FAQs

Tanning takes place in the skin’s outermost layer, the epidermis, with special cells called melanocytes. When exposed to UV-B light (short wave ultraviolet), melanocytes produce the pigment, melanin. The pinkish melanin travels up through the epidermis and is absorbed by other skin cells. When exposed to UV-A light (longer wave), melanin oxidizes or darkens. This is your skin’s way of protecting itself against too much UV light.

Researchers cite decreased UV exposure as one reason that people may become deficient in Vitamin D. Vitamin D is a hormone produced naturally when skin is exposed to UVB in sunlight or indoor tanning units. Vitamin D sufficiency is linked to a reduction in 105 diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, multiple sclerosis and most forms of cancer.

Please visit www.tanningtruth.com or www.vitamindcouncil.org for more information on Vitamin D.

The process of tanning in a tanning bed and outdoors under the real sun is basically the same. However, the main benefits of indoor tanning is speed and exposure control. It does not take all day to get a tan indoors. Depending on your skin type, it may be just a few minutes. Maintaining your tan indoors can take as little as 60 minutes a month. Also, you can control how much sun you are getting when in a tanning booth whereas the strength and amount of ultraviolet rays emitted by the sun varies from day to day. At Planet Sun we regulate how much time you are allowed to spend in the booth. Our state-of-the-art equipment allows us to monitor and scientifically control your ultraviolet UV-A and UV-B exposure. We make sure you tan and not burn. Also, don’t forget that you will never have to worry about the weather! At Planet Sun your tanning experience will always be in a pleasant, climate-controlled environment.

Specifically formulated for indoor use, professional indoor tanning lotions also known as “accelerators” enhance melanin production, as well as help to hydrate and condition the skin. Moist, nourished skin tans better and more quickly. When tanning, dry skin reflects light, not allowing UV rays to be absorbed as quickly as when using a lotion. By using a lotion, you are allowing more UV light to penetrate your skin more quickly, which can develop a more natural looking tan up to 60% faster.
Indoor tanning lotions also add nutrients your body needs to produce melanin. Most accelerators contain vitamins and botanicals that moisturize and increase blood flow, thus increasing oxygenation of melanin cells to help speed up the tanning process.

If you are unsure as to which lotion is right for your skin type, visit any Planet Sun location. One of our Tanning Professionals will be able to help you to select the right lotion that will protect your skin and give you the best color possible.

After tanning for a while, some tanners will reach a point where their skin seems not to be getting any darker. As your tan progresses, your skin becomes thicker which makes it difficult for UV light to penetrate the upper layers of skin. This is commonly referred to as a tanning “Plateau.” Using a tan accelerator and extender are extremely important when you hit this Plateau. Your skin cells are standing up as much as 45°and are actually reflecting the UV rays. Using a lotion accelerator while tanning will help these cells lay down and become more translucent; therefore, more receptive to UV rays. The Tanning Plateau can be overcome not only by using a tan accelerator but by using a range of tanning equipment with varying UVB/UVA ratios to stimulate different levels within the skin. For some tanners this may mean stepping down a level for a few tans to see results. Please consult a Planet Sun Tanning Professional for help in maximizing your tan.

“Pressure Points” are caused by pressure from the body as it rests on the tanning bed surface. Pressure points may cause white spots on the skin and are often prominent on the shoulder blades and tailbone. While tanning, pressure on these areas inhibits the flow of blood through that area of skin. Since blood carries oxygen, which is essential to the tanning process, this area does not tan. Periodic body shifting during tanning will make these patches disappear.

The most beneficial way to care for your skin is to take your time. For the best tan possible, build your base tan slowly by increasing your tan time gradually. Tanning for too long can lead to overexposure and reddening, which just slows down the process. Consult with your Planet Sun Tanning Professional for the recommended time each time you visit. All of our employees are Smart Tan certified and are able to gauge your skin type and recommend a length of tanning session that will be the best choice for you. Trust us, when you have achieved that desired bronze glowing tan, you will be thankful you took your time and did it the right way!

Another important way to care for your skin is to moisturize. The tanning process can take up to 24 hours, even after only several minutes in our equipment. During this process, color continues to develop and skin may lose its natural moisture and nutrients. Therefore, the best way to care for your skin during tanning is to keep it nourished and moisturized with the proper tan extender. Consider investing in one of our specially formulated tan extending lotions. They are designed to keep skin soft and healthy and keep your tan looking its best. Ask any Planet Sun Tanning Professional to recommend the best tan extender for your skin type to not only extend the life of your tan, but keep it bronze, vibrant and beautiful!

It is required that you wear eyewear that protects against 99% of UVA rays and 99.9% of UVB rays. You cannot just close your eyes; your eyelids are too thin to block UV. Eyewear must be certified and approved by the FDA. Every Planet Sun location offers temporary and multi-use goggles that meet Federal standards.

Allows you to tan RESPONSIBLY – We find that those customers who buy single sessions try to “get the most” out of their session and become overexposed, which only slows down the process. Our Sun Club members, who are not limited to sessions will take their time, take care of their skin and develop better color more quickly.

It Saves you MONEY and time – Joining a Planet Sun “Sun Club” will allow you to get the best price per session and the payments are automatic which makes it easier for you!

Exclusive discounts – All of Planet Sun’s Sun Clubs have exclusive discounts on products and upgrades which you can take advantage of each time you visit! There is no limit! It’s up to you how much you save!

Consult with any Planet Sun Tanning Professional for more details about our Sun Clubs.

The FDA recommends that you wear eye protection, nose filters, lip balm and protective undergarments during your Sunless session.  These are offered at every Planet Sun location.  For more information please ask a Sales Associate or visit the FDA website.

Arrive showered, shaven, free of make-up, perfume, oil, body sprays, deodorant and moisturizer for optimal results. Bring loose, dark fitting clothing for after your session. Your Sunless session will last less than sixty seconds plus dry time for the application and a total of 10 to 15 minutes with prep and post preparation.

You should use a moisturizer regularly to keep your skin hydrated and healthy, which will contribute to a more even, natural looking sunless tan. However, it is recommended NOT to apply moisturizers 2 hours prior to self tanning and 4 to 6 hours after.

It is important to keep skin moisturized after your Sunless session as dry, flaky skin will slough off faster and color will fade sooner. Sunless tan-extending products with a light self-tanning bronzer helps hydrate skin and maintain even, natural looking color longer.

It is best to wait at least 6 hours after the sunless tan application before you shower to give the DHA time to fully react with skin proteins.

It is best to wait about 6 hours after your Sunless session before partaking in any strenuous activities that may cause perspiration. This will give the DHA time to fully react with skin proteins as well as prevent streaking that could result from excessive perspiration.

The longevity of a Sunless tan depends on the skin’s natural exfoliation process and on the skin regimen followed before and after application. On average, a sunless tan will last 4-7 days. The “life span” of a Sunless tan also depends on your skin’s natural exfoliation. The faster your skin regenerates, the faster the sunless tan will fade. The tan created by the DHA and Erythrulose affects only the top layer of the skin and will begin to fade after 4 to 5 days as the skin naturally begins to exfoliate.

The frequency of Sunless tanning application depends on your skin cell turn over and preference of color intensity. People with quick cell turn-overs may want to do a Sunless session every 3-4 days to keep color fresh, while others may need to apply only once every 7-10 days.

Absolutely! In fact, we recommend it. Sunless tanning results are phenomenal over a nice base tan. It is the best way to obtain a fast, instant and natural tan. At Planet Sun we refer to this process as a “Double Dip.” Please ask any Planet Sun Tanning Professional for details on our Double Dip process.

Some of the bronze “cosmetic tint” color may rub off on clothing or bed sheets. This is most likely to happen when you get dressed immediately after tanning. To minimize the chance of the tint transferring to clothing, we recommend that you wear loose-fitting, darker clothes after your Sunless session. The Cosmetic tint is water-soluble. Therefore, in most cases, the color will come out of clothing in the wash.

Our Sunless equipment has three different solutions made specifically to suit a wide range of client skin tones. It is important to pick the formula that is right for you. If it is too dark for your skin tone you are more likely to be unsatisfied with the results. Our solution is also made with natural ingredients to keep your skin nourished and help it absorb the solution for even and natural color. All Planet Sun Tanning Professionals are trained to help you select the right solution to achieve the most natural tan possible.

Also, be sure to prepare for your session with proper moisturizing and exfoliation and to wait at least 6 hours before showering. Following all prep and post session instructions, in combination with our equipment’s revolutionary airbrush technology will ensure that your sunless tanning coverage is even, smooth, and perfect every time.

In our VersaSpa booths, this is an additional experience available at the end of your sunless tanning session. The treatment is formulated to nourish your skin and extend the life of your newly applied tan. Skin that is well moisturized is more likely to bond with the bronzing solution to help your color go deeper. This hydrating treatment also contains a blend of skin soothing botanicals, soy proteins, and green tea extracts to replenish your skin’s vital nutrients, diminish fine lines and deepen your golden color. It’s the secret to a longer-lasting natural looking sunless tan.