FAQ

Tropical Exposure Tanning
183 Mitchells Chance Rd
Edgewater, MD 21037
(410) 956-8826

Open 7 days a week

No appointment necessary

Gift Certificates always available

Please feel free to search our site or contact us for more information!

Hours of Operation
Monday thru Friday 9am - 9pm ~ Saturday 9am - 7pm ~ Sunday 10am - 5pm

Q: Is indoor tanning "safer" than lying in the sun?

A: The key phrase here is "overexposure". Since tanning outdoors is an uncontrolled environment, there is a greater risk of burning and causing excessive damage to your skin. Tanning indoors provides much more control over how long and how often you tan to achieve a natural-looking base tan. Whether you choose to tan indoors or out, the process is the same. A tan is your skin's natural defense against the sun. Our policy of moderation and "Smart Tanning" is a more gentle and effective way to build a golden-looking tan without reddening and overexposure.

Q: Can tanning indoors cause skin cancer?

A: Again, skin cancer can be loosely linked to overexposure to ultra-violet light, whether indoors or out. However, UV light is not the only risk factor for skin cancer. Heredity, diet, and repeated sunburn can also contribute to the risk of non-melanoma skin cancer. Recent studies by the UV-Light Foundation have proven that sun exposure in moderate amounts actually helps reduce the risk of some cancers. Tanning indoors is a personal decision, and we want you to be comfortable before you begin any tanning regimen. Always remember, the UV-Free Mystic Tan process is a great alternative to conventional tanning, and will give natural looking results in a very short amount of time with no UV light exposure.

Q: Will I get tan just from one tanning session?

A: This will most often depend on your skin type. Some people tan very easily and see quicker results. Please always remember that tanning indoors or out is a process. It is always better to reduce your tanning time in the beginning and visit the salon more often, than to try to build a base in just one or two sessions. This will allow us to help you build your base tan gradually.

Q: Is using a tanning lotion important?

A: YES! Skin tends to dry out very quickly when you tan on a regular basis. All indoor tanning lotions are specially formulated to help replenish your skin with the moisture it loses during the tanning process. Most lotions also have a basic accelerator that will allow your skin to tan faster. You also have the option to try bronzers, self-tanners, and tingle (hot-action) lotions. Please allow us to help you pick a lotion that will work best for your tanning needs.

Q: Do I have to wear eyewear in the tanning bed?

A: Federal law requires all tanners to use approved eyewear each and every time they tan. UV light passes right through the eyelid and can cause damage to the eye. Laying a towel over your face is not approved eyewear. All of our clients receive their first pair of eyewear free after the purchase of their first membership/package.

Q: Can I still tan if I'm pregnant?

A: This is a decision that should be made between you and your doctor. There are currently no formal restrictions on tanning during pregnancy, but please only tan if you and your doctor agree it is safe for your baby. If you do not want to tan in a conventional bed, a good alternative is the Mystic Tan process.

Q: Can I contract HIV/AIDS or other diseases from a tanning bed?

A: All of our tanning beds are sanitized after each client with a solution designed to kill any and all bacteria that may be on the bed. The chances of contracting a disease from a properly cleaned tanning bed are extremely remote. Cleanliness is of utmost importance to us, just as it is to you. The HIV/AIDS virus cannot survive when exposed to oxygen, so there is literally no chance of contracting the virus from a tanning bed.

Q: Is it true that I can harm my internal organs if I tan indoors?

A: ABSOLUTELY NOT! The tanning process only affects the outermost layers of your skin. There can never be any damage to any internal organs from lying in a tanning bed.

Q: Can I tan more than once a day?

A: Federal law prohibits anyone from tanning more than once a day. No exceptions will be made to this rule.

Q: Should I tan with or without clothing?

A: This is a personal decision. We want you to do what is most comfortable for you. However, if you choose to tan nude, please be aware that areas that don't see natural sunlight on a regular basis have a much higher risk of overexposure the first several times you tan them. We recommend covering yourself with a towel for part of the session until these areas get caught up with the rest of your body.

Q: How often should I come in to build a base tan?

A: Our tanning units are designed to provide a golden tan within a few sessions. The exposure schedule we recommend for you will vary depending on your skin type, but usually tanning every other day for a week or so should build a suitable base tan. Two or three sessions per week should be plenty to maintain your base tan.

Q: Should I wear an SPF while I'm tanning?

A: No. Any lotion with an SPF in it actually damages the tanning unit by blocking the UV light from coming through the acrylic base. Since we have total control over how much time you are tanning each session, please allow us to recommend an exposure time for you if you are unsure.

Q: Can I still tan if I'm taking medication?

A: Some medications do cause the skin to be more sensitive to light. Most often, the bottle will give some indication of whether or not you should avoid or reduce exposure to UV light. If you have any concerns, please talk to your doctor before you tan.