Frequently Asked Questions

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 okay to expose that skin the same length of time as the rest of your body.

Indoor tanning lotions add nutrients your body needs to produce melanin. UV rays reflect off of dry skin, the moisturizers in tanning lotions help you absorb UV rays for better results. You will tan about twice as fast and keep your tan twice as long when you use a quality indoor tanning lotion. White Sands only carried the BEST lines of tried and tested lotions. Talk to our staff before you tan to find a lotion that's right for you. You can even start with a trial packet to see if you like the feel of the lotion before you commit to a whole bottle!

NO, just as the word indicates outdoor products should ONLY be used outdoors, as they can cause a film on the acrylic. This actually inhibits the tanning process, rather than acting as an amplifying agent. 

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. With indoor tanning, you can gradually increase your exposure time eliminating any sunburn, which is harmful to the skin. 

• First, take a deep breath and simply ask a member of our staff for help. They are highly trained in every type and variety of lotion we carry and can help you make the best choice. The following is a simple list of the basic types of tanning lotions we offer. 
• Accelerator and Maximizer Tanning Lotions — Accelerator and maximizer tanning lotions are often the best choice for those who are new to indoor tanning. These lotions contain more moisturizers than other lotions, so they help to keep the skin hydrated as it adjusts to the tanning process. In addition, they are great at helping an individual get a base tan that looks as natural as possible.
• Tingle Lotions— Tingle lotions are often used by those who frequent indoor tanning salons on a regular basis. They include powerful active ingredients that brings more oxygen into the skin cells. This process allows the skin to darken in color and allows a person to consistently enjoy a better, longer-lasting tan.
• Bronzers— Bronzers are a type of tanning lotion, but they work in a different way. They give instant results. There are a variety of bronzers on the market, so it’s important that an individual user selects the bronzer that will best meet their needs.

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 when spaced over a few days- not weeks. 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.

Moisturize! Moisturize! Healthy skin tans faster, and 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. 

Yes! It is VERY  important! So important, that it's required by law! Your skin can tan – your eyes can’t! 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.

*Goggles should be replaced every 6 months*

• Dress appropriately; loose-fitting clothes are highly recommended.

• Exfoliate at least 4 hours before your appointment. This gives your pores time to close to avoid discoloration.

• Shower, shave, and exfoliate at least 4 hours before your appointment to give your pores time to close to avoid discoloration.

• Complete all other beauty services first, like nails, waxing, facials, and massages

• Wax 24 hours (or more) before your appointment. Wax can stay on the skin and make it difficult for the tanning solution to hold.

A spray tan tends to last anywhere 5 to 7 days, depending on your aftercare and frequency of exfoliating. It's possible for your spray tan to last up to 12 days if you take extra good care of your skin.

Not this one! The orange discoloration is due to improper application, color mixology, or improper skin care either before or after your spray tan. Follow our prep and aftercare instructions and you will be the perfect shade of bronze.

Most people spray tan nude to avoid the tan lines. If you prefer a tan line, we recommend a thin strong thong. Most people spray tan without a bra, but if you must wear one, we recommend a strapless bra or bandeau.

For the boys: Minimal clothing, such as boxers or briefs.

Bring loose-fitting clothes to change into immediately after your spray tan. No denim, no yoga pants, no tight bras or underwear. Ideally, bring flip flops too.

• Stay away from all moisture until your first shower; this means no showers, no work outs, no cleaning, no lotions, and no liquid foundations on the skin.

• Take your first shower 4 hours after your spray tan.

• Do NOT go more than 24 hours after your appointment to shower

• Be gentle when washing your body. Use warm water, only a natural body wash, and the palms of your hands to rinse surface bronzer off your skin.

• Avoid harsh scrubbing, hot water, and bar soap.

• Pat yourself dry, don’t rub.

• Keep your hair away from water for 8 hours.

Your spray tan will usually take 15–20 minutes, 

Our sauna health programs last anywhere between 20 minutes, to 45 minutes. We want to make sure you aren't waiting unnecessarily to use our luxurious sauna. Pro-tip: come tan in one of our UV beds and follow it up with a sauna session to get the best healing properties our sauna has to offer.  

In order to be prepared for your sauna session be sure to be hydrated! We require clients to bring a towel to maintain a clean environment but also have towel rentals for $5. Upon your first visit, you will need to fill out our sauna waiver as well.