Belle Fiole Tanning FAQ's
Why Tan?
Light is essential to all life on earth. There are various physiological and psychological reasons why exposure to light is desirable and necessary. There's a growing body of scientific evidence showing people actually require light exposure to function effectively. Light exposure causes the brain to suppress the release of the hormone melatonin that acts as a depressant in the body and exposure to light produces various health benefits, such as the production of the very necessary Vitamin D3 in the prevention of bone diseases (such as osteoporosis) and in the improvement of symptoms of psoriasis.
People who are exposed to longer hours of bright light feel happier and are able to enjoy life. Potential health benefits include but are not limited to: production of Vitamin D, decreased risks of breast and colon cancer, decreased risk of high blood pressure and heart disease, and reduced risk of sunburn. The psychological benefits of tanning are also well researched. Sunlight deprivation has been linked to some mental disorders. There are numerous reasons, physical and psychological, why exposure to ultraviolet light is desirable. FDA regulations at the present time prevent the indoor tanning industry from making any medical representations or claims related to indoor tanning exposure. And of course, people know that a great tan looks good, feels good, and can add to personal confidence and attractiveness.
Do I need to make an appointment to tan?
No, we operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Anytime you have time to tan, just stop by. If there is a wait on the bed you want to tan in, we ask that you remain inside of the salon to maintain your place in line. Typically, there is a little to no wait to tan in the salon.
Do I need to clean my own bed after I tan?
No, we take care of that for you. Not only do we want our clients to be able to just relax and tan, we are mandated by the regulations of the Ohio State Board of Cosmetology to only allow employees of Belle Fiole Tanning to clean the beds for customer use.
What should I wear to tan?
Some people choose to wear a swimsuit, just as they would at the beach. But, because of the privacy of indoor tanning, most tan in the nude to avoid tan lines. Any skin that has never been exposed to ultraviolet light before will be more sensitive. These parts must acquire a tan slowly. Cut down the exposure time for these areas to 1/3 or less of the total time recommended by your tanning professional. When you can't see any tan lines on your body at all, it's ok to expose that skin the same length of time as the rest of your body.
Why should I use indoor tanning lotions?
Indoor tanning lotions also known as "accelerators" add nutrients your body needs to produce melanin. Our line of quality accelerators contain vitamin A, C, E, and botanicals that moisturize and increase blood flow, thus increasing oxygenation of melanin cells to help speed up the tanning process. UV rays reflect off of dry skin, the moisturizers in tanning accelerators help you absorb UV rays for better results. You will tan about twice as fast and keep your tan twice as long.
Should I keep my tanning lotion in my car?
We don’t recommend keeping tanning lotions in your car at any time. The heat or cold in your car can actually separate the product leaving it watery and decreasing the effectiveness of the ingredients. If you purchase your lotion in our salon, we can keep your lotion in the cabinet at the salon so you never have to worry about forgetting it.
Is indoor tanning as effective as outdoor tanning?
Yes, in fact, sometimes more so because you are in a controlled environment. Your skin produces a tan the same way in an indoor tanning salon as it does when you lay out in the sun: through ultraviolet (UV) light. However, out in the sun, you cannot control the amount of UV light exposure and trying to achieve an all-over, even-body tan is very difficult. Indoor tanning allows you to control the amount of UV light, for all all-over even tan. With indoor tanning you can gradually increase your exposure time eliminating any sunburn, which is harmful to the skin. The results and convenience of an "indoor tan" allows a year round healthy looking tan without concerns of prolonged exposure to the burning rays of the sun.
Can I bring someone in the tanning room with me?
No, only one person is allowed in the room at a time. If you need someone to apply lotion to hard-to-reach spots, we will not start the timer on the bed until the second person has left the room.
Can I use outdoor oils and lotions in the tanning bed?
No, just as the word indicates outdoor products should ONLY be used outdoors, as they can cause a breakdown of the acrylic. This actually inhibits the tanning process, rather than acting as an amplifying agent. There are many excellent indoor tanning products for that purpose. Ask our tanning professional for recommendations.
I’ve heard in order to get a suntan you have to burn first?
Sunburn does not fade into a tan. Sunburn indicates overexposure to UV-light and actually damages the skin. We promote smart, moderate tanning for those individuals who can develop a tan. The golden rule of tanning is simple – Don’t EVER sunburn.
How long will it take to see results?
To build an awesome tan, tan regularly. Allowing too much time between visits will cause your tan to fade. Most people will see a skin color change after the first few sessions. Normally, you will have a good base tan in 6-10 sessions. Then one or two sessions a week thereafter will maintain your tan year round. There are special cells in the skin called melanocytes. Ultraviolet B rays stimulate these cells and cause them to produce melanin. As these cells migrate to the surface of the skin, ultraviolet A rays oxidize them; thus creating a tan. Each of us has a different amount of melanin. Fair-skinned, fair-haired people generally have less than dark-haired, dark-skinned people. This determines, for the most part, how quickly and how dark your skin will tan.
How do I keep my tan?
Moisturize! Moisturize! Healthy skin tans faster, darker, and retains a tan longer. Drink plenty of water and make sure to keep your skin moisturized with a high quality lotion especially formulated for tanning. Your skin is constantly renewing itself. The dryer your skin is, the faster it wants to shed its top layers and bring new skin to the surface. You lose the top layers, you lose your tan. Dry layers on the surface of your skin will block the UV rays from getting to the other layers to tan them. Even with moisturizing, you will still need to maintain a tanning schedule of every 4 to 5 days, or at least once a week, to keep your tan, because your skin is reproducing new cells all the time.
I'm really in a hurry... can I tan more than once on the same day?
No, this is not healthy for your skin, and it is against regulations set by the Ohio Board of Cosmetology. If you find yourself short on time to get a tan, you can always opt for a spray tan session at Belle Fiole.
How much time should I let pass between tanning sessions?
The FDA suggests 24 hours between tanning sessions. We recommend allowing 2 days in between sessions whenever time allows.
Is it okay to shower right away after tanning?
Tanning is a process that can take up to 24 hours to develop. You can not "wash" away your tan, unless you are using a self tanner, shaving right away, or exfoliating. Though showering with soap right away does reduce some of the Vitamin D benefits you received from your UV exposure. Vitamin D, produced on the skin's surface during the tanning process can take up to 48 hours to fully absorb into your blood stream.
Should I use SPF on my lips?
Yes! You should use an SPF on your lips because your lips can't tan. We carry lip balms with SPF.
What are the do's and don’ts of tanning with tattoos?
People with fresh tattoos have had chemicals injected into their skin that can make that local area very sensitive to UV exposure while the tattoo is still healing. So absolutely do not allow that area to tan. Either cover it up completely, if possible, or do not tan at all until the skin has healed. After the skin has healed (approximately 3 weeks), do continue to use moderate protective measures. At this point, the chemicals have lost any ability to photosensitize. The tattoo, though, will begin to lose its brilliancy with exposure to UV, whether that UV comes from indoors or outdoors. Ask about our tanning lotions with tattoo fade protection, use a lip balm with an SPF in it, or a sunscreen.
How old do I have to be to tan without my parent's consent?
Eighteen or older. State law requires signed parental permission for anyone under 18 years of age. Anyone age 16 or 17 will need a parent or legal guardian to sign a release form for the teen once every 90 days. 16 & 17 year old tanners may only tan 45 days out of the 90 day time period. Tanners age 15 & under must have a parent present with them at every tanning visit. The parent must sign a new release form at each visit as well. There is no limit on the number of times at tanner 15 or younger may tan. We will not accept notes from home, phone calls or parents of friends or other relatives to sign for them as the Ohio State Board of Cosmetology requires a parent to be present to sign.
Is there a minimum age to tan?
Currently there is no minimum age to tan at a salon in Ohio.
Do I really have to wear eye goggles?
Yes! It is very important! Your skin can tan - your eyes can't! Federal law requires all tanning salons to supply customers with proper eye protection. This eyewear must meet federal government standards by blocking 99% of UVA and UVB rays. Closing the eyelids or using sunglasses or cotton balls is not adequate protection as the UV rays will easily penetrate these things and continue into the eyes.
Can I tan if I'm pregnant?
Please consult your physician. Although we know that there is no danger from UV rays since they cannot penetrate deeper than the dermis (skin layer). Pregnant women are advised to be cautious with saunas, hot tubs and other things that can cause excessive heat to build up in the uterus. Since exposure to UVB rays produce Vitamin D, there may be some health benefits to mother and baby. If your physician okay's your tanning, speak to our Tanning Consultant about which units and times of day are the coolest.
When shouldn't I tan?
When you are taking photosensitizing medication it is not recommended to tan outdoors or indoors. If you aren't sure, ask your doctor, or ask our tanning consultant to see a list of medications, which can greatly increase the risk of overexposure. Also, if you currently have a sunburn, you should wait to tan until the burn has disappeared.
What causes white spots?
Tinea Versicolor, a skin condition, caused by a microscopic fungus from the scalp, falls onto arms, shoulders, and other body parts and leaves bleached-looking areas on the skin, which can spread. It is treatable with topical aids such as leaving the active ingredient in Selsun Blue dandruff shampoo on for 10 minutes along with applying Tea Tree oil twice daily for mild cases. For more resistant conditions, your doctor may prescribe pills for treatment. Since tinea versicolor covers skin cells and acts as a sun screen with high SPF factor, the effected areas will not tan and should be protected from further ultraviolet light exposure until those bleached areas have begun developing melanin again. Another cause of white spots may be from a hormonal imbalance in the body.
Can indoor tanning cure acne?
Phototherapy (use of UVB light) has been used in treating the skin problems of this condition. Tanning dries the skin and this can help keep acne outbreaks to a minimum in acute cases and can help eliminate outbreaks in mild cases. There are also many drugs, including tetracycline and Retin-A, which are also used for the treatment of acne and because these drugs can render the skin photosensitive, one must take extreme care with UV exposure when medicated.
Can indoor tanning treat psoriasis and eczema?
Phototherapy (use of UVB light) has also been used in treating these conditions as well. We have had several tanning clients claim that using our tanning beds has greatly helped with their psoriasis and eczema conditions.
Does tanning help treat depression or Seasonal Affective Disorder?
A growing body of scientific evidence exists that shows some people require more light exposure in order to function properly. Bright light exposure, such as the mid-day summer sun, causes the brain to suppress the release of the hormone melatonin which acts as a depressant in the body if generated during the daytime. Effected people, exposed to longer hours of bright light, feel happier 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-syndrome Seasonal Affective Disorder (SSAD).
Do your packages expire?
The only packages that expire are the unlimited packages. Our sessions packages will be there as long as it takes you to use them.
Can I share my tanning package with someone else?
Yes, you may share session packages.
Light is essential to all life on earth. There are various physiological and psychological reasons why exposure to light is desirable and necessary. There's a growing body of scientific evidence showing people actually require light exposure to function effectively. Light exposure causes the brain to suppress the release of the hormone melatonin that acts as a depressant in the body and exposure to light produces various health benefits, such as the production of the very necessary Vitamin D3 in the prevention of bone diseases (such as osteoporosis) and in the improvement of symptoms of psoriasis.
People who are exposed to longer hours of bright light feel happier and are able to enjoy life. Potential health benefits include but are not limited to: production of Vitamin D, decreased risks of breast and colon cancer, decreased risk of high blood pressure and heart disease, and reduced risk of sunburn. The psychological benefits of tanning are also well researched. Sunlight deprivation has been linked to some mental disorders. There are numerous reasons, physical and psychological, why exposure to ultraviolet light is desirable. FDA regulations at the present time prevent the indoor tanning industry from making any medical representations or claims related to indoor tanning exposure. And of course, people know that a great tan looks good, feels good, and can add to personal confidence and attractiveness.
Do I need to make an appointment to tan?
No, we operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Anytime you have time to tan, just stop by. If there is a wait on the bed you want to tan in, we ask that you remain inside of the salon to maintain your place in line. Typically, there is a little to no wait to tan in the salon.
Do I need to clean my own bed after I tan?
No, we take care of that for you. Not only do we want our clients to be able to just relax and tan, we are mandated by the regulations of the Ohio State Board of Cosmetology to only allow employees of Belle Fiole Tanning to clean the beds for customer use.
What should I wear to tan?
Some people choose to wear a swimsuit, just as they would at the beach. But, because of the privacy of indoor tanning, most tan in the nude to avoid tan lines. Any skin that has never been exposed to ultraviolet light before will be more sensitive. These parts must acquire a tan slowly. Cut down the exposure time for these areas to 1/3 or less of the total time recommended by your tanning professional. When you can't see any tan lines on your body at all, it's ok to expose that skin the same length of time as the rest of your body.
Why should I use indoor tanning lotions?
Indoor tanning lotions also known as "accelerators" add nutrients your body needs to produce melanin. Our line of quality accelerators contain vitamin A, C, E, and botanicals that moisturize and increase blood flow, thus increasing oxygenation of melanin cells to help speed up the tanning process. UV rays reflect off of dry skin, the moisturizers in tanning accelerators help you absorb UV rays for better results. You will tan about twice as fast and keep your tan twice as long.
Should I keep my tanning lotion in my car?
We don’t recommend keeping tanning lotions in your car at any time. The heat or cold in your car can actually separate the product leaving it watery and decreasing the effectiveness of the ingredients. If you purchase your lotion in our salon, we can keep your lotion in the cabinet at the salon so you never have to worry about forgetting it.
Is indoor tanning as effective as outdoor tanning?
Yes, in fact, sometimes more so because you are in a controlled environment. Your skin produces a tan the same way in an indoor tanning salon as it does when you lay out in the sun: through ultraviolet (UV) light. However, out in the sun, you cannot control the amount of UV light exposure and trying to achieve an all-over, even-body tan is very difficult. Indoor tanning allows you to control the amount of UV light, for all all-over even tan. With indoor tanning you can gradually increase your exposure time eliminating any sunburn, which is harmful to the skin. The results and convenience of an "indoor tan" allows a year round healthy looking tan without concerns of prolonged exposure to the burning rays of the sun.
Can I bring someone in the tanning room with me?
No, only one person is allowed in the room at a time. If you need someone to apply lotion to hard-to-reach spots, we will not start the timer on the bed until the second person has left the room.
Can I use outdoor oils and lotions in the tanning bed?
No, just as the word indicates outdoor products should ONLY be used outdoors, as they can cause a breakdown of the acrylic. This actually inhibits the tanning process, rather than acting as an amplifying agent. There are many excellent indoor tanning products for that purpose. Ask our tanning professional for recommendations.
I’ve heard in order to get a suntan you have to burn first?
Sunburn does not fade into a tan. Sunburn indicates overexposure to UV-light and actually damages the skin. We promote smart, moderate tanning for those individuals who can develop a tan. The golden rule of tanning is simple – Don’t EVER sunburn.
How long will it take to see results?
To build an awesome tan, tan regularly. Allowing too much time between visits will cause your tan to fade. Most people will see a skin color change after the first few sessions. Normally, you will have a good base tan in 6-10 sessions. Then one or two sessions a week thereafter will maintain your tan year round. There are special cells in the skin called melanocytes. Ultraviolet B rays stimulate these cells and cause them to produce melanin. As these cells migrate to the surface of the skin, ultraviolet A rays oxidize them; thus creating a tan. Each of us has a different amount of melanin. Fair-skinned, fair-haired people generally have less than dark-haired, dark-skinned people. This determines, for the most part, how quickly and how dark your skin will tan.
How do I keep my tan?
Moisturize! Moisturize! Healthy skin tans faster, darker, and retains a tan longer. Drink plenty of water and make sure to keep your skin moisturized with a high quality lotion especially formulated for tanning. Your skin is constantly renewing itself. The dryer your skin is, the faster it wants to shed its top layers and bring new skin to the surface. You lose the top layers, you lose your tan. Dry layers on the surface of your skin will block the UV rays from getting to the other layers to tan them. Even with moisturizing, you will still need to maintain a tanning schedule of every 4 to 5 days, or at least once a week, to keep your tan, because your skin is reproducing new cells all the time.
I'm really in a hurry... can I tan more than once on the same day?
No, this is not healthy for your skin, and it is against regulations set by the Ohio Board of Cosmetology. If you find yourself short on time to get a tan, you can always opt for a spray tan session at Belle Fiole.
How much time should I let pass between tanning sessions?
The FDA suggests 24 hours between tanning sessions. We recommend allowing 2 days in between sessions whenever time allows.
Is it okay to shower right away after tanning?
Tanning is a process that can take up to 24 hours to develop. You can not "wash" away your tan, unless you are using a self tanner, shaving right away, or exfoliating. Though showering with soap right away does reduce some of the Vitamin D benefits you received from your UV exposure. Vitamin D, produced on the skin's surface during the tanning process can take up to 48 hours to fully absorb into your blood stream.
Should I use SPF on my lips?
Yes! You should use an SPF on your lips because your lips can't tan. We carry lip balms with SPF.
What are the do's and don’ts of tanning with tattoos?
People with fresh tattoos have had chemicals injected into their skin that can make that local area very sensitive to UV exposure while the tattoo is still healing. So absolutely do not allow that area to tan. Either cover it up completely, if possible, or do not tan at all until the skin has healed. After the skin has healed (approximately 3 weeks), do continue to use moderate protective measures. At this point, the chemicals have lost any ability to photosensitize. The tattoo, though, will begin to lose its brilliancy with exposure to UV, whether that UV comes from indoors or outdoors. Ask about our tanning lotions with tattoo fade protection, use a lip balm with an SPF in it, or a sunscreen.
How old do I have to be to tan without my parent's consent?
Eighteen or older. State law requires signed parental permission for anyone under 18 years of age. Anyone age 16 or 17 will need a parent or legal guardian to sign a release form for the teen once every 90 days. 16 & 17 year old tanners may only tan 45 days out of the 90 day time period. Tanners age 15 & under must have a parent present with them at every tanning visit. The parent must sign a new release form at each visit as well. There is no limit on the number of times at tanner 15 or younger may tan. We will not accept notes from home, phone calls or parents of friends or other relatives to sign for them as the Ohio State Board of Cosmetology requires a parent to be present to sign.
Is there a minimum age to tan?
Currently there is no minimum age to tan at a salon in Ohio.
Do I really have to wear eye goggles?
Yes! It is very important! Your skin can tan - your eyes can't! Federal law requires all tanning salons to supply customers with proper eye protection. This eyewear must meet federal government standards by blocking 99% of UVA and UVB rays. Closing the eyelids or using sunglasses or cotton balls is not adequate protection as the UV rays will easily penetrate these things and continue into the eyes.
Can I tan if I'm pregnant?
Please consult your physician. Although we know that there is no danger from UV rays since they cannot penetrate deeper than the dermis (skin layer). Pregnant women are advised to be cautious with saunas, hot tubs and other things that can cause excessive heat to build up in the uterus. Since exposure to UVB rays produce Vitamin D, there may be some health benefits to mother and baby. If your physician okay's your tanning, speak to our Tanning Consultant about which units and times of day are the coolest.
When shouldn't I tan?
When you are taking photosensitizing medication it is not recommended to tan outdoors or indoors. If you aren't sure, ask your doctor, or ask our tanning consultant to see a list of medications, which can greatly increase the risk of overexposure. Also, if you currently have a sunburn, you should wait to tan until the burn has disappeared.
What causes white spots?
Tinea Versicolor, a skin condition, caused by a microscopic fungus from the scalp, falls onto arms, shoulders, and other body parts and leaves bleached-looking areas on the skin, which can spread. It is treatable with topical aids such as leaving the active ingredient in Selsun Blue dandruff shampoo on for 10 minutes along with applying Tea Tree oil twice daily for mild cases. For more resistant conditions, your doctor may prescribe pills for treatment. Since tinea versicolor covers skin cells and acts as a sun screen with high SPF factor, the effected areas will not tan and should be protected from further ultraviolet light exposure until those bleached areas have begun developing melanin again. Another cause of white spots may be from a hormonal imbalance in the body.
Can indoor tanning cure acne?
Phototherapy (use of UVB light) has been used in treating the skin problems of this condition. Tanning dries the skin and this can help keep acne outbreaks to a minimum in acute cases and can help eliminate outbreaks in mild cases. There are also many drugs, including tetracycline and Retin-A, which are also used for the treatment of acne and because these drugs can render the skin photosensitive, one must take extreme care with UV exposure when medicated.
Can indoor tanning treat psoriasis and eczema?
Phototherapy (use of UVB light) has also been used in treating these conditions as well. We have had several tanning clients claim that using our tanning beds has greatly helped with their psoriasis and eczema conditions.
Does tanning help treat depression or Seasonal Affective Disorder?
A growing body of scientific evidence exists that shows some people require more light exposure in order to function properly. Bright light exposure, such as the mid-day summer sun, causes the brain to suppress the release of the hormone melatonin which acts as a depressant in the body if generated during the daytime. Effected people, exposed to longer hours of bright light, feel happier 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-syndrome Seasonal Affective Disorder (SSAD).
Do your packages expire?
The only packages that expire are the unlimited packages. Our sessions packages will be there as long as it takes you to use them.
Can I share my tanning package with someone else?
Yes, you may share session packages.