FAQ's
What is the difference between the different tanning levels?
We have levels 1,2,3, and 4. The higher the level, the better the bed; this means the higher up in level you go, you are more likely to tan quicker while being less likely to burn. You will get better color in the higher levels along with a longer lasting tan. The lower levels will take more sessions to get the same results and will take more to maintain your desired color as well.
Why is tanning lotion important?
Tanning lotion is important because dry skin reflects UV rays for the first several minutes rather than absorbing them. Tanning lotion is full of moisturizing agents, vitamins,and nutrients to help your skin receive the most out of your tanning session, therefore making the most out of your hard earned money. You will have much better results with a tanning lotion than without, and with many options ranging from no bronzer to dark bronzer we will be sure to help you get your desired results. The tanning process dehydrates the skin, removing moisture and nutrients; tanning lotion rehydrates the skin and replaces the nutrients that were lost during your tanning session. Conditioning your skin with quality professional products will not only help you get more color but will also keep your skin in good shape.
What kinds of tanning lotions do you have?
Intensifier/Accelerator: Basic white tanning lotion that will enhance your natural tan.
Natural Bronzer: Has cosmetic bronzer to give you a boost of instant color and will wash off the next time you shower.
Dark Bronzer: Has cosmetic bronzer and DHA which gradually builds and develops on the skin with each use, getting you color much quicker. Dark bronzer comes in various amounts depending on which lotion you buy, so you can buy a lotion with a small amount of dark bronzer for a little bit of extra color or a lotion with lots of dark bronzer for a deeper darker tan.
Tingles: The fastest way to get a tan. Increases the blood flow to the skin, increasing oxygen levels and allowing your skin to oxidize and bronze up much quicker. Tingles should never be used on the face as the tiny blood vessels could break and cause bruising. A lot of tanners love tingles but they are not for everyone because of how they can feel; some describe it as an “indian sunburn” feeling and some describe it as just a tingling sensation, so we always suggest that if you’re trying a tingle for the first time to just apply to a small area to see if you like it or not.
How does the tanning process work?
Tanning is the skin’s way of protecting itself from the sun. Skin cells called “melanocytes” produce a brown pigment called melanin that comes to the surface of the skin and darkens when exposed to UV rays. Depending on the skin tone of the tanner, the time this process takes will vary. Some tanners produce melanin very easily while other take a little bit longer for the process to take off and start showing up. Developing a visible base tan may take anywhere from 3-7 sessions.
How often should I tan?
When developing a base tan you should come every few days for the first week or two. If you still want to develop darker color, continue at the same rate and when you are satisfied with your color it is suggested to come 2-3 times per week to maintain. NH state law states that you may tan once per day, but we suggest tanning in moderation in order to avoid overexposure and skin damage.
If i normally burn outside will i be able to get a tan indoors?
When you come into our salon we have you fill out a skin typing questionnaire which will determine whether or not we think your skin will be able to get a tan. A small percentage of people are physically unable to tan because their skin does not produce melanin, however many people who burn outdoors are still able to get a tan indoors in a controlled environment when exposed to UV light in very short sessions built up gradually over time.
What is the difference between UVA and UVB rays?
All indoor tanning equipment emit UVA and UVB rays, just like the sun does. UVB rays stimulate the melanocytes to start producing melanin, and UVA is what the oxidizes the melanin and browns the skin, producing your tan. Both are needed to produce a tan. The different levels of our tanning equipment have varying percentages of these rays; the higher level beds have a higher percentage of UVA rays which is why the higher level beds are more likely to bronze you much quicker and darker, because they have more of the “bronzing ray” than the other levels.
Do I need eyewear to tan?
NH state law requires that FDA approved eyewear is presented before each tanning session. It is important to wear eyewear because the eyes are not biologically built to produce a tan or protect themselves from the sun, therefore a small amount of damage is done to the eyes each time they are exposed to UV light without protection. Closing your eyes is insufficient because the skin on your eyelids is not thick enough to keep the UV light from penetrating through them and to your eye.
Do I need to take out my contact lenses before tanning?
Tanning can make your eyes feel dry and if you wear contacts the dryness can feel extra irritating, so we suggest using an eyedrop before and afterwards to eliminate any uncomfortability, along with your protective eyewear of course. If you tan with your contacts and eyewear and feel ok without using eyedrops, you are perfectly fine to do so.
Can I tan if I’m pregnant?
If you’d like to tan while pregnant, we ask that you talk to your doctor first and bring in a note approving you to tan. UV light does not penetrate the skin deep enough to harm the baby, but hormonal changes caused by pregnancy may make your skin more prone to burning and is hard to predict which days your skin will be more sensitive. You may do fine with a session one day and burn on a different day at the same intensity. It is best to wait until a few months after you are not pregnant anymore as our goal is for you to never burn.
Can i use my membership at both of your locations?
Yes, you may tan at either our Dover or Portsmouth locations with your membership; we are connected to the same server :)
What is the difference between the MysticHD spray tan and the Custom Airbrush spray tan?
The Mystic is our booth which sprays you automatically, and our Custom spray is done by hand by a technician. Our booth works great however there is a learning curve to using it, as blending cream needs to be applied to areas such as the hands and feet to avoid over darkening of the thinner dryer skin. With our Custom Airbrush, more control is put in the hands of the technician and they are able to spray a lighter coat over the hands, feet, and face, giving you a more natural appearance without the need for blending cream. Our custom airbrush also has more options for different types of solution to better match you with a tone that will work best with your skin tone. No matter which option you choose though, our employees will always walk you through the process and make sure to get a beautiful and natural looking spray tan on you!
What do I need to do before I spray tan?
You should always shower, exfoliate, and do any necessary shaving before your spray tan. Next, avoid putting on any lotions, oils, deodorants, makeup, etc. because these could create a barrier on your skin and cause your spray tan to develop unevenly or streaky. We always suggest coming in with clean fresh skin before your appointment! We sell priming products that will help you get the most out of your spray, and special moisturizers that are made specifically to use before a spray tan if you do have any spots that you need to moisturize after the shower. During your spray you can wear whatever you’d like; many people like to go fully nude as to avoid tan lines, and others like to keep on their undergarments or wear a bathing suit. It is totally up to you! You should bring some dark, loose fitting clothing to leave in after your spray.
What do I need to do after my spray tan?
After your spray tan it is very important that you stay dry while your tan develops. It takes 12-24 hours for a spray tan to develop and if you get it wet it will end up blotchy and streaky. This means avoiding water, sweat, lotion, oil, perfume, etc. until after your tan has developed and you have showered. Once you’ve taken your first shower, you do not need to worry about getting wet. It is important to take care of your spray tan with our aftercare products to help it stay on longer and keep it looking its best until your next appointment. Ask us about our variety of after tan products to see what is best for you!