What does it mean to be Smart Tan Certified?

-All staff members at Spring Break Tanning have taken and passed with honors the Operator Certification Program.

This means that each staff member is knowledgeable about:

  • The History of Tanning
  • The Science of Tanning
  • Ultraviolet Light and Health
  • Minimimizing the Health Risks of Tanning
  • Indoor Tanning Equipment
  • Tanning Laws
  • Sales Professionalism
  • Importance of Eyewear
 

Is indoor tanning the same as tanning outside in the sun?
When you tan at the indoor tanning facility, your skin produces a tan the same way it does when you lay out in the sun, through UV light. There is one important difference, though. When you are out in the sun, you cannot control the amount of UV light you are exposed to, because it is affected by changes in the atmosphere. With indoor tanning you can regulate the amount of UV light you are exposed to, because it is a controlled environment. You can gradually increase your exposure time to make sure you don't get a sunburn.

How do the beds and booths work?
Tanning beds/booths basically imitate the sun. The sun emits three kinds of UV rays. UV-C has the shortest wavelength of the three, and is also the most harmful. The sun emits UV-C light, but then it is absorbed by the ozone layer and pollution. Tanning lamps filter out this type of UV light, UV-B the middle wavelength, starts the tanning process, but overexposure can cause sunburn. UV-A has the longest wavelength, and it completes the tanning process. Tanning lamps use the best ratio of UV-B and UV-A light to provide optimal tanning results, with a lowered risk of overexposure.
 

Do I need to wear SPF lotion when tanning indoors?
You don't need to wear SPF lotion when tanning indoors because these lotions are designed to allow you to spend a longer amount of time in the sun. When you tan indoors with a controlled exposure time you don't need SPF. You should avoid using outdoor lotions and oils (mineral oil) when you tan. These products will make the acrylic dirty and actually hinder your tanning. Using indoor tanning lotions are not a necessity, but they can dramatically increase your results. These products are specifically designed for indoor tanning, they help moisturize your skin while helping you to tan faster. Talk to our staff members for suggestions.