Why Do I Develop A Tan?

A tan is your body's natural protection from UVA and UVB exposure.  Although, both UVA and UVB contribute differently to your tan.  Indoor tanning equipment utilizes a carefully formulated and controlled mixture of the two light waves, designed to tan you with a minimized risk of sunburn.

Do I Have To Wear Eyewear While I Tan? 

Yes!  It's not an option in our professional salon.  Your skin can tan - your eyes cannot.  That's why it's absolutely necessary for you to wear the special eye protection available at our salon.  If left unprotected, ultraviolet light will penetrate deep into your eyes when you tan.  Serious risks such as corneal eye burns, retinal burns, cataracts, night blindness, and color blindness may all be conditions that develop as a result of failure to wear eyewear.  Please note that sunglasses, towels or coins are not adequate protection. 

What Is The Difference Between Tanning Indoors And Outdoors?

The main advantage of tanning indoors is the reduced risk of contracting a sunburn.  Tanning indoors allows you to control exactly what kind and how much ultraviolet light your skin receives every time you tan.  When you tan indoors you enjoy (1) Control: you always know exactly what kind of ultraviolet light you are getting and exactly how long you'll be getting it.  (2) Convenience: you never have to worry about bad weather.  It's always sunny and warm in Caribbean Sun.  (3) Speed: It doesn't take all day at the beach to get an indoor tan.  Depending on your skin, a few quick sessions a week is all it takes.  (4) Service: we monitor your progress and advise you on how to properly maintain your tan, reducing your risk of ever contracting a dangerous sunburn.

What Do I Do When I Tan Outdoors To Decrease My Risk Of Getting Sunburned?

When spending time outdoors, wear appropriate sunscreens that block both UVA and UVB light, even if you already have a tan.  Don't forget easy-to-miss areas such as your nose, ears and tops of feet.  Hats are also a great source of protection from the sun. 

I'm Taking A New Medication, Should I Tell My Tanning Consultant?

Absolutely.  Medication can affect the way your skin tans and can even cause you to burn.  If you're currently taking a medication, you should talk to your pharmacist to find out if it has an effect on tanning.  Caribbean Sun also has a list of photosensitizing medications.  We will be glad to help you determine whether you should tan indoors or not.

Do indoor tanning lotions really work?

Of course.  Indoor tanning lotions sold at Caribbean Sun are different from lotions you buy at the store.  Today's indoor tanning lotions are bioengineered to maximize the results of your tanning visit while increasing the quality of your tan.  Moist, nourished skin tans the best.  Indoor tanning lotions are designed to supply your skin with the essential nutrients necessary for a tan.  These special ingredients also moisturize your skin to keep it looking young and healthy.  We strongly recommend the use of an indoor tanning lotion to maximize the enjoyment of your tanning experience.

I've Never Tanned Indoors Before, Will Someone Be Able To Help Me?

That's what we're here for.  Our trained tanning consultants will help you every step of the way.  We evaluate your skin type, help you select the perfect lotion for your level of tanning, establish a moderate tanning schedule, show you how to operate our equipment and offer simple tanning tips.

Do You Have An Age Restriction On Tanning?

As a Smart Tan Salon, we actively participate in Smart Tanning for Teens.  Our policy strictly states that anyone under the age of 14 years cannot tan.  Minors who are 14 and 15 years old must have a parent or guardian present in the salon at the time of sign-up.  There are no exceptions to this rule.  We believe that it is important that teens and their parents understand the responsibilites associated with indoor tanning.  That is, sunburn prevention.  Tanners 16 and over are able to tan without parental or guardian consent.  

What Is The Difference Between A VHR Unit And A Facial Bed?

There is a significant difference between the two types of units.  Our VHR units are our "powerhouse" units, thus they are more expensive.  These units provide our tanners with a deeper darker tan in a less amount of time (10-12 minute max).  Our VHR units emit more of the "bronzing ray", rather tan the "reddening ray".  Our facial units on the other hand (20 minute max) emit more equal amounts of the bronzing and reddening ray.  So, depending on the level of tanning you want to achieve, your tanning goals and how much time is on your hands, you may want to discuss with our tanning consultants the best unit for you.