Who Should Tan, How and How Often?

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Sunlight is absolutely essential to all life on earth. There are various reasons, both physiological and psychological, why exposure to bright light is desirable and has positive effects on humans. In addition, many people believe they look better with tan skin. Thus, having a tan may provide a psychological uplift for some.

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Typically, a person will develop a cosmetic tan by using indoor tanning systems only as well as he/she is able to develop a tan outdoors in natural sunlight. Yet, there are fair-skinned people who cannot tolerate exposure to the sun’s uncontrollable UV rays, yet can often achieve some color when tanning indoors. This can be attributed to a different spectral output of the sunlamps, as well as carefully-timed exposures offered in a controlled tanning environment.

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Individual skin type, heredity and potential photosensitivity determine who will achieve successful results from indoor tanning sessions. If a person experiences a sunburn rather than a tan outdoors, even with short exposures, it is unlikely that indoor tanning will work. Not all people should try to obtain a tan!

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All UV exposure, whether indoors or outdoors, should be gradual and moderate. For the commercial tanning salon operator, it is necessary that each person’s skin type be determined before beginning a tanning program, and that the corresponding exposure schedule recommended for their skin type be strictly followed. More information on the risks and benefits of UV exposure can be obtained from industry publications, salon operator training such as Sun is Life®, seminars, trade associations, and suppliers of tanning equipment.

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As for how often a person should have an indoor UV tanning session, the current Food and Drug Administration guidelines suggest that a 48-hour time interval should pass between tanning sessions. A change in pigmentation (tan) and/or erythema (sunburn) may not be fully visible for between 12-24 hours following a session; thus, two tanning sessions within that 24-hour period could cause an unintentional burn. In general, maximum pigmentation can be built up gradually, following the recommended exposure schedule, in 8-10 UV-tanning sessions.

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Should an indoor tanner experience an adverse reaction after a session, all UV exposure should be terminated until the symptoms are gone. Only then should one begin tanning again. If the symptoms do not disappear within a reasonable amount of time, one should consult a physician.

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Each indoor tanner must bear the responsibility for his/her own tanning priorities. It is the responsibility of those in the retail salon business to be fully educated in the process of skin-typing and recommended exposure schedules, and be able to provide their customers with enough information to enable them to make an informed decision. When in doubt, a salon operator should exercise prudence, caution and good judgment when giving advice on who should tan, how, and how often.
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