You & Your Skin

It is very important to understand the tanning process so you can know what to expect from you next visit to Tanning Cove

It's understood that when you start tanning you're eager to see results. Unfortunately, the tanning process is not something that can be rushed. Sometimes, it can take up to several sessions before a noticeable darkening of the skin is evident. For beginning tanners, initial exposure times in some tanning beds may be as short as five to six minutes.

It may even seem like nothing happened, but remember, it can take up to 48 hours for melanogenisis (the darkening of skin) to begin. You may also want to use a tanning accelerator to help achieve the maximum result possible.

Once you've got some color

After you have started tanning, your session length can be adjusted slowly till you reach the desired level of darkening — but keep in mind, every skin type is different. Even after building a base tan, some people with fair skin may never be able to stay in a tanning bed for the maximum session time. Airbrush Tanning is a great alternative.

Always use caution when you begin tanning indoors, or if you are someone switching to a new tanning center and are unfamiliar with their tanning beds. Comparing session times with two different pieces of equipment from two different tanning salons can be like comparing apples to oranges. Often, there can be a drastic difference in twenty minutes in one tanning bed versus another--even if the two units look similar. There can be a large variance in the quality of equipment and bulbs from one salon to another which can result in a bad burn. Our tanning consultants will make a recommendation for your first session, as they are more familiar with our equipment.

How often should I tan?

Most people don’t know how often they should tan. When building a base tan, 48 hours is the recommended time between sessions. Depending upon the bed type, it usually takes from 1-3 sessions to notice results. Once you have an established tan, it is usually only necessary to tan two or three times a week.

Also remember, tanning beds tend to dry your skin. Once you begin to develop a tan, the best way to preserve it is with proper skin care techniques. Using a lotion, like the ones we carry in our salon, is strongly encouraged. (see why to use lotions below)

  Tanning Cove requires that all users of our tanning beds use some form of eye protection. You should always wear eye protection when using a tanning bed. Your eyelids do not provide adequate protection from ultraviolet radiation -- even if you keep them closed.

Skin Typing Chart

Type	Skin Reaction	Examples
1	Tans little or not at all, always burns easily and severely, then peels.	People most often with fair skin, blue eyes, freckles, white unexposed skin.
2	Usually burns easily and severely (painful burn); tans minimally and lightly; also peels.	People with fair skin, blue or hazel eyes, blonde or red hair, white unexposed skin.
3	Burns moderately, gains average tan.	Average Caucasian, white unexposed skin.
4	Burns minimally, tans easily and above average with each exposure, exhibits IPD (Immediate Pigment Darkening) reaction.	People with light or brown skin, dark brown hair, dark eyes, unexposed skin is white or light brown (Asians, Hispanics, and Mediterraneans).
5	Rarely burns, tans easily and substantially, always exhibits IPD reaction.	Brown-skinned persons, unexposed skin is brown (East Indians, Hispanics, etc.).
6	Tans profusely and never burns, exhibits IPD reaction.	Persons with black skin (African and African Americans, Australian and South Indian Aborigines).