Tanning Facts
New Orleans Tanning Salons – Tanning Facts
Is indoor tanning regulated?
Yes. No matter what state, county or town you may tan in, your indoor tanning facility, like all New Orleans tanning salons, is subject to the far-reaching effects of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and in most cases, state or local regulatory authorities. At the highest level of regulations, the FDA is directed by law to maintain inspection and testing procedures and to publicize standards that will reduce unnecessary overexposure to tanning equipment and other medical and electronic devices.
Why does indoor tanning offer more control?
Indoor tanners are at a great advantage by having access to the control that goes into the tanning process. In addition to various state and local regulations in place, national guidelines set by the federal government enhance the controllable factors involved in indoor tanning. Since 1986, the Performance Standards For Sunlamp Products have been in place to cover many of the following aspects of indoor tanning: timer control, protective eyewear, temperature control, electrical safety, protection from lamps, equipment access and support, and more.
If a tan and a sunburn are different, just what is a sunburn?
Sunburns occur when the skin is exposed to excessive amounts of UV light. The severity can vary from mild pink with only minor discomfort to severe “lobster-red” burns that blister. Sunburn results when the amount of exposure to the sun or other ultraviolet light source exceeds the ability of the body’s protective pigment, melanin, to protect the skin. A serious sunburn is as serious as a thermal burn, and it may have the same systemic effects such as blistering, edema, and fever. A sunburn is better prevented than treated. When outdoors for an extended amount of time, you should use a sunscreen.
Why does my salon always verify I am using tanning eyewear?
All New Orleans tanning salons are obligated to verify every client using tanning equipment is using federally compliant eyewear. It is their goal to educate customers about the fact that towels, scarves, or your eyelids do not adequately protect your eyes from ultraviolet exposure. In addition to possible state laws, federal regulations (CFR 21 1040.20 (c)(4) require that tanners wear protective eyewear that blocks 99.9% of the UVB light and 99% of UVA. It is the operator’s responsibility that ALL tanning clients use federally compliant eyewear. When proper eyewear is not used during the tanning process, the potential for eye injury is greatly increased. Some eye injuries and disorders include photokeratitis (cornea sunburn), cataracts, pterygium (abnormal tissue growth) and damage to the cornea.
Can I tan while I am pregnant?
Working with your doctor on this topic is a wise choice. Every pregnancy has its own considerations, so it is always suggested you get input from your doctor when considering tanning while pregnant. At this time there are no studies on the effects of tanning beds on the unborn child. Because the UV light used in tanning beds does not reach the child, your baby is not at risk. During the first trimester your doctor will most likely advise you not to do anything that will raise your body’s temperature, such as hot tubs, saunas, and tanning beds.
Why should I use an indoor tanning lotion when tanning?
Healthy skin is the foundation of a successful tan. Indoor tanning lotions are designed to provide critical moisture to skin before and after tanning. The healthier your skin, the longer you keep the tan; this allows you to build upon your foundation tan to get a deeper, darker tan. Dry skin flakes away your tan layer by layer. Indoor tanning lotions provide you with the deep, constant moisture your skin needs during the tanning process. Most tanning lotions have important vitamins and ingredients to help you extend your tan. People who avoid using tanning products will not get the extra moisture or a stable tan since tanning tends to dry the skin; they will lose their tan more quickly between sessions, due to dry skin flaking away.
A special note: Consumers may not be getting the indoor tanning products that they think they are when they purchase them through unauthorized outlets like discount websites, local flea markets, or non-tanning outlets. Outdated, discontinued, damaged, and tampered-with products are often the products that are diverted into these outlets. Professional tanning products should be recommended by a qualified indoor tanning specialist to insure proper use.
