Key West Tanning Salon - Clarks Summit, PA - Tanning Beds and Versaspa Sunless Tanning

Through its light, warmth and radiant energy, the sun provides the basis for all life on our planet. The sun stimulates the mind and soul. It provides a sense of inner-peace and well-being that both comforts and energizes. When the sun is shining, spirits are lifted and rejuvenated - and there is not a lot that can get us down.

The degree to which you are able to tan is determined by your body's ability to produce melanin. Melanin is a pigment that is found in the skin - except for the palms of the hands, souls of the feet and lips. Melanin is produced through cells called melanocytes. Differences in skin color and degrees of tanning are attributed to the amount of melanin the cells can produce. The actual tanning process, whether using indoor tanning equipment or tanning outdoor in the sun, begins when the melanocytes are stimulated by ultraviolet (UV) light. Exposure to UVB stimulates the melanocytes and leads to the formation of pigment granules. Exposure to UVA oxidizes the pigment causing the skin to tan. Tanning occurs in two phases. The first phase is IPD or Immediate Pigment Darkening. This is most noticeable in darker skinned individuals who have a higher degree of melanin already present in their skin. IPD may fade quickly after the first tanning sessions. As exposure times increase, the IPD will last longer. (Not all skin types experience IPD.) The actual biosynthesis of melanin in the skin requires 3 to 8 days to develop. Accordingly, phase two of the tanning process is known as Delayed Tanning. As your tanning sessions continue in accordance with the schedule for your skin type, a steady migration to the skins surface of newly formed, darkened pigment begins. This allows you to maintain your tan with just one or two sessions per week. The calculated combination of UVA and UVB administered in accordance with exposure schedule for your skin type allows the tanning process to occur within the controlled environment of the tanning system.

There is little doubt that having a tan can positively influence your entire outlook on life. For example, many people realize that having a tan makes them feel and appear slimmer. Why? Because dark skin, like dark clothing absorbs light. Light colors (white especially) actually reflect light and make you appear larger. In fact, many health clubs and weight loss centers observe that people who tan in conjunction with a fitness program are more apt to stay with the program longer than those who do not tan. The reason? People who tan may begin to see a noticeable change in their appearance faster than those who do not tan. For years you have been told 'if you want to look slimmer wear something dark' - now you know why! Having a tan can also be a real confidence builder. For example, having a tan 'before' you vacation at a tropical resort allows you to blend in with the crowd - and not stand out like a tourist! At the same time having a tan in the middle of the winter draws positive attention and is an indication of an active, energetic and successful lifestyle. Indoor tanning allows you to change your appearance, look good and feel great by doing virtually... Nothing!

Classification of Skin Types

Depending on skin type, people react differently to sunlight. When tanning in natural sunlight and on sunbeds, it is important to know your own particular skin type. Skin types around the world have been classified into six different groups.

Skin type I:

Usually bright white skin; blue or green eyes, red hair, many freckles. Usually of English, Irish or Scottish heritage. This skin type always burns, never tans and should neither tan indoors nor outdoors.

Skin type II:

Beige skin; brown, blue or grey eyes; blonde or light brown hair and some freckles. Usually of English, Scottish or Scandinavian heritage. This skin type always burns but sometimes tans.

Skin type III:

Light brown skin; brown eyes and hair. Usually of Central European heritage. This skin type sometimes burns but always tans.

Skin type IV:

Light brown or olive skin, dark brown eyes and hair. Usually of Mediterranean, Oriental or Hispanic heritage. This skin type sometimes burns and tans readily.

Skin type V:

Brown skin, dark brown hair and eyes. Usually of Indian, American Indian, Hispanic or African heritage. This skin type rarely burns and tans easily.

Skin type VI:

Black skin, black-brown eyes and hair. Usually of African, African-American or Aborigines heritage. This skin type rarely sunburns.

Tanning Tips

Never try to hurry a tan and always use common sense. This is the most important rule. In other words: never sunbathe more than once a day. As a rule of thumb: up to ten sessions in two to three weeks. The tan achieved will then be retained by sunbathing once or twice a week.
If you are taking medications, please be aware that certain medications may be photosensitive. That is, they may cause an adverse reaction when the body is exposed to UV light. Always consult your physician if you have any questions or concerns.
Before tanning, remove all cosmetics from your skin and take off all jewelry.
Before and after tanning use skincare products to keep an attractive tan looking good for longer.
Follow the recommended exposure schedule for your skin type. It should be listed on the front of the tanning unit. Consult with the salon staff who will advise you on proper procedures.
Keep your eyes closed and always wear protective goggles while tanning. Contact lenses should be removed prior to tanning.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I do if I get sunburned?

Depending on the degree of burn, you should always consider consulting a physician as a precautionary measure. In many cases, the best thing to do is to avoid further exposure from UV, apply moisturizing skin care products and allow the sunburn to subside. This may take several days. You should also drink plenty of fluids, rest and avoid physical exertion.

Are children and people with skin type I allowed to tan on a sunbed?

Children and people with skin type I react with extreme sensitivity to the sun and are advised by dermatologists to avoid tanning.

How can I keep my tan?

After achieving your tan, you should be able to maintain your color with just one or two sessions per week.

Why doesn’t the skin tan the same all over?

The insides of the arms and legs do not tan as readily because they contain fewer pigment-forming cells than the skin on the rest of your body. The face does not tan as readily because it has a naturally thicker layer. Freckles contain higher amounts of pigment and therefore become darker much more quickly than other areas of the skin. Areas of the skin that are subject to contact pressure points, such as the shoulder blades, are poorly supplied with blood and oxygen. This may reduce or limit the tanning process on these parts of the body.

How long will my tan last?

For a tanning bed tan - about 2 to 4 weeks after the last sunbathing session. The upper-most skin cells are gradually shed as a result of the natural process of skin renewal. The skin will have renewed itself after approximately 28 days. Looked after properly with tan extending lotions a tan can be preserved longer. Our VERSASPA ® instant tans last up to 7 days.

Can I tan on a sunbed and sunbathe outdoors on the same day?

This should be avoided. Overexposure to ultraviolet light in any form can lead to sunburn.

Why do I have to follow the recommended exposure schedule?

By adhering to the schedule your tan should develop gradually without the adverse effects associated with overexposure. Abusing the schedule, that is, tanning for periods longer than recommended or attempting to accelerate the schedule, may result in damage to the cells. This in turn can actually limit or prevent the tanning process.