MYTH

"I've heard that indoor tanning is more harmful than tanning outdoors because the UV light exposure is more intense."

FACT

People tanning indoors are exposed to a scientifically calibrated amount of UV light. When used according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's exposure guidelines (posted on each machine), tanning beds are designed to maximize tanning and minimize burning. Conversely, tanning outdoors is an unregulated environment. There are many factors that have to be considered when you tan outdoors: geography, time of day, weather conditions, the seasons, and the ozone layer. Remember the best way to safeguard yourself from sun damage is to wear appropriate levels of SPF sunscreens outdoors - even if you already have a tan. You should also know that, even with sunscreen protection, UV exposure can still lead to skin cancer and premature aging, even if you don't burn.

MYTH

"My friend said she heard that tanning bakes your internal organs. Sometimes I notice a strange smell after I tan. Could this be my organs baking?"

FACT

The UV light from a sun bed is similar to UV light from the sun, and cannot penetrate deeper than the skin to harm internal organs. The odor you may notice is what's commonly known as the "after tan" odor, a common occurrence when tanning indoors or outdoors, which is caused by harmless bacteria. California Tan lotions contain the Biosaccharide Complex, which helps prevent after tan odor.

MYTH

"I have been told from several of my friends that showering directly after tanning will "wash" your tan away. They say its best to wait about 3 hours after tanning to shower."

FACT

Taking a shower after tanning will not wash your tan away. A natural tan takes 24-48 hours to develop. The tanning process occurs within the epidermis when melanocyte cells are stimulated by ultraviolet light that causes them to produce the pigment melanin. Melanin production results in the tanned appearance of the skin and is the skin's natural defense against the sun and over-exposure, i.e. sun-burning. Melanin travels to the surface, where it eventually flakes off. This process allows us to develop new skin every four to eight weeks. Keeping your skin hydrated and exfoliated will help maintain a more radiant and healthy-looking tan.

MYTH

"I heard that in order to get a suntan you have to burn first."

FACT

A sunburn does not fade into a tan. A sunburn indicates over exposure to UV-light and actually damages the skin, leaving it inflamed (as indicated by the skin's red coloring and sensitivity), dry, chapped and visibly unappealing. In fact, a sunburn can lead to premature aging and potentially skin cancer. Always practice moderation when tanning and use the proper sunscreen protection when tanning outdoors and the proper exposure time that is recommended for your personal skin type when tanning indoors.

MYTH

Indoor tanning is riskier than outdoor tanning.

FACT

That's absolutely false. Indoor tanning clients are exposed to a scientifically controlled dosage of ultraviolet light carefully formulated to tan you with a minimal risk of sunburn. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has established exposure times for tanning units, guidelines that are clearly marked on each machine. That kind of control is virtually impossible outdoors, where variables such as seasonality, time of day, location, geography, weather conditions, altitude and the Earth's thinning ozone layer make sunburn much more likely. Because sunburn is the main risk factor for skin damage, it's actually smarter to tan indoors.

MYTH

I hear that tanning isn't as popular as it used to be

FACT

Not true. More than 28 million Americans tan indoors, a number that increases steadily year after year. More and more people are tanning for the control, convenience, speed and pure enjoyment of tanning in a salon.