can take even longer. Pacific Beach recommends clients start tanning a month to six weeks before an event or vacation to allow enough time to build a tan. Each time you expose your skin to UV light your melanocytes produce more melanin so the next time you can stay in UV light longer. If you do not tan for a while you will need to start the process over.

Tanning Lamps

Tanning lamps produce UVA and UVB. Full body lamps are the long skinny lamps in most of the equipment at Pacific Beach. They emit UVA and UVB. As the levels increase at Pacific Beach so does the output of UVA in the full body lamps. The high-pressure lams are sometimes referred to as facial lamps. They emit almost all UVA. They are the most bronzing and the least likely to burn. High pressure lamps are in most of Pacific Beach’s equipment over the face. The face is usually the hardest part of the body to tan because the skin is so delicate and burns easily. The Turbo Plus is all high pressure facial lamps for the entire body. It is very unlikely to burn and will tan clients dark and fast.

Photosensitivity

Some medications and topical solutions can cause the skin to burn, break out or turn an unnatural color when exposed to UV light. There is a list of most photoreactive medications in all Pacific Beach locations. If a sun is located on a prescription bottle that mean the medication increase photosensitivity and the client should avoid UV light.

Tanning FAQ

Why tan indoors?

Controlled UV exposure. Indoor tanning lamps are regulated by the FDA and always emit the same amount of UV. In a controlled environment there is less risk of overexposure. UV exposure outdoors depends on the time of year, time of day, cloud cover, and relativity to the equator.

Build a tan in less time. Indoor tanning can build your tan in minutes instead of laying outside for hours.

What are the differences in levels at Pacific Beach?

Pacific Beach has 4 levels of tanning. The four levels are Competition, Performance, Turbo, and Turbo Plus. As the levels of tanning equipment increase the lamps get stronger and the beds have more options to help you tan evenly, faster, and more comfortably.

How long should I tan?

Pacific Beach recommends each client start with a low exposure time and slowly increase time based on skin type and frequency of exposure. We will make recommendations upon your first visit into the salon based on your needs and goals. Pacific Beach recommends giving yourself 4-6 weeks, tanning at least 3 times a week to build a base tan. It is not possible to build a base tan in one tanning session. If you are looking for immediate results you should consider our sunless services. You should never over expose your skin. Any redness from exposure time is strongly discouraged.

How often should I tan?

Pacific Beach recommends at least 24 hours between tanning visits. Your full color may take up to 72 hours to show up. If you expose skin that has not finished tanning you may risk over exposure.

What should I wear when tanning?

This is up to you. Once you enter the room you are by yourself. Some people choose to wear undergarments or a bathing suit. Some people prefer not to have tan lines and tan with nothing on.

Why do I need to wear FDA approved eyewear?

Your eyelids are not thick enough to protect your eyes while tanning. If you can see any light your eyes are not fully protected. Pacific Beach requires clients to show the consultant FDA approved eyewear before entering a tanning room. Towels and sunglasses are not enough protection and will not be accepted as a form of eyewear.

Why do I need lotion to tan?

Putting an approved lotion within 20 minutes before your tan will help increase your color up to 40%. Also, using a lotion will help replace some nutrients that tanning takes away. And hydrated skin tans darker and stays tanner for longer! Pacific Beach does have an approved lotion list. Please only use the lotion approved for our equipment. We have this policy so we can continue to offer the highest quality tan for the lowest price! Pacific Beach only guarantees the quality of products purchased in our salons.

Why does Pacific Beach have an approved lotion policy?

There are a couple of reasons. First, we cannot guarantee your tan if you are using products with mineral oil. Mineral oil creates a coat and never absorbs into your skin. It will not help you tan or help you keep your tan. Second, lotion that is unapproved for Pacific Beach equipment breaks down the acrylic you lay on. Please respect this policy so we can continue to offer the best equipment to you!

Do my tattoos need extra protection?

Yes, tattoos do not produce melanin and will fade in any UV light. You need a full spectrum protector that is approved for our equipment.

Do my lips need extra protection?

Yes, lips do not produce melanin and will lose color pigment in UV light. You need a full spectrum protector that is approved for our equipment.

How long do I have to wait to take a shower?

It depends on what type of lotion you use. If you use anything with a bronzer it is best to wait 1-2 hours to take a shower. Keep in mind freshly washed/exfoliated skin tans the best and will stay darker longer.