Some frequently asked questions:
Q. IS THERE A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN OLDER TANNING BEDS AND MODERN ONES?
A. Yes, there is a huge difference. Older tanning beds have a different ratio of UVA/UVB light. The latest models have a much closer balance of UVA/UVB to natural sunlight. Older equipment can make your skin turn an orange colour. In TanZone all our beds are brand new. We strongly advise using up to date tanning beds.
Q. HOW DOES SUNBED TANNING COMPARE TO TANNING IN THE SUN?
A. 5 minutes on a tanning bed equates to about 10-15 minutes in the Sun on a warm Summer’s day. Burning time for lighter skin types is about 15 minutes in Summer sunlight.
Q. HOW MANY TIMES A WEEK CAN I SENSIBLY USE A TANNING BED?
A. People with skin type 1 and people on certain medications that may cause photosensitivity should not use tanning beds. Moderate tanning of 2-3 sessions a week is OK for everyone else but ensure you rest the skin for a minimum of 24 hours between each session. The European Standard advises not to exceed 60 sessions per year.
Q. WHAT ARE SUNBED LAMPS ?
A. Sunbed lamps simulate natural sunlight by emitting UVA and UVB but they go a stage further and control the output with a balance of UV to minimise the risk of burning and maximise the tanning.
Q. IS THERE A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TANNING BEDS AND SUNLIGHT ?
A. Tanning beds tan your skin in the same way as normal sunlight but are stronger hence the shorter tanning times. The UV light from a sunbed stimulates the production of melanin in your skin in exactly the same way as normal sunlight does.
Q. CAN I TAKE A SHOWER AFTER USING A TANNING BED ?
A. Yes, the tan is produced naturally by your skin it cannot rub off unlike fake tans.
Q. CAN I TAN MY BODY AND NOT MY FACE ?
A. Yes, all our lie down sunbeds have the facility to turn off or reduce the power of the facial tanning lamps.
Q. IS THERE A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BURNING AND TANNING?
A. Yes, burning damages the DNA in your skin – this can cause mutations in the skin cells. Moderate tanning without burning reduces any risk significantly.