Frequently Asked Questions

UVB Rays — Building Rays

UVB rays are known as the “building rays”, this specific type of short wave ray builds melanin. Melanin is what produces the natural base tan and color in humans. Simply put, the more melanin you have, the tanner you can become after developing a strong base tan. This base tan protects your skin from burning when you’re outside in the sun. While UVB rays help build your tan, they are also known as the “burn ray”, causing you to burn if you take on too much too soon. It is important to be patient and use those UVB rays to build up a great base tan over time. Remember- the best tans take time!

UVA Rays — Bronzing Rays

After building up your base tan, use UVA rays, or “bronzing rays”, to bronze the melanin. You’ve built up a substantial amount of melanin, and now it is time to use it to achieve that golden glow you’ve longed for. The UVA rays help emit pigment (color) out of the melanin you’ve generated. UVA long wave rays are strong and penetrate the skin deeper, so you’ll only need to be exposed to the rays for a short amount of time to produce a beautiful, long-lasting golden brown tan.

Use UVB & UVA Tanning Beds

For the best tanning results make sure to use a combination of UVA and UVB tanning beds. By mixing it up you’ll give your skin something to respond to, producing beautiful, bronzed skin!

Indigo light is occasionally used to manage conditions like psoriasis or eczema. It may also be used to reduce skin swelling.

We encounter blue light every day via electronic devices and indoor lighting. Excessive blue light exposure can produce harmful side effects like headaches, sleep disturbances, and concentration problems.

Blue light, however, also possesses therapeutic properties when used safely.

Blue light penetrates your dermis (directly beneath the epidermis). Because bacteria located beneath your skin are the cause of most acne, blue light is effective for preventing and eliminating acne [5] and for treating acne scars. Blue light also treats skin conditions such as rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis.
Blue light can help treat any condition with a root cause on or directly beneath your skin’s surface. Examples include:

• Cellulite reduction
• Decreased appearance of varicose veins and spider veins
• Healing of sun damage
• Superficial wound healing
• Acne causing bacteria
• Used in lightbox therapy for SAD.

Of all types of light therapy, red and NIR light provides the widest range of benefits. Because they penetrate your body more deeply than any other type of visible light, red and NIR wavelengths (especially when used in conjunction) activate your body’s innate healing powers and stimulate biological change at the cellular level. Read more about the best nm wavelength for red light therapy.

Red light stimulates the mitochondria of cells at all levels within your body, including brain cells inside your skull and cells within your bones. It even activates the production of new stem cells. Increased cellular energy allows your body to access its peak level of healing and rejuvenation, providing benefits including but not limited to:

• Weight Loss Assistance
• Anti-Aging
• Pain Management
• Better Athletic Performance
• Improved Brain Health
• Wound Healing
• Improving collagen production

UV sunlight is readily available without any device. As we know, however, the sun can have damaging effects that need to be mitigated. Skin and eyes need to be protected. Exposure to direct sunlight is beneficial; however, it must be absorbed carefully and in small doses.

Infrared light is not readily available in at-home light therapy devices because it presents too many health risks. Like UV rays, infrared rays are thermal (heat-producing) and capable of burning your skin and causing internal organ or DNA damage. Infrared therapy is generally limited to very serious conditions such as severe brain injury or degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.

The most common at-home light therapy devices utilize primarily red and blue light. As we have discussed here, however, there are uses for other colors of light, and these devices are also available.
Used per the manufacturer’s recommendations, at-home color light therapy devices can provide significant healing, restoration, and rejuvenation. Light therapy can be administered conveniently in your own home and works in conjunction with other forms of therapy.

Did you know that using a lotion for indoor tanning is extremely important?! Here are 5 reason why you should always apply tanning lotion before your appointment at Sun in the City:

Tanning Lotion will Moisturize Your Skin: Tanning can dry out your skin, so using a tanning lotion will replace the moisture your skin loses. Keeping your skin moisturized after indoor tannin will also enhance your glow!

Tan Faster: Tanning lotions help your skin absorb UV rays, speeding up the tanning process. You should look for a tanning lotion containing tyrosine as this ingredient stimulates the production of melanin, allowing you to tan faster.

Cool Down: Tanning beds can get a little warm during your session, combat this with a tanning lotion that offers a slight cooling effect.
Slows Aging: Look for lotions with skin-firming compounds and vitamins that will make your skin look younger.

Prevent Your Skin From Burns: Some indoor tanning lotions can help prevent burning, peeling, and uneven tanning. They also help you tan faster, thus making you spend less time in the tanning bed and reducing your chance of burning.

Make sure to apply your tanning lotion 1-2 hours before your appointment for the best results. At Sun in the City we offer a wide variety of tanning products for purchase. Need help with finding the best product for you? No problem, speak with one of our knowledgeable associates!

Before heading to get a spray tan, make sure you are prepared! At least 24 HOURS before your appointment:

Exfoliate Your Body: Pre-session exfoliation is extremely important and we can’t stress it enough. 24 hours before your appointment make sure to clear away any dry, dead skin cells with a ph balancing scrub. Exfoliating is important to ensure an even color and long-lasting results.

Protect Your Skin’s PH Levels: Before your spray tan avoid using any bar soaps, high PH shower products, or in-shower moisturizers as they can interfere with the DHA bronzing reaction in the skin.

Hair Removal: Stay away from shaving, waxing, or hair removal products for at least 24 hours prior to your appointment; these too can interfere with your spray tan.

THE DAY OF YOUR APPOINTMENT:

Skip body lotion and any makeup. While moisturizing your skin after your tanning session can make it last longer, applying moisturizers and lotions can interfere with the spray tan. If you do happen to wear makeup on your appointment day, remove it before the spray tanning begins.

Arrive to Your Appointment Prepared: Show up to your appointment wearing lose-fitting, dark clothing. Make sure to remove any and all jewelry and leave it off until your tan is set. Thess steps will prevent smudging your tan or your clothing becoming stained by the tanning spray.