Do indoor tanning products really make a difference?

YES! First, all tanning lotions contain L-Tyrosine, an amino acid which helps promote melanin stimulation in your skin, helping you tan faster and darker – sometimes up to 30% faster!
Second, skin care is essential to a good tan; dry skin does not tan well as it will thicken, hindering melanin stimulation. Quality indoor tanning products contain essential oils and extracts to replenish moisture, vitamins to nourish the skin, anti-aging ingredients to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, and antioxidants to provide protection from environmental damage.

Frequently Asked Questions - Products

Q. Will a tanning lotion make me burn?

A. Actually it is tanning too long that will make you burn; that's why we always make a start-time recommendation that is appropriate for your skin type.

Q. Why can't I use my outdoor lotion/oil in the beds?

A. First, tanning oils damage tanning equipment; some of the ingredients in them will cloud our acrylics by eating away the shiny finish. Second, outdoor tanning oils and lotions will coat the acrylic and end up refracting the UV rays away from you, actually hindering instead of helping your tan.You have to remember that tanning oils are made to use on a beach chair or towel not a shiny, clear acrylic.

Q. Will a tanning lotion make me turn orange or streak?

A. The products we carry, and most products these days, are not likely to turn you orange; technology behind tanning lotions and the ingredients that go in them now have come a long way. Streaking, though, can occur with certain ones that contain a lot of DHA bronzer (dihydroxyacetone; a self tanner) and careful application will remedy that.If you simply don’t want a DHA bronzer, there are plenty of accelerators and natural bronzers to choose from.

There are so many...Which one is best for me?

Clients who are fair should probably begin with an accelerator or a light bronzer; darker skin tones or experienced tanners can go with pretty much anything they choose. We try every product brought into our salons to test for quality and effectiveness and our employees are thoroughly trained on ingredients so they will be able to point you in the direction you need to go.

Q. What is the shelf life of a lotion?

A. Usually up to 12 months but that depends on where the lotion has been stored and the ingredients in it. Lotions should not be kept in extreme heat – like your car in the summer – and lotions which more natural or organic ingredients may have a little shorter shelf life. You’ll know when your lotion is bad: the smell will change and it will break down and sound ‘soupy’ when shaken.

Q. Can I use indoor products outdoors?

A. Yes, but they should always be used in conjunction with sunscreen as you are not tanning in a controlled environment. Also, if your bathing suit is light in color, you would want to be careful with a lotion that is tinted.

Q. How do salon moisturizers differ from those sold in drugstores or the mall?

A. Our moisturizers are specifically made for people who employ UV light to tan their skin. Moisturizers carried elsewhere primarily center on great smells and are made to mostly stay on top of the skin so the smell doesn’t go away. With a salon-quality product, the nice smell is fortunate, but not the goal; our moisturizers are made to soak in and benefit all layers of the skin. Ask an associate for help on which would work for you.

Q. Do you have lotions for men?

A. Yes, we have lotions which are specifically made for men. Some of these lotions are formulated to be a little thinner, like a serum, to work better with chest or leg hair; they also are a little more low-maintenance where the bronzer is concerned. Alot of men forego daily moisturizing so they are actually the first ones who should be using a lotion!