SalondeSol Tanning Boutique - Tanning Information - Located at Lake Monticello in Palmyra, Virginia

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Can anybody tan?
1. What should I wear in the tanning bed?
2. Do I have to wear eye protection?
3. Why are lotions necessary?
4. Why is moisturized skin important for a tan?
5. I don't tan outdoors. Will I be able to tan in a bed?
6. Do I need an appointment to tan?
7. Do I have to sign a contract?
8. I'm pregnant. Is it safe for me to tan?
9. How do I know the beds are clean?
10. How often do you change the bulbs in each bed?
11. What if I'm not satisfied with the results of my tanning sessions?
12. How long does it take to develop a tan?
How often should I tan?
What do I wear when tanning?
Do tanning accelerators / intensifiers really work?

Q. Can anybody tan? What's your Skin Type?
Knowing your skin type is critical when tanning indoors or out. When you're tanning inside, outside or choosing a sunscreen (SPF) knowing your skin type allows you to make educated decisions about lengths of sun exposure and sunscreen. Use the table below to determine your skin type. Caucasians make up type 1 through 4 with types 5 and 6 being very brown skin or black.
Certain skin types cannot tan, but anybody can get a beautiful golden-tan look with our UV-Free tanning system process. Our tanning professionals can help you determine the type of tanning best suited to your skin type. The six basic skin types are shown below:

Skin type 1: Always burns, never tans
Skin type 2: Burns easily, tans slightly
Skin type 3: Sometimes burns, tans gradually
Skin type 4: Burns minimally, always tans well
Skin type 5: Burns rarely, tans deeply
Skin type 6: Almost never burns, deeply pigmented

Type	Skin Reaction	Examples
I	Tans little or not at all, always burns easily & severely, then peels	People most often with fair skin, blue eyes, freckles; white unexposed skin
II	Usually burns easily & severely (painful burn); tans minimally & lightly; also peels	People with fair skin; blue or hazel eyes blonde or red hair; white unexposed skin
III	Burns moderately gains average tan	Average Caucasian; white unexposed skin
IV	Burns minimally, tans easily & above average with each exposure	People with light or brown skin; dark brown hair, dark eyes; unexposed skin is white or light brown (Orientals, Hispanics & Mediterraneans)
V	Rarely burns, tans easily & substantially	Brown or Black skinned persons; unexposed skin is brown (Indian, American Indian, Hispanic or African descent)
VI	Tans Profusely and never burns	Persons with dark black skin (Africans, African-American or aborigines)

Q. What should I wear in the tanning bed?
What ever you want! Since each tanning bed is in a private room, you can wear (or not wear) whatever you are most comfortable in.
Once you enter your private tanning room it’s your choice. Some people wear their under garments, others bring swim suits, and many prefer to tan in the buff. (So they say) REMEMBER if you choose to tan without undergarments, those areas of skin normally covered will be more sensitive to the sun. Don't allow those areas to get full exposure when you start building your tan.

Q. Do I have to wear eye protection?
Yes, it is required by law in most states because eyelids are not thick enough to protect your eyes from UV damage. PBT provides FDA-approved eyewear at no charge in each tanning room.

Q. Why are lotions necessary?
Tanning without a lotion will deplete your skin of its much needed moisture. Lotions can help stimulate the production of melanin so that your skin tans more quickly, gets darker and keeps its tan longer. Plus, our lotions have moisturizers that keep your skin soft and healthy. Our premium lotions deliver vitamins, moisturizers, oils, and other ingredients to revitalize the skin and encourage melanin production, which gives you a tan appearance.

Q. Why is moisturized skin important for a tan?
Healthy, moist skin will tan quicker, get darker and keep its tanned appearance longer because the melanin is produced rapidly and the skin also will not exfoliate as quickly when it is properly moisturized.

Q. I don't tan outdoors. Will I be able to tan in a bed?
If you can't get color from the sun, you can't get color in an UV bed. However, UV-Free tanning system can give you a natural looking tan without any UV exposure at all.

Q. Do I need an appointment to tan?
In most cases NO. But, if your on a schedule, its best to call ahead and schedule your time and the bed your prefer.

Q. Do I have to sign a contract?
We offer individual sessions, multi-session packages, unlimited monthly, 3 month and 6 month packages. Ask your Salon de Sol consultant how to best create a package for your needs or see our pricing schedule on our website.

Q. I'm pregnant. Is it safe for me to tan?
Medical professionals do not know the affects of heat on the unborn child. We recommend you take advantage of our UV-Free Tanning System. If you become pregnant during a period that you have a membership package we will temporarily suspend your membership until you are ready to resume tanning.

Q. How do I know the beds are clean?
We use FDA-approved cleaning solutions after every customer's tanning session. The store manager will be happy to show you our cleaning logs. The solution is tested daily to ensure proper sanitizing properties exist.

Q. How often do you change the bulbs in each bed?
We follow the manufacturer's guidelines for bulb replacement so that you will achieve the best results from your sessions. We typically change our bulbs when they have reached 80% of their capacity so your tan doesn't suffer from weaker UV rays.

Q. What if I'm not satisfied with the results of my tanning sessions?
We're sure you will be delighted with the results of your session however, during the first thirty days of your membership if you are not completely satisfied we will refund all of your money less the cost of actual tanning sessions used.

Q. How long does it take to develop a tan?
Tanning is not a one-schedule-fits-all process. Different people have different tanning abilities. Some tan faster and darker while others need to go slower to reduce the risk of sunburn. As with people, some equipment works faster and is better suited for certain skin types. On your first visit our staff will have you fill out a short questionaire and ask a few questions so we can help you choose a program that fits your time frame and budget.

To give you a general idea: The average person can develop a base tan in 8 -12 sessions using our budget beds. On your first visit we will determine a schedule for you to follow, usually starting off with just a few minutes your first session and gradually working up to a full 20 minute session. It is very important not to overexpose your skin to the sun! Plan on 25 - 30 days to build a tan this way. Using our Solaris 336 in combination with our other equipment, many people can build a nice brown base in as little as 10-12 days.

It is important to note that if you can not get a natural tan outdoors, it is very unlikely that you will be able to indoors using tanning equipment.

How often should I tan?
You should wait a very minimum of 24 hours before your next session. We recommend you follow a 3 tan per week schedule when building your base tan. After you have developed your base, you can reduce you schedule to once or twice a week depending on the tan you desire and the equipment your using. Using our premium or ultimate class equipment will greatly reduce the number of sessions per month necessary to keep good color.

Do tanning accelerators / intensifiers really work?
Lotions created for Indoor Tanning help you tan faster, replace and maintain moisture. Many help reduce and combat the signs of aging (e.g. appearance of fine line and wrinkles.) By supplying your skin with needed vitamins, minerals, amino acids and moisture these lotions can help you tan better than using no lotion at all. By using lotions you can get in fewer sessions with less UV exposure while taking care of your skin = smarter tanning!
Do I have to wear those goggles?

Yes!!! Sunlight can damage your eyes producing SEVERE BURNING and possible long term damage. The skin that makes up your eyelids is very thin, UV can penetrate. So wear the goggles! If you are worried about the “raccoon eye” effect, use a small amount of self tanner to blend your tan.

Effective use of appropriate sunscreens is very important to protecting your skin and devleping a good tan.

What is SPF?
Understanding SPF levels - SPF levels are designed to inform you about the level of sunscreen protection a lotion will offer you. Lotions range in SPF from 2 to 30 and higher. Basically a SPF of 2 will give you 2 times your natural protection. If you start to burn after 30 minutes of sun exposure a SPF 2 lotion will give you protection from burning for 60 minutes.
Factors that determine the effectiveness of SPFs

Choosing A Sunscreen
Choosing a Sunscreen can be a very important weapon against over exposure which can cause burning, peeling, flaking and pain. Below is information to help you understand SPF ratings, the factors that influence tanning and how to choose the right level of protection for you.

How do they work?
Sun blocking chemicals absorb the sun's energy before it can penetrate your skin. The chemical then transforms the energy (UVA and UVB) into something harmless usually heat. This process is repeated over and over, many times per second. Some sunscreens block only UVB rays, others block both UVA and UVB rays. The sunscreens that block both UVA and UVB are much safer.

Choosing a Lotion
Lotions are different for indoor and outdoor tanning. choosing the right one for your skin type and exposure is important. Overwhelmed by the hundreds tanning lotions available? We are here to help. Lotions come in many different forms, and are intended for different stages of tanning and different skin types. Here we will discuss a few of the many options.

Amount applied - It is important to apply a thick, even film and to re-apply it after swimming or exercise. Use about 1 oz. per application, this may sound like a lot but try it.

Location - This determines how much UV gets through the atmosphere. There is more UV exposure at high altitudes and near the Equator. So when you go on that Tropical Vacation boost your SPF Level!

Time of Day & Season - The sun is most intense during 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. and is more intense in summer than winter. A sunscreen you use in March may not be strong enough in June and July.

Reflection - Sand, water, cement and so on reflect sun light so it may bounce back to you for added exposure.
The SPF for You

Now that you understand many factors effect a Sunscreens effectiveness, below is a basic guide for SPFs. Be sure to go up or down according to the above factors. We believe if you make an error, do it on the safe side. Always go UP! If you don't know your skin type find out now.

* Type I - SPF 15 or Higher
* Type II - SPF 8
* Type III - SPF 6
* Type IV - SPF 2-4
* Type V - SPF 2
* Type VI - None - SPF 2

Tanning Stage:
Most indoor tanning lotions can be categorized by how they improve the tanning process. As you tan, your body needs different nutrients and reactive agents to help you achieve that "golden glow". Each company uses their own marketing terms to describe the stages but generally it works like this:

Build a Base Tan:
This is where you start. You have little or no color and want to start the tanning process. At this stage you need a lotion that can effectively stimulate melanin and moisturize your skin. As your skin absorbs lotion, amino acids and other ingredients are sent into your skin to stimulate cells and "get the tanning juices flowing." When you tan (indoors or out) moisture evaporates from the skin tissue. Good lotions contain anti-oxidants, free radical scavengers and moisturizing agents that help improve moisture and softness of your skin. This helps to prevent damage and wrinkling. You should use these lotions as long as you continue to build color. Average 10-15 tans.

Darken Your Tan:
Now you have melanin flowing, have built base color and want MORE. Lotions at this stage should provide minerals, amino acids, and moisture. Your tan is basically a layer of "oxidized" ingredients near the skins surface. It amounts to a thickening of the melanin juices and minerals. Good lotion will move focus away from melanin stimulation (although it is still necessary) and focus more on providing nutrients to build the oxidized layer -- minerals. Moisture and skin care is still vitally important.
Advanced:

For the die hard tanner, extreme color is not an option -- it's a quest! These lotions have the most difficult job of all. They must re-stimulate melanin, because you have likely depleted your reserves; they need to provide the ingredients necessary to build the oxidized color layer, PLUS they must deeply moisturize the base layers of your skin! Many of the advance lotions use skin-stimulating ingredients and/or bronzers to give you more color. Skin Stimulating is NOT for a BASE BUILDING tanner!
tan info home

Other helpful advice:
When tanning indoor or out, moisture is lost from the skin. Use a good daily moisturizer after tanning, showers or exercise to keep a health glowing skin tone. Choose a good quality lotion when tanning. Exposure to UVA can cause premature skin aging and wrinkling. A high quality tanning lotion can help prevent and reduce these effects. It’s well worth the money! Remember, like most fun things in life, moderation is the key. Talk with your salon owner about tanning, take care of your skin, and take a break every now and then.

Reguardless of where you tan always remember The #1 Rule of Tanning is DON'T SUNBURN!

#1 Controlling UV Exposure:
When tanning indoors you know what to expect. Today's tanning equipment is designed to give you measured amounts of UVA and UVB. When used properly you can develop a tan without burning. When tanning outdoor UV levels fluctuate depending on many variables including; location, time of day, season, closeness to the equator and weather condition. Outdoor tanning = uncertain UV Exposure.

#2 Forecast Sunny:
Have you noticed that on your day off it tends to be Cloudy, Cool or Rainy? You won't have that problem in a salon.

#3 Speed:
Face it, we don't have all day to lay in the sun! Indoor tanning sessions usually 20 minutes or less.

#4 Helpful Advice:
A salons staff should be able to advise you on how to build and maintain your tan reducing your risk of breaking RULE #1 (Don't ever Sunburn).

#5 Professional Results:
A professional salon can help you choose the right lotion for your skin. A good tan accelerator will moisturize your skin and improve tanning results. Allowing you to achieve a better tan in less time!