FAQs

Below you will see a list of some of the most frequently asked questions. Scroll through and read each of them to find answers to better prepare you for your tanning sessions .

CAN EVERYBODY TAN?

• Tropic Image Tan practices "Smart Tanning" and adheres to skin typing protocol by which client's skin type is analyzed and proper exposure schedules are determined. Not all skin types can tan naturally, but all skin types can spray tan. Skin types are:
  
  
• Skin Type I- Very sensitive to sunlight; always burns, never tans.
  
  
• Skin Type II-Sensitive to sunlight; burns easily, tans slightly.
  
  
• Skin Type III-Normal sensitivity to sunlight; sometimes burns, tans gradually.
  
  
• Skin Type IV-Skin is tolerant of sunlight; burns minimally, always tans well.
  
  
• Skin Type V-Skin is brown; burns rarely, tans deeply.
  
  
• Skin Type VI-Skin is black; almost never burns, deeply pigmented.

DO I NEED AN APPOINTMENT TO TAN AT TROPIC IMAGE TAN?

There is no need to make an appointment. Because Tropic Image Tan accommodates clients with even the busiest of schedules, all clients are allowed to tan upon arrival and bed availability.

I HEARD THAT CLIENTS GET A FREE TAN ON THEIR BIRTHDAY. IS THIS TRUE?

Yes it is! Happy Birthday! Clients who visit the salon on their special day receive 1 free tan. Clients with existing tanning packages get a free upgrade on their birthday. It is our way of helping you celebrate your special day

HOW OFTEN CAN I TAN?

It can take up to 24 hours for a tan to completely develop after a tanning session. Tropic Image Tan insists that a client carefully monitor his/her tanning progress to avoid overexposure or sunburn.

HOW DO I KNOW IF THE TANNING BEDS ARE CLEAN?

Tropic Image Tan follows Smart Tan sanitation protocol and uses an FDA approved disinfectant on every bed in between each use.

 

DO I HAVE TO WEAR GOGGLES WHEN I TAN?

Yes. It is required by law in most states because eyelids are not thick enough to protect the eyes from UV damage. Tropic Image Tan provides FDA-approved goggles for every client upon purchase of their first package. We also offer a variety of FDA - approved goggles for purchase in the event your first pair is lost.

 

DO I NEED TO USE A TANNING LOTION?

Tanning depletes moisture found in the epidermis of skin. Indoor tanning lotions are scientifically designed to stimulate the tanning process and produce quicker, darker, and longer lasting color. The premium indoor tanning lotions offered at Tropic Image Tan also include moisturizers, essential vitamins, oils, and melanin activating ingredients vital to the health a tanner's skin. Tropic Image Tan carries many different types of tanning lotion to accentuate every skin type.

 

I AM PREGNANT. IS IT OK TO TAN?

Please consult with your doctor. Tropic Image Tan does allow pregnant women to tan.

 

 

I ALWAYS SUNBURN OUTDOORS. CAN I STILL TAN INDOORS?

If you cannot tan in the sun, then you will not be able to tan in a tanning bed. Tropic Image Tan offers the Norvell Airbrush spray tan as an alternative to UV tanning.

 

WHAT IS SPRAY TAN?

A spray tan is an alternative to traditional tanning, in which a client can achieve a sunless tan. A spray tan system, such as theNorvell Airbrush unit at Tropic Image Tan, is an HVLP airbrush system that delivers an even amount of tanning solution called DHA (dihydroxyacetone) over a client's body that will color the skin. This DHA bronzing solution is applied to the skin and reacts with the protein found in skin to develop a bronze tan.

 

HOW LONG DOES A SPRAY TAN LAST?

A spray tan typically lasts 5-7 days. As skin cells dry and slough off naturally, the spray tan will fade naturally as well. Maintaining moisturized skin and keeping skin hydrated will help prolong color and ensure even fading of color.

 

WILL THE SPRAY TAN SOLUTION STAIN MY CLOTHES?

No, it won't. If some of the solution happens to get on clothing, the DHA and cosmetic bronzers will wash. Wool, spandex, and lycra should not be worn when spray tanning. Tropic Image Tan recommends that clients wear loose fitting cotton clothing when choosing to spray tan.

 

WILL MY SPRAY TAN WASH OFF IN THE SHOWER?

No. The spray tan solution contains DHA (the sunless bronzing agent) and cosmetic bronzers. The cosmetic bronzers in the solution will wash off but do worry. The DHA reacts with your skin's protein to produce a tan in the epidermis of skin that does not wash.

 

HOW LONG SHOULD I WAIT TO SHOWER AFTER MY SPRAY TAN?

It is best to wait at least 6 hours after your spray for physical activity or showering. Color continues to develop for up to 24 hours after your spray session. So, the longer you wait to shower or perspire, the more color you will receive.

 

WILL I TURN ORANGE?

No, the DHA reacts with the protein in the outer layer of skin cells, creating a natural looking golden bronze color. Tropic Image uses a sunless prep treatment (included in the session) that will balance the pH levels of skin to ensure a Natural, Never-streaky, Never-Orange tan!

 

HOW CAN I ACHIEVE MAXIMUM COLOR FROM MY SPRAY TAN SESSION?

It is best to prepare skin for a spray tan session in order to achieve maximum color. Clean, fresh, moist skin tans best. Exfoliating prior to your spray tan session will help achieve a deeper, darker, longer lasting spray tan. Please avoid using exfoliating scrubs, shaving creams, and moisturizers with oils in them, as this will inhibit the spray tan solution from absorbing into skin.

 

WILL THE COLOR I RECEIVE FROM A SPRAY TAN PROTECT ME FROM THE SUN?

No, the color from a spray tan is completely cosmetic, and does not act as an SPF like a base tan does. Clients may look like they have a tan, but are just as susceptible to a sun burn as before the spray.

 

IS THIS SAFE FOR MY SKIN?

DHA has been approved by the FDA for cosmetic applications. It has been used for over 30 years without any harmful effect.