Looking Fit 02/2005: Determining Exposure Schedules

Determining Exposure Schedules

by Amy Thorlin

Determining appropriate exposure schedules for clients is one of the most important responsibilities a salon operator has. Accurate control of exposure is essential for decreasing the risk of overexposure during tanning sessions. It is the salon operator’s duty to determine the exposure schedule for every new client.

Beginning in 1986, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration mandated that equipment manufacturers provide an exposure schedule along with the product warning label. The label establishes the recommended exposure time, schedule and maximum exposure time of the bed. The FDA requires testing and labeling before a unit can be sold.

The amount of UV required to achieve a tan is different for each person. The exposure schedule is designed to allow a client to gradually build a tan, while minimizing the risk of erythema. The schedule is based on the skin type of the individual client and the output of lamps in the unit. It takes into account a client’s recent exposure, then increases the session time gradually until the maximum exposure time is reached.

The most important factor involved in determining a client’s tanning time is his or her skin type. In order to understand and implement exposure schedules, salon operators must consistently be able to skin-type clients with accuracy.

In some states, salon operators are required to use a state-approved skin-typing form. The most common skintyping charts used today are based on the Fitzpatrick system, which evolved from Dr. Thomas B. Fitzpatrick’s earlier biological work. The system originally was developed to determine appropriate exposure schedules for patients with psoriasis who were being treated with PUVA therapy. It takes into account an individual’s reaction to sunlight exposure lasting 45 to 60 minutes with unexposed (untanned) skin, as well as his or her coloring—hair, eyes, skin (phenotype).

Charts based on the Fitzpatrick system categorize humans into six different skin types, arranged from lightest to darkest coloring. Below is a typical skin-typing chart. Skin type is determined by a person’s initial response to sun exposure after a long period of no exposure (winter). It remains the same, regardless of tan developing due to further exposures.

A person with Skin Type 1 is someone who always burns and has never been able to tan. These individuals typically are blond- or red-haired and have light eyes and very fair skin. The skin of Type 1 individuals does not have the ability to create natural protection from ultraviolet exposure, and it is particularly susceptible to burning and damage from UV rays. These people should avoid UV exposure, and must not be allowed to go into a tanning bed. Skin-typing should eliminate the possibility of a Skin Type 1 individual tanning in a bed. Sunless-tanning options would be a good solution for these clients.

Skin Type 2 individuals—based on outdoor tanning history—always burn, and tan minimally. Typically they are fair-skinned and blue-eyed. A good question to ask to determine if a client is a Type 2 vs. Type 1 is whether they ever have had a visible tan line in the past. If they have, they do have some ability to tan and would be classified as Type 2. By implementing sensible, moderate and responsible tanning practices, a salon operator can help a Type 2 to develop a tan in a controlled environment.

Skin Type 3 individuals have darker Caucasian skin and, based on outdoor tanning history, burn minimally and tan slowly.

People falling into the Skin Type 4 category have lightbrown skin and typically are of Mediterranean descent. Because they have some more natural protection in their skin, they burn minimally and tan well.

A Skin Type 5 individual rarely burns and tans profusely. He or she is characterized by having brown skin, and usually is of Middle Eastern or Latin American descent.

The last category, Skin Type 6, consists of individuals who very rarely burn, always tan and are deeply pigmented. They have dark-brown or black skin.

Because people with higher skin types have more pigmentation, thus more natural protection, their exposure schedules can progress more rapidly than those with lower skin types. It is extremely important to note that regardless of skin type, the maximum exposure time in a tanning unit should never be exceeded.

Although it is much harder for a person of Skin Type 4, 5 or 6 to burn, it is possible. It is a common belief that indoor-tanning equipment is designed to produce a quick tan without burning, and that tanning for longer periods will bring quicker results. This is not correct. Following the maximum recommended exposure time of the tanning unit will produce the best results.

When determining the appropriate exposure schedule for a client, it is important to note that a salon operator can’t base skin type simply by what he or she sees. Because of the prevalence of hair dyes, colored contacts and sunless tanners, it is nearly impossible to accurately determine a client’s natural coloring—and a salon operator easily could incorrectly skin-type the client. Also, a client can walk in with what appears to be an all-over tan but is only tanned on the arms, legs and face. If operators use the exposure schedule based on what they see, a client easily could incur a burn on previously unexposed skin. It is important for the operator to have an open dialogue with the client.

In addition to skin-typing and looking at recent tanning history, other factors should be used to properly utilize the exposure schedule. A salon operator needs to ask a clients about possible photosensitizing medications and medical conditions that could affect recommended tanning times. A questionnaire inquiring about sun sensitivity, natural coloring, recent tanning history, medications and medical history should be used, and is required by certain states.

Clients need to be educated on the tanning process and made aware that it takes some time. It takes six to 10 sessions— following the exposure schedule—for a previously unexposed individual to develop a base tan. Because we live in a society that is used to immediate gratification, it would be a smart idea for salons to carry selftanners and bronzers for clients who want immediate color while beginning their tanning regime.

The tanning process occurs in two phases. The color seen immediately after getting out of a tanning unit is due to immediate pigment darkening (IPD). IPD results from the rapid darkening of already existing melanin and is induced mainly by UVA. It is most obvious in skin where high levels of pigmentation already exist. IPD can fade within minutes or last up to several days after longer exposures and blend into the delayed tanning phase.

The delayed tanning phase first becomes visible 72 hours after exposure. It is induced mainly by UVB and is the result of increased melanin. By creating an excited condition in the melanocytes which then release more melanin, both UVA and UVB contribute to the delayed tanning phase.

Because the length of IPD is primarily determined by skin type, certain individuals will experience IPD for only a few minutes. It is important to educate these clients on the tanning process, otherwise they may incorrectly perceive that they did not receive adequate color from their tanning session and try to tan again within a 24-hour period. This could lead to unintentional overexposure. Supplementing sunlesstanning options along with UV tanning will allow these clients to have immediate color while they develop their base tans.

Clients rely on salon operators to maximize their tanning processes while reducing their risks for overexposure. By appropriately determining exposure schedules based on skin type, salon operators can ensure continued business success. Clients who achieve beautiful, golden tans without incurring sunburn will be satisfied, repeat clientele.