• Protect your eyes. Simply closing them or wearing outdoor sunglasses is not adequate protection against possible long-term eye injury. That risk can be eliminated by wearing the FDA compliant eye protection available at 20 Minute Tan.

• Protect your lips. They do not produce melanin and they will burn easily unless you protect them with lip balm.

• If you plan to tan in the nude, cover previously unexposed areas for the majority of your tanning time for the first few visits. Gradually increase exposure to these areas until they catch up to the rest of your body.

• If you are taking any medications please let one of our tanning consultants know. Some medications can increase sensitivity to ultraviolet exposure.

• Moisturize your skin! The heat and light from tanning sessions can dry your skin out. Because moist skin tans best, we recommend using our tanning accelerators before each session our SIMPLY SATURATING™ after and between all visits.

• Remove all makeup before tanning. Most makeup products contain SPF's that are not necessary when tanning in a controlled environment. Some cosmetic products may even contain ingredients that will increase your sensitivity to ultraviolet exposure.

• Avoid using loofahs or body puffs in the shower or bath. These products increase your natural rate of exfoliation. Remember, tans don't fade they naturally exfoliate with your skin every 28 days. Lack of moisture and harsh products such as loofahs will increase this cycle.

What are the potential health benefits of tanning?
UV light is the main source of Vitamin D for humans. UV light causes the skin to create previtamin D which in turn make Vitamin D that is necessary for good health, bone formation ,and the absorption of calcium and phosphorous in the body. The presence of Vitamin D in the body can decrease the risks of developing breast and colon cancers. Tanning also provides natural protection from sunburn. Melanin (tanning pigment) helps the skin absorb ultraviolet rays without causing damage to surrounding cells, thereby offering protection from sunburn.

Do I really need to use lotion?
Yes, the use of indoor tanning lotions will provide the three essentials of effective tanning: hydration, nutrition, and oxygenation. Skin must be hydrated to reach and maintain the desired tan. Dry, neglected skin reflects UV light and exfoliates much faster. The natural, vitamin rich products sold at 20 Minute Tan are fundamental to the skin's appearance and ability to tan. Vitamins replenish necessary nutrition to skin cells, promoting cell regeneration and oxygenation. Oxygen fuels skin cell functions, thereby accelerating the tanning process. Our trained personnel will recommend the appropriate product for you.

What should I wear when I tan?
Tanning attire is entirely up to the client. The potential danger of tanning nude is ultraviolet overexposure-such as sunburn-of sensitive body parts that are not normally exposed to ultraviolet light. Tanning in the Buff: Please be careful about areas not accustomed to sunlight. During the first three visits, cover them for half the sessions to gently ease into a base tan.

Why does a tan disappear?
The tan or pigmentation process occurs in the epidermis, the top layer of the skin. Everyone's skin naturally exfoliates every 28-30 days. When bathing, loofas or body puffs, also increase your natural rate of exfoliation.

How often is a person allowed to tan?
A maximum of 1 time per day by Florida State Law.

Can the UV rays emitted by indoor tanning lamps pass through the skin and affect internal organs?
Although this is a popular myth, ultraviolet light waves cannot penetrate so deeply to affect the body's tissues and organs. Ultraviolet rays are not the same as X-rays or heat rays and therefore, have different effects on the body. Overexposure will result in sunburn but will not effect internal organs.

Is it harmful to wear contact lenses when tanning indoors?
It is not advised to wear contact lenses while tanning. Although wearing the provided protective eyewear will protect your eyes from ultraviolet light, the heat generated could cause drying and discomfort.

Why do some dermatologists warn people against sun exposure?
While some dermatologists may advocate total avoidance of UV exposure, the media seems to quote only those who do. Many dermatologists and others from the medical community have acknowledged the need for moderate sun exposure, while advocating the use of sunscreens.

What causes white spots?
Tinea Versicolor, a skin condition that affects tanners, is caused by a microscopic fungus from the scalp. This fungus falls onto arms, shoulders, and other body parts and leaves bleached areas on the skin, which can spread. It is treatable and must be protected from further ultraviolet light exposure until those bleached areas have begun developing melanin again.

Can indoor tanning cure acne?
Phototherapy (use of UV light) has been effective in easing the skin problems common to this condition. There are also many drugs, including tetracycline and Retin-A, which are also widely used for the treatment of acne. Because these drugs can render the skin photosensitive, one must avoid UV exposure when medicated. Furthermore, the use of UV light for acne treatment should only be administered by a qualified physician. The Food and Drug Administration prohibits indoor tanning equipment operators from asserting that equipment use is beneficial for any purpose other than obtaining cosmetic coloring.

Is it possible to contract AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases from indoor tanning equipment?
People cannot contract diseases from properly sanitized, well maintained tanning beds. Disease specialists have said that no evidence exists to prove that sanitized tanning units have spread diseases.

Does tanning help treat depression or Seasonal Affective Disorder?
There exists a growing body of scientific evidence which indicates that some people actually require more light exposure in order to function properly. Exposure to bright light, such as that emitted by the midday summer sun, causes the brain to suppress the release of the hormone melatonin. Melatonin acts as a depressant in the body if generated during the daytime. Thus, when affected people are exposed to longer hours of bright light, they feel happier, euphoric and more able to enjoy life. Bright light sources emitting only visible light, are now frequently used to successfully treat Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and Sub-syndromal Seasonal Affective Disorder (SSAD).

Can indoor tanning equipment be used to treat skin disorders such as psoriasis?
The FDA and Federal Trade Commission forbid making representations regarding the benefits of indoor tanning other than it's cosmetic effect. Therefore, one may not make medical claims about indoor tanning equipment. However, phototherapy (UV light treatment) can be used to ease the symptoms of psoriasis. The treatment is rendered by a trained physician with equipment specifically designed for such a purpose.