Facts About Recent Negative Media Coverage of Indoor Tanning

You have probably seen recent media coverage claiming that scientists say tanning beds are "as dangerous as arsenic", or compairing indoor tanning to smoking tobacco. These stories are inacurate and misleading, and are based on a misunderstanding of the actual research.

Tanning beds have been categorized as "Group 1" meaning there is evidence that the use of tanning beds can increase the risk of skin cancer.

This information is not really new information. Sunlight is the the same category as tanning beds and has been since 1982. Being in the "Group 1" category does not say anything about the size of the risk, just that there is any risk at all. Some things in this category are very dangerous, like arsenic and mustard gas. Other substances only carry a very small risk, like red wine, beer, and salted fish. 

News stories that say things like "tanning is as dangerous as arsenic" are flat-out wrong. The scientists have not made any kind of comparison at all, only reporters looking for a scary headline. The report itself has not been made available. The news stories are merely working off of a press release.

Some of the news stories are including a misleading statistic: that tanning beds increase the risk of melanoma by 75% when used before age 30. This number comes from a study with questionable methods. The study's authors admit that they did not adjust for factors like outside sun exposure and sun sensitivity. This means that if they took out all people with a skin type 1, which is pale sensitive skin that easliy burns and rarely tans, there is no real significant increase in risk. Even if the study was accurate, it does not mean that 75% of tanning bed users will get melanoma, it means that their relative risk is higher. Because the issue is relative risk, when the original risk is very small, a percentage increase that looks big actually translates into a very small added risk. For example, your annual risk of a fatal car accident is about 0.013%. If that risk were increased by 75%, it would be 0.023%, or about 1 in 4,500. To put that number in perspective, the increase is 10 times smaller that the OSHA guideline for "acceptable risk".

Indoor Tanning

Indoor tanning keeps growing each year and has now become the preferred choice of millions of people. The reasons are simple. Indoor tanning provides a year round, convenient, controlled environment for people of all types who want to enjoy the look and feel of a tan body. It is very important to understand the tanning process so you can know what to expect from your next visit to the Vegas Tan Company.

Results and the Tanning Process

It's understood that when you start tanning you're eager to see results. Unfortunately, the tanning process is not something that can be rushed. Sometimes, it can take up to several sessions before a noticeable darkening of the skin is evident. For beginning tanners, initial exposure times in some tanning beds may be as short as five or six minutes. It may even seem like nothing happened, but remember, it can take up to 48 hours for melanogenisis (the darkening of skin) to begin. You may also want to use a tanning accelerator to help achieve the maximum result possible.

Once you've got some color

After you have started tanning, your session length can be adjusted slowly till you reach the desired level of darkening — but keep in mind, everybody’s skin is different! Even after building a base tan, some people with fair skin may never be able to stay in a tanning bed for the maximum session time.

Always use caution when you begin tanning indoors, or if you are someone switching to a new tanning center and are unfamiliar with their tanning beds. Comparing session times in two different pieces of equipment from two different tanning salons can be like comparing apples to oranges. Often, there can be a drastic difference in twenty minutes in one tanning bed versus another--even if the two units look similar. There can be a large variance in the quality of equipment and bulbs from one salon to another which can result in a bad burn. Your Certified Vegas Tan Company Tanning Professional will make a recommendation for your first session, as they are more familiar with our equipment.

How often should I tan?

Most people don’t know how often they should tan. When building a base tan, 48 hours is the recommended time between sessions. Depending upon the bed type, it usually takes from 1-3 sessions to notice results. Once you have an established tan, it is usually only necessary to tan two or three times a week.  If you have any questions, please ask ay of our Certified Tanning Professionals.

Also, tanning beds tend to dry skin. Once you begin to develop a tan, the best way to preserve it is to take good care of your skin. Using a lotion, like one of the ones we carry in our salon, is strongly encouraged.

The Vegas Tan Company requires that all users of our tanning beds use some form of eye protection. You should always wear eye protection when using a tanning bed. Your eyelids do not provide adequate protection from ultraviolet radiation -- even if you keep them closed.

Here are 6 great tips to make your tan darker and last longer

1. Accelerator
   Always use indoor tanning accelerator. Tanning lotions allow for more UV light to enter your skin. Therefore, helping you tan faster.
2. Skin Conditioning
   Dry skin will slow your tanning process down. Exfolitate Your skin weekly and always apply a tan extender (moisturizer) after showering.
3. Consistency
   Be consistent. Twice a week is great once you have reached your Level of darkness. Try tanning on different levels of beds.
4. Upgrade
   Upgrades are separate sessions in high-perfermormance tanning beds. Thess beds are designed to maximize your melanin production, for Longer-lasting, darker results.
5. Protect your eyes
   Use protection designed for your eyes. Closing your eyes or Laying a towel over your face will not block all the UV. At Vegas Tan Company we are concerned about your safety. Upon your tanning session we will ask that you show us your Protective eyewear before tanning. A variety of eyewear is available at a low cost. Just ask a staff member.
6. Take it Slow
   Don’t rush it. Consistency, not frequence, is key. If you try to rush the process you can over-do it, which will slow your tanning progress.