Maui Tanning Company

How long is one session?

A session can range from 4-15 minutes, depending on your skin type and the equipment that you choose to use. Many salons have different equipment and lamps - therefore you should follow the recommended exposure time and schedule made by our friendly and knowledgeable staff.

How much does a session cost?

Contact us to find out about our packages and pricing. Your first visit is always free, we recommend you try one the

What should I wear to tan?

That's up to you! Undress and tan as you wish, in swimwear, underwear, etc. Just be sure to cover those parts that aren't familiar with UV rays throughout your session with a towel.

How long before I start seeing results?

Most people start seeing results by their second or third visit. A tan doesn't happen overnight - you need to build a base tan. The Golden Rule of Smart Tanning is simple: Don't EVER sunburn. To maximize your tanning sessions we advise you to purchase a quality indoor tanning lotion. Indoor lotions supply the skin with essential nutrients necessary for a tan and help moisturize the skin to keep it looking young and healthy. Moist skin tans more quickly and efficiently than dry skin, resulting in a better tan in fewer visits.

How often am I allowed to tan?

A 48-hour time period should pass between tanning sessions. Pigmentation and/or over-exposure may not be fully visible for 12-24 hours after your original session. Two tanning sessions within this 24-hour period could result in an unintentional burn. Do not tan outdoors on the same days that you tan indoors and do not tan at more than one salon in the same day. Over-exposure causes skin damage and may lead to premature aging and skin cancer.

Why is it important to build a base tan?

Moderate exposure to UVB rays help develop a natural barrier in the skin to protect the body from excessive UV light. UVB rays stimulate the production of melanin, which absorbs and scatters radiation to thicken the epidermis (the top skin layer), thereby limiting the amount of UV light. If this photo-protection (base tan) is not developed or a sunscreen is not used, sunburn can occur and the DNA of the skin cells may become damaged. Not building a base tan or tanning too much too often can cause your skin to thicken and actually make it harder to achieve the tan that you desire.

Why must protective eyewear be worn while tanning indoors?

The goggles that you wear while tanning indoors are very important. Your eyelids alone offer almost no protection against UV light, which can damage the cornea and retina and lead to cataracts. Not using proper eye protection may also result in short term effects such as tired, itchy eyes, headaches and loss of night vision. No one should ever be in a tanning bed/booth without approved eye protection. Buy your own pair to avoid the risk of infections like pink-eye which are easily transmitted. Don't take chances with your eyes.

Should I tan indoors/outdoors if I have received laser eye surgery?

Consult your Optometrists and/or Surgeon prior to UV exposure. They typically advise you to wait anywhere from 2 weeks to 6 months depending on the procedure.

How do I prevent "raccoon eyes"?

Adjust your eyewear once in a while during your tanning session will help reduce the demarcation of tanned to non-tanned skin. You can make this adjustment by gently sliding your eyewear to a new position. You should never lift the eyewear off of your eyes during adjustment.

Why does a tan disappear?

A tan disappears because the top layer of your skin replaces all of its cells every 28-30 days. Keeping your skin moisturized will prolong a tan; however a tan can be maintained only by repeated exposure to UV light.

I am pregnant. Can I tan indoors?

There is no current scientific and/or biological reason why a pregnant woman cannot tan indoors or outdoors. However, there is some concern that the heat build-up that occurs when tanning indoors or outdoors may adversely affect some pregnant women, just as a sauna or jacuzzi might. We require pregnant women to consult their physician and to supply us a physician's letter before tanning at Maui Tanning Co.

Does heat matter?

No, the temperature of the tanning unit does not play a part in tanning results. You will not receive a better tan if it is scorching hot or average to the touch.

Why should I use a tanning lotion?

Many people use indoor tanning products to maximize their tanning experience. The following are reasons why consumers enjoy using tanning lotions:

1. They supply the skin with essential nutrients necessary for a tan and help moisturize the skin to keep it looking young and healthy.

2. Moist skin tans more quickly and efficiently than dry skin, resulting in a better tan in fewer visits.

3. Indoor tanning products help counteract the drying effects of heat and light associated with tanning (moisturized skin is healthier).

4. Active ingredients supplement the skin's cells with the same proteins that enhance the tanning process naturally.

5. Specially formulated indoor tanning lotions help your tan last by retaining ultraviolet induced melanin longer.

6. The latest lotion technology includes antioxidants that help prevent fine lines and wrinkles.

What causes the scent that I smell after tanning?

In a word, "melanin" is the cause. Ultraviolet light in the UVA range causes melanin to enlarge and turn brown. During the process, dermatologists say a chemical reaction takes place. A natural side effect of the reaction is the aroma. This occurrence is normal whether you've been tanning inside or outside. Some tanning lotions have been designed to minimize or prevent the odor from occurring, but ultimately a shower will remove the odor.

Is indoor tanning the same as tanning outdoors in the sun?

Yes and no. The process of tanning is the same. Skin is tanned by UV rays. The main difference, however, is that a person cannot control the amount of UV rays that they are exposed to while outside due to changes in the earth's atmosphere and the environment.

Is tanning indoors safer than outdoors in the sun?

Indoor tanning is a controlled environment, which allows you to slowly build a gradual tan, to develop pigmentation and increase your natural SPF - thus providing a safer environment. The external factors of tanning in the sun, such as time of year and day, altitude, cloud coverage, pollutants, reflective surfaces, etc. are harder to control or predict - which increases your risk of overexposure.

If a person cannot tan in the sun, can he/she tan indoors?

Normally, a person tans indoors only as well as he/she is able to tan outdoors. Yet, those fair-skinned people who generally cannot tolerate the uncontrolled rays of the sun often achieve some color when tanning indoors. This can be attributed to a different spectral output as well as carefully timed tanning sessions in a controlled tanning environment. Skin type, heredity, and individual photosensitivity all determine who will have success tanning indoors.

Should I remove my contact lenses prior to tanning?

When the eyes are kept closed and proper protective eyewear worn, UV light is blocked from penetrating the eye or lens. However, the heat generated by indoor tanning equipment could cause the eye to dry a bit, thereby making the lens uncomfortable. Just as one should moisturize the skin after tanning, you may also use eye drops recommended by your optometrist to remedy dryness.

My face and legs don't tan very well. What should I do?

Our face is the only part of our body that does not produce its own moisture. Try using an indoor tanning lotion specially designed for your face. Legs become a little dryer because of clothing, hosiery etc. Fact is that moist skin tans much better that dry skin. Use a moisturizer at least twice daily. This is not only applicable to the face and legs but all parts of your body.

Why do some dermatologists warn people against UV exposure?

While some dermatologists may advocate total avoidance of all sun exposure, the media seems to quote only those who do. Many dermatologists and others from the medical community have acknowledged the need for moderate sun exposure, while advocating the use of sunscreens while outdoors in an uncontrolled environment. UV exposure can be beneficial for many reasons as long as over-exposure doesn't occur. For more information visit www.tanningtruth.com.

Can tanning cause skin cancer?

Excessive exposure to any UV light source may lead to skin damage, which may cause skin cancer. While there has been no comprehensive study on the causes of skin cancer, three high risk groups have been identified: 1) severe sunburns at a young age 2) history of skin cancer in the family and 3) very fair skin, red hair, freckles or moles. If you fall into one or more of these groups, any UV light exposure should be treated with even greater caution. The fact is, most forms of skin cancer are treatable. Even melanoma, which accounts for only 5% of all skin cancer, is 90% treatable if caught in its early stages. Early diagnosis is essential. It is recommended that all UV exposure be moderate.

May people who have had skin cancer tan indoors?

No, not at Maui Tanning Co. It is strongly recommended that those who have suffered skin cancer avoid tanning either indoors or outdoors. Such people may be genetically predisposed to contract skin cancer or be unusually susceptible to it. Any exposure may trigger another outbreak.

What is a photosensitizing agent?

Photosensitivity is defined as a chemically induced change in the skin that makes an individual unusually sensitive to light. Diseases, allergies, cosmetics or medications may cause photosensitivity. Medications such as psoralen, diuretics, birth control pills, tranquilizers, antibiotics and high blood pressure medicine may also affect one's photosensitivity. Certain substances such as citrus fruits, celery, cosmetics and soaps can also increase photosensitivity. Harsh disinfectants, some lotions and sunscreens may also cause sensitizing reactions. If you are unsure if your medication is a photosensitizing agent, consult your pharmacist. Please review our list of photosensitizing agents at reception prior to tanning.

What does Smart Tanning mean?

To tan smart is to build up your tan in a controlled and gradual manner. This gives your body a natural tan without burning, giving pigment a chance to develop and increasing your protection to UV light. It may take longer but you reduce the risk of over exposure and skin damage. Gradual exposure utilizing the advice of our knowledgeable staff will not only build a better tan but will prevent the negative aspects of over exposure.

Why do some people itch after tanning indoors?

Itching and/or rashes may be linked to several unrelated causes. Some people are naturally photosensitive to UV exposure while others are susceptible to heat rashes, a cause totally unrelated to UV light. Certain chemicals or ingredients found in cosmetics, lotions, shampoos, and even the acrylic cleaner might cause itching. Customers should be advised to tan with the skin as clean as possible. If discontinued use of a suspected product does not inhibit the rash, discontinue any exposure to UV light and consult your physician. Heat rash, or tanner's itch, may also indicate that the light and heat generated by tanning bulbs or the sun have dried your skin, especially in previously unexposed areas. Discontinue tanning for a few days, then slowly build your time allowing melanin production to increase. For temporary relief try an unscented emollient cream. If symptoms persist, discontinue tanning and consult your doctor.

Can tanning cure acne?

Phototherapy (or use of UV light) has been effective in easing the skin problems common to this condition. However, there are also many drugs, including tetracycline and Retin-A, widely used for the treatment of acne that can render the skin photosensitive. Therefore, one should avoid UV exposure when medicated. Treatment of acne should be administered by a qualified physician.

Does UV exposure help treat depression or seasonal affective disorder (SAD)?

There exists a growing body of scientific evidence, which indicates that some people actually require more light exposure in order to function properly. Exposure to bright light, such as that emitted by the mid-day summer sun, causes the brain to suppress the release of the hormone melatonin. Melatonin acts as a depressant in the body if generated during the daytime. Thus, when affected people are exposed to longer hours of bright light, they feel happier, euphoric and more able to enjoy life. Bright light sources emitting only visible light are now frequently used to successfully treat Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and Sub-syndromal Seasonal Affective Disorder (SSAD).

Does indoor tanning aid in the treatment of osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by frequent bending and/or breaking of the bones due to a lack of sufficient calcium. Adequate calcium intake is essential for the development of strong bones and teeth. It is widely recognized that the body in the intestine does not absorb calcium unless vitamin D3 is present. Vitamin D3 is often referred to as the "sunshine" vitamin because it is produced in the skin upon exposure to UVB rays. Some studies show that indoor tanning lamps (which emit a certain amount of UVB) may initiate the production of vitamin D3 which in turn aids in calcium absorption.