Tanning Smartly

Responsible Tanning

At Fabutan our goal is to give you the tan you want in the smartest way possible. On this page and throughout our entire website, we have taken great care to provide you with as much information about tanning smartly. However, do not hesitate to bring your questions to a Fabutan CEO. They are expertly trained in the tanning process to help you achieve your tan in the healthiest way possible.

Being Tan Smart

What is tanning smartly, exactly? It is a tan that is achieved gradually in a controlled environment with the help of a Fabutan CEO. Being tan smart gives your body a natural tan without harmful burning, allow pigmentation time to develop and give you increased protection against UV light.

A smart tan may take longer, but it is well worth the reduced the risk of overexposure and skin damage. Your skin will thank you!

Click here to learn more about how your skin tans.

Eye protection is essential

Although they may seem like a nuisance, the goggles worn while tanning serve a very important purpose; they protect your cornea and retina from UV light damage that can lead to cataracts. The skin that makes up your eyelids offers almost no protection against UV light, so it does not make a lot of sense to lie in a tanning bed without tanning goggles! The indoor tanning eyewear that Fabutan provides stops 99% of UVB light and 99.9% of UVA light, allowing only visible light through so you can see while you tan.

Not using proper eye protection may also result in short term effects such as tired and itchy eyes, headaches and loss of night vision. You should never be in a tanning bed without eye protection, and be sure to purchase your own pair of tanning goggles to avoid the risk of easily transmitted infections like pink-eye.

With moderation you can tan all year long

Tanning throughout the year is possible if you are careful to not overexpose your skin at any time – always keeping in mind that overexposure can lead to chronic skin damage. Take precautions not to tan indoors and outdoors on the same day, wear sunscreen when outside and strive to allow a 48-hour time period between tanning sessions.

Click here to learn more about the smart tanning process at Fabutan.

Contacts can be worn while tanning indoors

When protective tanning goggles are worn, UV light is blocked from penetrating and damaging the eye or lens. However, the heat generated by indoor tanning equipment could cause your eyes to dry a bit, making the lens feel uncomfortable. Just as one should moisturize the skin after tanning, optometrist recommended eye drops can be used to moisturize dry eyes during the tanning process.

Managing photosensitivity risks

Photosensitivity happens when certain chemicals induce a change in the skin that makes it unusually sensitive to light. Below are some substances that can cause photosensitivity:

  • Medications such as psoralen, diuretics, birth control pills, tranquilizers, antibiotics and high blood pressure medication
  • Diseases and allergies
  • Foods such as citrus fruits and celery
  • Skin care products such as cosmetics, lotions, sunscreens, soaps and harsh disinfectants

To avoid the effects of photosensitivity, always check with your Fabutan CEO and refer to our Medication Checklist in our tanning rooms. If you are still unsure if your medication is a photosensitizing agent, consult your pharmacist.

Preventing and treating the after tanning itch

While some individuals are naturally sensitive to UV exposure, the presence of itching and/or rashes can usually be linked to several unrelated causes. Certain chemicals or ingredients found in cosmetics, lotions, shampoos and even the acrylic cleaner could be the cause of the irritation. To avoid itching and rashes, we advise you to tan with your skin as clean as possible.

Another cause of irritation that has no relation to UV light is heat rash. Heat rash, or tanner's itch, usually indicates that the light and heat generated by tanning bulbs or the sun have dried your skin – especially in previously unexposed areas. To alleviate the irritation, discontinue tanning for a few days. Once your skin feels ready, slowly increase the length of your tanning sessions to allow enough time for adequate amounts of melanin to be produced. For temporary relief, try an unscented emollient cream.

If discontinued use of a product or reduced exposure to UV light do not alleviate your symptoms, consult your physician.

A history of skin cancer? Tanning is not for you.

It is strongly recommended that those who have suffered skin cancer avoid tanning either indoors or outdoors. Individuals who have had this type of cancer may be genetically predisposed to contracting it or they may be unusually susceptible to it.

Click here to learn more about UV light exposure and cancer.