UV Tan

Just like when you tan under the sun, when your skin is exposed to UV light, cells in your skin called melanocytes are stimulated to produce skin pigments called melanin. The melanin then surfaces on your skin, coming into contact with oxygen, where it starts to turn brown.
UV light from the sun hits your skin [from sun or lamps] and stimulates special cells called melanocytes.
Melanocytes start producing skin pigments called melanin.
The melanin travels to the surface of your skin where it comes in contact with oxygen.
It "oxidizes" causing the melanin to turn brown. Your skin has developed a tan.

Mystic Tan

With a spray tan, the process is different. The DHA (dihydroxyacetone) in the spray reacts with the amino acids in your skin and this stimulates a chain of reactions that cause the cells in your upper epidermis to turn brown.
A sunless spray tan (Mystic Tan) does not involve the production of melanin like a UV tan. The tanning spray solution contains the active ingredient DHA (Dihydroxyacetone), a sugar molecule that creates a tanned appearance in the upper layer of the skin (epidermis).
This stimulates a chain of reactions that causes the cells in the upper epidermis to turn brown. This process takes about 2 to 4 hours. The intensity of the color depends on the level of DHA and the amount of amino acids (proteins) in the skin.
A sunless spray tan lasts about 5-7 days, the average life span of the outer epidermis.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did you know that there are many misconceptions about tanning? Well, we are here to give you the low down and try to address many of the common misconceptions and answer all your questions to give you nothing but the truth. Here goes:

Is Indoor UV-tanning dangerous?
The truth is, all types of UV exposure, indoor or outdoor, if done without precaution is dangerous. Indoor UV-tanning is regulated to expose you to the right amount of UV rays for the right amount of time, according to your specific skin type. Tanning outside exposes you to several factors than can increase the dangers of UV exposure, if not done with precaution and moderation. Indoor UV-tanning can be a safer and more controlled way to get your tan.

UV Exposure Comparison

ONE UV Session in our tanning booth = TWO hours under the sun on the beach

What is the best way to get the darkest in the quickest amount of time?
At The Tanning Salon we offer the Cocktail tan, a combo of UV + Mystic Tan in one session. When the tan develops over the course of 6 hours, this double-dip will leave you looking like you've just got back from a long vacation in the Caribbean.

How long does a Mystic Tan last?
A Mystic Tan™ lasts for the duration it takes for your skin to naturally exfoliate itself, between 5- 7 days on average. The active ingredient in Mystic Tan™[DHA] makes a layer on top of your skin, giving you your gorgeous glow, but as soon as your skin exfoliates and makes an exit, so does your Mystic Tan™.

Do I have to cover my nipples or private parts?
No. You can tan in your birthday suit, butt-naked. You can keep your underwear on if you want to have tan lines. Your nipples are safe ladies, no different from guys' nipples so no need to cover them up. However, if you are doing a UV Tan and some parts of your body are much paler than others (such as your butt), you must choose a tanning time based on your palest skin to avoid getting burnt there.

Can I tan every day?
Although we would love to have you tan every day, we recommend a min of 48 hours between tans. Your tan can take up to 48 hours to fully develop so be patient. Moderation is the key to a healthy tan all year round.

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