Tropical Tan Tanning Tips

You have made a wise decision in choosing to tan in a comfortable, controlled atmosphere.  Tropical Tan Tanning Salon's goal is to help you achieve the best tan possible while teaching you how to avoid sunburn and overexposure, both outdoors in the sunshine and indoor at our facility.  That's why we call it "Smart Tanning."

• Your skin tans the same, whether you tan indoors or outdoors.  Ultraviolet rays penetrate your skin, stimulating the production of melanin, the pigment that makes your skin tan.

• There are two kinds of ultraviolet light rays -UVA and UVB.  Different tanning units use different combinations of these two tanning rays.  Whatever combination, your exposure times are regulated by the federal government to minimize your risk of sunburn or overexposure.

• Smart Tanning involves following the exposure schedule designed for your skin type and avoiding sunburn by tanning gradually.

By controlling the type and amount of UV light you receive in the Tropical Tan Salon, there's no doubt that this is the best, smartest place to acquire a tan.  But there are some precautions you should take to maximize your enjoyment of your tanning visits:

Protect Your Eyes.  Simply closing them or wearing outdoor sunglasses while you tan is not adequate protection against possible long-term eye injury.  That risk is eliminated by wearing the FDA-compliant eye protection that are available at Tropical Tan.

Protect Your Lips.  Since your lips do not produce melanin and will burn easily, protect them with the use of lip balms or sunscreens. 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 with the rest.

Medications.  If you are taking ANY medications, please let one of our staff members know.  Some medications can cause reactions with UV light, so it is important that you tell us.  For more information, please check our photosensitivity page.

Moisturize Your Skin.  The heat and light from tanning sessions can dry your skin.  Because moist skin tans best, we recommend you moisturize before and after each tanning session to get the most out of each visit.

Moderation, the Key to Success.  Use moderation when tanning indoors, Illinois law requires no more than one indoor tanning session in a 24 hour period.  Allow 24-48 hours between sessions to prevent overexposure.

Outdoor Lotions stay Out the Door.  Outdoor lotions are not allowed at Tropical Tan.  Not only do they contain sunscreens that prevent you from achieving a tan, they damage the acrylic on our tanning beds!  Just the same, indoor tanning lotions do not contain sunscreen and should not be used outdoors.  To learn more about lotions and how to maximize there effect, please visit our Lotions Page.