We think that you have made a wise decision in choosing to tan in a comfortable, controlled atmosphere. Our goal is to help you achieve the best tan possible and help you keep that healthy glow as long as you can. With that in mind, here are some hints to help you get the most out of each tanning visit.
Ultraviolet rays penetrate your skin causing different reactions. UVA (tanning rays) and UVB (burning rays) are emitted by the sun as well as by our tanning lamps. UVB is commonly referred to as the burning ray because it is more intense than the UVA and is responsible for sunburn. Our tanning lamps emit more UVA and much less UVB than sun, which is the best tanning combination. UVB is responsible for over-exposure, it is necessary in acquiring a tan. UVB stimulates melanocytes (pigment cells) in your skin to produce melanin (pigment). The melanin absorbs sensitive layers of the skin. UVA oxidizes, or darkens, the melanin forming a tan. This whole process is the body's own natural defense against a sunburn.

By controlling the type and amount of UV light, our salon is the best way to acquire a tan. You still need to take precautions.

If tanning in the nude, cover previously unexposed areas for majority of your tanning for the first few visits. Gradually increase the exposure.

If you take any medications, please let one of our staff members know. Reactions can occur with UV light. Protect your eyes every time you tan! Simply closing your eyes will not protect them! We offer FDA approved eye protection that blocks 99.9% UVA.

The combination of heat and light can dry your skin. You should use a moisturizer to get the most out of each tan. Our moisturizers, amplifiers and accelerators are made specifically for indoor tanning to help you obtain the deepest, longest-lasting tan faster than ever.

Here's why:

MOISTURIZERS: In-door tanning moisturizers are different from the lotions you buy at the store. They contain specific ingredients that over come the drying effect indoor tanning can have on your skin. Use regularly, after bathing, or whenever skin feels dry.

AMPLIFIERS: These include ingredients that amplify UV light speeding up the tanning process. Amplifiers help produce a deeper faster tan while keeping your skin moisturized. Use while tanning.

ACCELERATORS: The active ingredients in our accelerators are the biggest break though in in-door tanning! This special formula stimulates the production of melanin for the faster, longer lasting results while moisturizing. These ingredients take up to 24 hours to be completely effective.

SPEED: The results (tanning-wise) from one High Pressure (HP) tan are more like 4-5 'regular' tans. You see results - TODAY. Great for tanners that are 'leaving for a trip to Hawaii - Sunday' as well as anyone wanting to be tanned - NOW. Tanning isn't instant, but HP (and sunless) are as close as we can get to satisfying that desire.

SAFETY: A lowered risk of burning combined with greater tanning result. There is never a reason to burn while indoor tanning, but with a HP bed, your risk is even further reduced by lowering the UVB. This is especially true for Type II clients who normally have to start very slowly and take significant amount of time to build up a tan in regular beds.

CONVENIENCE: A HP tanning bed uses a different lighting system than regular beds. The system utilizes a greater portion of UVA rays to penetrate and oxidize the melanin level. This leads to a richer, deeper tan. With less drying/exfoliating UVB rays, it is also more likely that this tan will last longer. Most HP tanning customers come 2-4 times per month - not per week!

VALUE: While a more expensive session, the better, longer lasting results combined with the time savings of not having to come to the salon as often all add up to the best tanning value on the market today.

The N'JOY
This is THE standard in modern indoor tanning technology. 'NJOY is a top of the line short time/deep tanning answer to those who are looking for a quick route to a beautiful tan. Going on vacation? Tight on time during the week? This is your answer.

Sunless tanning is applied with an airbrush directly to the skin. It uses an aloe based solution containing DHA (dihydroxy acetone), a common product that is sourced from vegetables and used worldwide in cosmetics. DHA combines with proteins in the skin to develop a sunless 'tan' within 2-6 hours. The result is an even, bronze tone that will last anywhere from 5-10 days depending on how well you have prepared your skin for the session and how well you maintain your sunless tan afterwards.
Preparing your skin is simple. It is best to shower a few hours prior to your session, using an exfoliating scrub, which can be purchased from Mayan Sun Salons, prior to your visit. It is important that you do not use any lotions or moisturizers immediately before the application of your sunless tan as they can decrease the effectiveness of the tanning solution.

You can extend the life of your sunless tan afterward by keeping your skin well hydrated and by avoiding hot tubs, swimming pools and long baths. Using a moisturizer with a hint of sunless tanner or bronzer in it will add to the longevity of your sunless tan. Bar soaps can be very drying to the skin. Because of this, it is best to use gel or cream based bodywash soaps. Having showers rather than baths will help prolong your tan. We recommend that you avoid exfoliating for approximately one full week after your session, or until you are ready for the sunless tan to come off.

Avoid bathing or showering for at least 8-12 hours after your session. It is advised that you shower if you plan on working out as the topically applied sunless tanning bronzer will 'sweat' off as you perspire.

You should bring dark, loose fitting clothing to wear after your session.
Because this method of tanning is sunless, you can 'tan' as often as you wish, however we recommend that you wait for a day in between sessions in order to allow the self tanner to fully develop before deciding if you would like a darker tan.

Avoid outside tanning for the first 24 hours after a sunless tanning session to allow the solution to fully take effect.

Mayan Sun Salons requires that you wear bathing suit bottoms or an undergarment during your session.