Frequently Asked Questions

QWhy should I use a tanning lotion in a tanning bed?

A Exposure to UV-light, whether indoors in a tanning bed or outside in the sun, is a stress factor for the skin and can have a drying effect. To maintain a healthy-looking skin and develop a beautiful tan, it is important to use a lotion that provides essential moisturization, plus nutrients and anti-oxidants that help counteract the environmental stress caused by UV-light. Lotions also help to smooth the surface layers of the skin to allow greater UV penetration for improved tanning results. Specially formulated indoor tanning lotions, like those made by California Tan, also provide advanced tanning technologies to aid the skin in developing a faster, darker tan.

Q How are professional tanning lotions better than what I can purchase at the drugstore or supermarket?

AOver-the-counter lotions do not contain the necessary ingredients that will maximize your tanning results and extend the life of your tan. Mass market products do not replenish as effectively any lost moisturization that occurs during the tanning process. The lotions at Tan Express are “bio-engineered” specifically for indoor tanning.

Q I think I tan better without a lotion, so why should I use one?

A This erroneous belief can be easily rectified once clients actually understand the tanning process. For example, indoor tanning and UV exposure can be dehydration to the skin. Lotions will help to replenish any moisture that has been depleted during the tanning session, thereby improving your results. Not only will you get a darker tan, you will tan more quickly and it will last longer.

Q Can I use tanning lotion on my face?

A The facial area is much more delicate and more likely to have allergic reactions in comparison to the rest of the body. In fact, fragrance is on the most common reasons for cosmetic allergic reactions on the face. That is why we recommend using products specifically designed for the delicate facial are. (This does not mean that a customer cannot use their tanning lotion on their face, that is their own preference, but be sure to recommend a facial tanner).

Q Why is keeping skin moisturized essential to great tanning results?

A Simply stated: Skin that is moisturized better absorbs UV light and therefore will tan faster. Moisturization is also key in aiding the skin to perform at its optimal efficiency and thus will allow the development of faster, darker color. Skin that is dry and dehydrated will look dull and ashy and will not be able to perform at its best.

In more scientific detail: Skin loses water to the atmosphere by diffusion through the epidermis and the sweat glands. Constant cell renewal, the intercellular lipids and the NMF (natural moisturizing factor) keep moisture loss in balance. Moisture loss from the skin is referred to as TEWL or Tran epidermal water loss. It is necessary for the skin to maintain between 10 and 20% water in the stratum corneum to avoid dry skin conditions. Dry skin is rough, feels abnormally tight and may show signs of fine lines and wrinkles. Because the skin is rough, it will not be able to reflect light from its surface uniformly giving the skin a dull appearance. This also affects UV-absorption because the dry, rough skin may refract UV-light. The task of moisturizing cosmetic products is to improve the degree of hydration of the skin. Active moisturizing ingredients help counter the drying-out of the stratum corneum of the epidermis, and thus contribute to the skin's smoothness and elasticity, while helping deliver greater tanning results.

Q What are bronzers?

A Bronzer products use self tanning ingredients to supplement tanning results with an additional boost of color while your natural tan develops. The key ingredient is DHA (Dihydroxyacetone), which causes the skin surface to turn brown after 2-4 hours, mimicking a natural tan.

Keep in mind that some manufacturers use the term "bronzer" to describe a product that contains a temporary cosmetic bronze tint that can be washed off with soap and water, while others refer to bronzers as products that do both - provide a boost of color in 2- 4 hours AND deliver an immediate bronzed tint.

Q How do bronzers work?

A The principle tanning agent used in all bronzers, or self-tanning formulas, is dihydroxyacetone (DHA). This ingredient does not produce a "real tan" by increasing the skin's melanin levels; rather it creates a tanned appearance by developing a brown color on the surface of the skin. The action of DHA is limited to the upper layer of the skin and involves a reaction between DHA and skin proteins that produces brown compounds. The development of color takes anywhere from 2 to 4 hours and the intensity of color is dependent upon the DHA concentration in the product as well as each tanner's individual skin characteristics. The color developed by the DHA usually lasts 5 to 7 days and begins to fade as the top layer of the skin naturally exfoliates.

Q Why use a product with bronzer?

A A natural tan takes about 24-48 hours to develop. Therefore, a product that contains a bronzer is an excellent way to get a boost of color while a natural tan develops. Customers with a fair complexion or who want to see results immediately will enjoy the instant gratification of seeing bronzed results 2-4 hours after application. Bronzing products are also beneficial for evening out both skin tone and tanning results and can help maintain a healthy-looking, bronzed glow in between tanning sessions.

Q How long should I wait after using a bronzer product before I shower?

A It is best to wait about six hours after using a bronzer product before you bathe or shower to give the DHA time to fully react with skin proteins to develop the beautiful appearance of a tan.

Q Why do I have these circles on my shoulders, buttocks, and/or lower waist that wont tan?

A These are called “pressure points”, where the most amount of pressure is on your body when reclining in the bed. The blood flow is constricted in those areas and that is why they don’t seem to tan at all. Your best bet is to alternate your positions when tanning.

Q What is the “burnt skin” smell from tanning? What causes it?

A Foremost, it is not “burnt skin”. That smell is known as the “after tan odor” and it is caused by friendly bacteria on the surface of the skin. The smell is the result from the bacteria when your body/skin gets hot from a tanning bed. Most tanning lotions contain specific antibacterial ingredients to eliminate the “after tan odor”.

Q How do I prevent “raccoon eyes”?

A Raccoon eyes occur for the same reason that some people who don’t adjust the watch on their arm get raccoon wrist. Adjusting the protective eyewear occasionally during a tanning session will help to minimize this condition. The adjustment can be performed by gently sliding the eyewear to a new position. You should never lift the eyewear off of your eyes to adjust their position.