Tanning Beds & Booths FAQ

How do suntanning beds and booths work?

Tanning beds and booths emit Ultraviolet rays, exactly like the sun and that is why we can say that tanning beds imitate the sun. UV rays are important as they do not only help your skin to tan but also have quite a few health benefits. Too much exposure to these UV rays can however be dangerous.

The sun has three different types of UV rays. They are known as the UV-C, UV-B and UV-A.  The wavelengths of these UV rays determine the differences between the three. The UV-A are the longest and the UV-C rays are the shortest. It is also known that the UV-C rays are the most harmful to your skin. Most of the UV-C is absorbed through the ozone layer or through the pollution in the air. How does this relate to tanning? Well it is the UV-B that starts you tanning and the UV-A rays that complete your tanning.

What about the tanning beds? Tanning bed lamps all produce a combination of UV-A or UV-B rays. It is important to know that even too much tanning in a tanning bed can be harmful to your skin. Here at SunTanningStore.com we recommend that you follow our guidelines toward the bottom of this page for healthy, safe tanning.

Is indoor and outdoor tanning the same?

The biggest difference between indoor and outdoor tanning is the control you have over the amount of UV lights you are exposed to. While using a tanning bed you can control the time and the UV light exposure to gradually get a nice healthy looking glow.

How long will it take before I am tanned?

This all depends on your natural skin tone and how sensitive your skin is to UV-rays. Most people will see a difference in their tan within the first 3-5 sessions. We do advise that you ease your way into a nice, long lasting tan rather than trying to get a dark tan overnight. 

What should I wear in my suntanning bed?

The beauty of a tanning bed at home is that it is in the privacy of your own space. This means you can wear as little as you want. Remember that some areas of your skin might never have been exposed to sun before. It is better to slowly tan these areas. Cover them up 1/3 of your full length of tanning time until all tanning lines are faded and you have a base tan.

Should I wear sunscreen while using the suntanning bed?

With indoor tanning it is much easier to regulate the amount of time you spend exposed to UV lights. As long as you don't overuse your tanning bed than there is no need for SPF lotions.

Is there a weight restriction on the tanning beds?

Yes, the weight restriction for all Wolff beds are 275 lbs. and 300 lbs. on ESB tanning beds. 

Can I plug my tanning bed straight into the wall?

Make sure you check the specific manufacturer instructions when you receive your bed but in most cases a residential bed can plug straight into the wall. However, if you want maximum results from your tan, make sure it is the only thing plugged into the outlet and is not on an extension cord or a surge protector. To really maximize your results, have the outlet be on a dedicated circuit and use the appropriate fuse type required by the manufacturer. If your house was built more than 10 years ago and the plug doesn't fit you may need to use a plug adapter which is available at any hardware store or home depot.  

How difficult is the assembly of my tanning bed?

The good news is all of our tanning beds and booths come 95% assembled. To make shipping easier, most beds are shipped in two separate boxes. A "B" on the box indicates that it is the bottom piece and a "U" indicates that it is the upper piece. Simply unbox the two pieces, screw the feet onto the bottom piece and then the two pieces together and snap on the shocks. The entire process takes ten minutes and can be done without any fancy tools. 

Here are some general guidelines to follow when using a Suntanning bed:

- If you are currently using any medications it is best to consult your doctor first on the safety of using a tanning bed (this is because some medication can increase one's sensitivity to UV lights).

- If you have any skin condition, first consult your doctor on the safety of using an indoor tanning system.

-Always wear protective eyewear while in the tanning bed.

-If you are pregnant, first consult your doctor on the safety of using indoor tanning systems while pregnant.

-Don't be in a hurry to get a tan. Use the tanning bed according to the manufacturer's recommended time.

Will I pay state sales tax on my order? 

We do not charge sales tax for most states. However, the state sales tax laws are rapidly changing and it may be necessary to charge sales tax on some orders. When that occurs you will see the state sales tax itemized in your checkout cart.

How do you handle Discount Code offers?

We work very hard to provide the absolute lowest prices for all the products on our site and then enjoy going one step further to offer our customers special discount codes that delivery additional savings whenever possible. Our guaranteed low prices, free shipping and an additional discount code normally offers our customers amazing value. In very rare circumstances we may limit the use of a discount code when the order would expose our company to a loss.

Warranties and Policies:

We are an authorized dealer for all the brands we carry. For more information on specific warranties and policies about the product you are purchasing, please have a look at the manufacturer's website for details.