It's a fact that millions of people the world over suffer from depression when sunshine hours are reduced. Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, is a type of depression that usually begins to develop as days grow shorter in the fall, and lifts as spring and summer days come back. The symptoms vary from a mild case of the 'BLUES', to a debilitating lack of motivation. According to research, exposure to light activates certain brain chemicals that make us feel good. Take a mini-vacation in the warmth of the tanning salon.

The sun radiates ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays in uncontrolled amounts. Although UVA and UVB rays are involved in the tanning process, uncontrolled amounts and overexposure to these rays can result in burning as well as long-term damage. Indoor tanning equipment has the same kinds of rays as the sun, but the rays in the beds can be produced in controlled amounts. The tan you will get is not a "fake" tan . . . it's the real thing. Tan 'N Tone's tanning beds are designed to provide a controlled environment in which the burning (UVB) rays have been reduced to a minimal level needed to start the tanning process, while the more gentle UVA rays have been intensified. We feel this system will produce a more desirable tan and minimize the potential risks involved in tanning, provided recommended times and frequency of exposure are followed.

Gradually, with layers of oxidized melanin. The operative word here is gradually. There is no such thing as a quick tan! The first time you expose yourself to the ultraviolet rays, UVB rays penetrate the skin and stimulate the tanning cells to produce melanin. The UVA rays then add oxygen to the melanin, causing it to turn brown within 24-48 hours. This browned (oxidized) melanin is the first layer of a tan. Each time you expose yourself to the ultraviolet rays, another layer of oxidized melanin is formed. These layers build up gradually over several consecutive exposures and give your skin that brown color you're looking for--your tan!

Everyone's skin is different, and the tanning process occurs at different speeds depending on a person's skin type. Those with darker complexions will usually tan faster than those with fair skin. As a general rule, 10-15 consecutive sessions (every other day or not more than 4 times per week) will give you a base tan. This also depends on whether or not you use an accelerator and the condition of your skin. We recommend 3 sessions a week to maintain your tan.

Absolutely yes! The potential risks of eye injury from unprotected UV exposure is serious and real. Failure to wear goggles may result in burns, cataracts, poor night vision or possible permanent loss of sight. We require that every tanner purchase their own eyewear. A small price to pay and remember you only have one set of eyes. Take good care of them!

There are some medicines that can cause a photosensitive reaction when the skin is exposed to ultraviolet rays. If you are taking any medication, please check with your physician or pharmacist before tanning. If you begin taking a photosensitive medication while tanning, please inform us so that your tanning program can be adjusted accordingly.

Your first and most important consideration in using lotions should be moisture retention. Tanning indoors or outdoors is drying to your skin. An accelerator will naturally speed up the production of melanin so the pigments will begin to darken immediately. Healthy skin care products will tan you faster, tan you darker, and you will keep your tan longer. An accelerator will help you tan 50% faster and maintain your tan 90% longer. Without the use of an accelerator, the tanning process can be delayed while the melanin in your skin is being activated by the lights. Dry, neglected skin reflects UV light, not allowing it to tan underneath. It also exfoliates faster, causing the tan to fade quickly. All of our tanning products can be used for indoor and outdoor tanning. Remember if you plan to use the products we sell outdoors, they do not have sunscreen.

Note: It is important to know that only those products designed for indoor tanning should be used in our tanning beds. Other products may contain ingredients that could slow down the tanning process as well as damage the expensive acrylic shields in the beds. These products leave a film that causes the acrylic to break down and crystallize. This film will not allow customer to receive the best tan. If you are unsure about a product you have, please ask a Sales Associate. Remember after tanning—Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize!!!

No, it stimulates the melanin so that you get the best results for your skin factor. You only burn if you are given too much time in the tanning beds.

Your lips do not have melanin and are vulnerable to drying, burning, and blistering. Your lips need at least a sunscreen with an SPF-15 whether you are tanning indoors or outdoors.

This is your personal choice. At Tan 'N Tone we do not recommend tanning in the nude. If you chose to do so, tan sensitive areas slowly--expose them part of the time and cover them part of the time until that area of the body is conditioned to tanning.

Heat rash: Some customers experience a slight reddening and itching in the beginning. Usually this is a rash caused by a combination of the heat from the lamps and the body being in contact with the acrylic shield on the bed. This condition should disappear as you continue with your tanning sessions.

Solution: Tan every other day until you build up a good base tan, shift the position of your body so that you are not lying flat on the acrylic, and apply a good moisturizer after tanning as well as in-between sessions.

The three "white spots": after a period of time, you may notice three untanned areas at the base of your spine and on each shoulder blade. These are the primary pressure points in supporting your body weight when you are on your back. These areas are not getting enough oxygen to tan because blood circulation is poor due to the weight of the body.

Solution: Shift the position of your body so that you are not lying flat on the acrylic, and lay part of the time with your arms at your sides and part of the time with arms underneath the head. You can also lay on your stomach.

The flat areas of your body have more fat cells, therefore there is more oxidized melanin and you will tan darker on the stomach and back. The Specialty products will help the face, legs, and arms tan better.

The Versa Spa Sunless unit will allow you to just spray your legs giving you terrific color.

The Legacy unit is designed for those "hard to tan legs" giving your upper body a rest from UV light while allowing your legs to catch up.

Always make sure you are using lotion. Your legs are the hardest part of the body to tan, the skin is thicker, tougher, and women exfoliate legs more as we shave.

When you lie down, lift your hips and pull your bottom towards the trunk of your body.

Note: Our Standups provide the best, overall, even tan that can help these areas.

You may notice a little color, but if you are tanning moderately you will see the best results between your third to fifth visit. We want our customers to tan moderately and never sun burn. Sunburn is an injury to the skin.

No! You should only do one or the other within a 24 hour period. If you do both on the same day you will overexpose your skin.

Talk to us and we'll explain our policy on tanning while pregnant.

The main objection to tanning pregnant women is the increased potential of becoming overheated. Understand that UV light does not reach the unborn baby, as it does not travel beyond the top layers of the skin. Another common concern is hormones that may cause you to tan unevenly. We also recommend the Versa Spa or Magic Tan Sunless units for customers who prefer UV free tanning.

You cannot compare the time because of these factors: cloudy day, time of day, reflective surfaces (water, sand), altitude, latitude, air pollutants, and the seasons of the year.

It does not matter. Just remember moist skin tans better and looks better. Always use an accelerator after you shower and before you tan. Exception: when using skin stimulating products, you should wait 30 minutes to 1 hour after tanning to shower. Showering directly after will intensify the heat and redness from the product.

Some people feel that it does. If you are concerned, you may want to wrap your hair in a towel.

No, unless there is a part of your body that you do not want to tan at all. Remember the sunscreen should not touch the acrylic shield.

No, the cooler the tanning bed the more efficient it is. Electrical components do not like too much heat. When you get really hot, it is just your body's reaction to heat (heat flux) and has no bearing on actual tanning.

Absolutely! Post-exposure tanning products are created because experts indicate that your body is processing the ultraviolet exposure for up to 48 hours after your last tanning session. By using an after-exposure tanning product as often as possible, but especially after your shower and before bed, you are getting the maximum moisturization and skin conditioning ingredients onto your skin between your tanning sessions. This will preserve, protect and extend your tan. Healthier skin tans faster, darker, and keeps the tan longer.

No, Baby oil is an archaic tanning technology, and it wasn't very good at that. Baby oil is mineral oil, which forms a barrier on your skin and your skin does not absorb the mineral oil. It retards the tanning process, clogs the pores and leaves a film on the tanning units. Baby oil does not give your skin any nutritional benefits or moisturization. Only use recommended tanning products when tanning indoors or outdoors.

Our Versa Spa Sunless unit can tan just your face without any UV exposure to give you a sun kissed glow to your skin and even out your color. We also have facial products that have an SPF and acts as a light self tanner specifically designed for the face. Use this product everyday as part of your daily moisturize regimen.