Tanning - Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need to do to open a tanning salon or add tanning units to the salon I have?
You must register with DHEC's Bureau of Radiological Health before letting customers tan. To register you must contact them for an application packet.
What do DHEC's tanning regulations include?
The regulations require: the tanning units to be registered; certain records to be kept on customers; the units to be cleaned by a salon worker; the units to operate properly; and operators of the units to pass a formal training class.
Can tanning in a tanning bed harm the internal organs?
No. The ultraviolet radiation from a tanning bed does not go deeper than the bottom of the skin's dermis, or approximately no deeper than one sixteenth of an inch.
What can happen if I stay in a tanning bed too long?
The immediate effects are that you can burn your skin or your eyes (if you do not wear protective goggles) or you might have an allergic reaction (such as a painful or itchy rash). The effects in the future could include skin cancer, eye damage, skin aging (wrinkles), cataracts, damage to the immune system or damage to blood vessels.
Is just closing my eyes good enough to keep from getting them burned in a tanning bed?
No. You must always wear goggles that are made especially for use in tanning beds and must be available at the tanning salon. Closing your eyes, wearing sunglasses or putting a towel over your face will not protect your eyes.
Does everybody tan at the same rate?
No. Everybody tans differently. Some people never tan and always burn, some people tan lightly and burn easily, some people tan easily and hardly ever burn. A person whose untanned skin is fair will never tan as well as a person whose untanned skin is dark.
If a person cannot tan in the sun, will he/she be able to tan indoors, such as in a tanning bed?
No. If you do not tan in the sun, you will not be able to tan in a tanning bed.
Are tanning beds safe?
No. It is possible to burn in a tanning bed just as it is possible to burn in the sun. Even though your exposure is more controlled in a tanning bed, burning is still possible. A salon cannot advertise or tell you their tanning units are safe.
How often can I tan and how long can I tan during each visit?
Each tanning unit must have an exposure schedule on it that shows how often you can tan (such as every other day) and how long you can tan according to your skin type (such as fair, medium, dark). If your skin is untanned, then you must start out for a very short period of time (such as 3 or 5 minutes) and gradually increase your time until you are tan. The average person takes around 4 weeks to build a "base" tan. Tanning everyday is harmful to your skin and in most cases is not permitted by the DHEC regulations.
Can I tan in a tanning salon if I am under the age of 18?
Yes, but a parent or legal guardian must come with you during your first visit and sign a statement giving you consent. This form cannot be sent home for signing.
For more information, contact Aaron Gantt at (803) 545-4400.