IMPORTANT WARNING:
THERE ARE RISKS FROM USING UV TANNING EQUIPMENT
THERE ARE RISKS FROM USING UV TANNING EQUIPMENT
As with exposure to natural sunlight, too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from
tanning equipment can damage your skin and sometimes your general health.
Short-term damaging effects
The short-term damaging effects of excessive exposure to UV radiation include:
* sunburnt skin, which becomes painful, red and may blister and peel;
* skin dryness and itching;
* bumpy itchy rash;
* eye irritation or conjunctivitis, (if suitable goggles are not worn).
Long-term health risks
There may also be long-term health effects including:
* premature ageing of the skin which will then look coarse, leathery and wrinkled;
* skin cancer - the more exposures, the greater the risks;
* increased risk of cataracts (clouding of the lens of the eye) later in life, (if suitable goggles are not worn).
Precautions
Don't use cosmetic tanning equipment if your skin is particularly sensitive.
Some people are more prone to skin damage caused by UV radiation than others. You are
advised not to use cosmetic tanning equipment if:
* you are under 16;
* you have fair sensitive skin that burns easily or tans slowly or poorly;
* you have a history of sunburn, especially in childhood;
* you have a large number of freckles and/or red hair;
* you have a large number of moles;
* you are taking medicines or using creams which may sensitise the skin to sunlight;
* you have a medical condition that is worsened by sunlight;
* you or anyone in your family have had a skin cancer in the past.
* If you have any doubts, ask your doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use tanning equipment.
* Don't use cosmetics before tanning. Some cosmetics, deodorants and similar preparations for use on the skin can increase sensitivity to UV radiation.
It is best not to use them immediately before a tanning session and to wash off any that are on the skin, before using the equipment.
Tan gently
As a general guide it is best not to exceed 20 sessions per year; make a note of your number of sessions so you will not forget.
If using a commercial salon, tell the staff about your normal skin reaction to sunlight, bearing in mind that you may be exposing parts of your body not normally exposed to the sun.
The operator of the equipment should then advise you on how long to use it; don't exceed this time.
Don't try to get a quick tan by;
* exceeding the recommended times;
* having too many tanning sessions;
* having more than one session a day;
* sunbathing on the same day.
Seek advice about any problems
If you notice any abnormal skin reactions developing during the tanning session, stop the exposure at once and do not use tanning equipment again before consulting a doctor.
If you develop any abnormal skin reaction after a tanning session, do not use such equipment again before consulting a doctor. Seek medical advice if you notice any change in the appearance of a mole.
Protect your eyes
Make sure you use the goggles or other eye protection provided, before using the equipment; these should be worn all the time the equipment is switched on; if no eye protection is used, do not use the equipment.
Understand the equipment. Make sure you know how to:
use the equipment properly;
switch it off;
call for help in an emergency.
Don't rely on your tan for protection
The tan obtained from cosmetic tanning equipment can give some mild protection from burning when you go into the sun, but it never gives complete protection. Nor does it provide much protection against the long-term health risks mentioned earlier. You should still follow sensible advice on safety in the sun such as that published by the Health Education Authority and cancer charities (eg Cancer Research Campaign, Imperial Cancer Research Fund).
Know your skin
No matter whether you get your tan from the sun or tanning equipment, you should learn to recognise the early warning signs of serious damage. Most skin cancers are completely curable if detected in the early stages. Look for progressively changing moles or other skin discolorations. If you have any doubts, consult your doctor. Don't delay.
Tanning Facts
Sunlight is energy, which is transferred by means of electro-magnetic rays or waves with different wave lengths. We can differentiate between ultra-violet rays (UV light), visible light, and warm infra-red radiation (IR light). The UV light is subdivided up into UV-A, UV-B and UV-C rays. The dangerous UV-C rays are filtered out by the atmosphere and do not reach the surface of the earth. The composition and strength of UV-A and UV-B rays varies and depends on the time of day and year, air pollution, degree of latitude North or South, and the intensity of reflection (water, snow etc) for example.
The skin is the largest regulatory and protective organ of our body. Through the skin we not only make physical contact but also sensual contact to our environment.
Whilst in former centuries paleness was considered distinguished, a natural tan is a sign of athleticism, attractiveness and health today. The exterior appearance - the natural outfit - is an expression of personal lifestyle for more and more people.
An attractively tanned skin improves the personality. Irrespective of whether at work or in your free time - you are received better.
Basically, a tan is nothing other than the body’s inherent protection against sunlight. The UV-B rays encourage the cells of the epidermis ( the elanocytes) to produce more white melanin pigments, which, on their way to the upper dermal layer, are tanned by the UV-A rays and the oxygen contained in the blood ( indirect pigmentation ). If a preliminary pigmentation has taken place already, the skin will be tanned immediately by UV-A rays (direct pigmentation).
The pleasant effects of UV rays on the body and soul have been substantiated by medicine. The natural formation of vitamin D3 takes place only in the sun or on a sunbed - or put more precisely - under the influence of UV-B rays. Vitamin D3 is an important hormone for the protection of bone, protecting against osteoporosis. Due to the formation of vitamin D3 calcium is deposited in the bones.
Still further positive properties are attributed to this "sun hormone". It stimulates the immune system, increases the body’s own physical powers, alleviates depressions and has a positive affect on the heart and circulation
Even skin diseases are treated with UV light with great success, such as acne, psoriasis and neurodermatitis.
Skin Types
Depending on the type of skin, people react differently to sunlight. You should know your type of skin for correct enjoyment of the sun and sunbeds. World-wide, six types of skin are differentiated - the first four types of skin occur most frequently in Europe.
Skin type 1 ( approx 2% of all Central Europeans): remarkably light skin, reddish hair, blue eyes, very strong tendency to develop a sunburn.
Skin type 2 ( approx 12% of all Central Europeans): light skin, blond to medium-brown hair, blue to grey or green eyes, strong tendency to develop sunburn.
Skin type 3 ( approx 78% of all Central Europeans): normal skin, dark-blond to brown hair, grey to brown eyes, moderate tendency to develop a sunburn.
Skin type 4 ( approx 8% of all Central Europeans): light-brown to olive-coloured skin, dark hair and eyes, slight tendency to develop a sunburn.
Even in winter with little sunshine we can provide ourselves with the missing sunshine on a sunbed. Contrary to the natural sun, which is subject to strong variations, tanning on a sunbed can be used precisely and individually.
The Golden Rules of Tanning
Do not overdo things, tan sensibly.
This is the most important rule of all, which means that you should sunbathe no more than once a day.
The rule of thumb is a maximum of ten times within a fortnight to three weeks. One to two times a week are sufficient to conserve the tan reached. In addition, the following tips should be observed.
Tanning in Spring
* prevents spring fatigue.
* builds a skin-inherent light protection
* prepares the skin for summer
Tanning in Summer
* prepares the skin for holidays
* comforts people who have to spend their holiday at home
* produces a nice tan without the heat of summer
Tanning in Autumn
* prolongs summer
* renders healthy and relaxed looks
* makes you fit for winter
Tanning in Winter
* provides rays of hope for a better mood
* improves health
* renders a dynamic, active appearance
By carefully planned preliminary tanning , sun allergies and the so-called Mallorca acne can be avoided.
Keep to the tanning time recommended for your type of skin. The International agreed Standard (Euronorm) recommends no more than 50 sessions per year.
Remove all cosmetics from the skin before tanning, and take off all jewellery.
Do not use any suntan products on a sunbed, except those produced especially for sunbeds.
If you are taking any medicine, please ask your doctor before tanning if it causes any photosensitivity.
Keep your eyes closed during tanning, and always wear protective goggles.
Treat the skin before and after tanning so that a nice tan is conserved longer. For the care of the skin, sunbed cosmetics are especially suitable as they have adapted to the special requirements of the tanned skin.
Tips for the Tanner
Depending on skin type and color, one session every second day for 8-10 sessions. This may vary from client to client, if you are in doubt, please ask. To maintain your tan, 1-2 sessions per week would suffice.
You must wear goggles at all times. Please ask for a pair of goggles to use during your session. Do not use any lotions or oils except for the indoor tanning range of suntanning products which includes moisturisers, aloe natural tanning accelerators, etc.
Move around on the sunbed as often as possible. Lie on your back or your front. Twist onto your sides and raise your arms to ensure every aspect of your body tans, it’s just like tanning on the beach.
Always moisturise your body after tanning. Avoid using perfume or an aftershave before tanning. This may cause a reaction, i.e. a rash. Jewellery may be removed before tanning and you may like to wear your watch, just so that you can see that you are tanning. The watch will leave a tanning line. You can wear make-up but just remember, some make-ups do not have a UV block in them, therefore tanning will be inhibited.
Don’t try and overdo your tanning. If you find your skin gets slightly irritable use Aloe Natural and reschedule your tanning sessions by missing a day o two. You are still tanning 3-4 hours after your tanning session so please ensure you do not sunbathe in the sun during this period.
Avoid sunbed exposure when on photosensitive medications. Common light sensitive drugs include Tetracycline, Psoralens and heart medications.
How to Attain the Ultimate Tan
Running parallel with the huge advances made in sunbed technology in the last few yeas has been the development of high quality skincare products and tanning accelerators.
You don’t require the use of these products to attain a tan, but with correct use, and selection of a product that suits your skin-type, you can reach a higher tanning plateau in a much shorter time with a healthier skin.
To reach and maintain a tan your skin must be sufficiently hydrated as dry skin not only reflects UV light, but also exfoliates faster, causing your tan to fade quickly.
Natural vitamins are fundamental to the skins appearance and the ability to tan, as they replenish the necessary nutrition required to promoted cell regeneration and oxygenation.
Oxygenation fuels skin cell functions, stimulating melanin production and accelerating the tanning process. Notice how much faster you tan outdoors when exercising? This is because exercise stimulates your skins microcirculation in the same way as some accelerators.
Please ask at any of our salons for advice on the advantages of using these products.
Facts on “Winter Blues”
If you think that suntanning at Body Bronze is for the wealthy and can be done without… think again.
The thousands of New Zealanders who fly to the tropics each year to escape the dreaded winter blues may be responding to more than seductive travel advertising. Recent scientific findings indicate that people who are glum after several rainy days or down right depressed in the depths of winter may be experiencing symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (S.A.D.) a real physiological condition caused by a lack of sunlight.
In the winter months, problems of light deprivation may affect millions of working adults who leave home near dawn and return after dusk. Even during the summer the conscientious used of sunscreens by many people my be reducing their exposure to some of light’s benefits as well as it’s risks.
This syndrome is one of the recurrent depressions that begin in early autumn and grow progressively worse as the days shorten throughout the winter. Classic symptoms include irritability, anxiety, lethargy, arthritic aches and pains, a dramatic increase in appetite and a diminished sexual drive.
People who experience winter depression should not automatically assume that they are victims of S.A.D. Other factors such as changes in diet, exercise patterns, drug and alcohol use and social interactions must be considered in addition to lower light levels. Still there is some corroborating evidence that light can have a powerful effect on human behavior.
A study from the Institute of Applied Physiology in Vienna, Austria, in which exposure to artificial light contains the same wavelengths as sunlight produced statistically significant increase in alertness and psychological arousal in a test group. Participants reported that they felt more energetic and healthier.
Depending on skin type and color, one session every second day for 8-10 sessions. This may vary from client to client, if you are in doubt, please ask. To maintain your tan, 1-2 sessions per week would suffice.
You must wear goggles at all times. Please ask for a pair of goggles to use during your session. Do not use any lotions or oils except for the indoor tanning range of suntanning products which includes moisturisers, aloe natural tanning accelerators, etc.Move around on the sunbed as often as possible. Lie on your back or your front. Twist onto your sides and raise your arms to ensure every aspect of your body tans, it’s just like tanning on the beach.
Always moisturise your body after tanning. Avoid using perfume or an aftershave before tanning. This may cause a reaction, i.e. a rash. Jewellery may be removed before tanning and you may like to wear your watch, just so that you can see that you are tanning. The watch will leave a tanning line. You can wear make-up but just remember, some make-ups do not have a UV block in them, therefore tanning will be inhibited.
Don’t try and overdo your tanning. If you find your skin gets slightly irritable use Aloe Natural and reschedule your tanning sessions by missing a day o two. You are still tanning 3-4 hours after your tanning session so please ensure you do not sunbathe in the sun during this period.
Avoid sunbed exposure when on photosensitive medications. Common light sensitive drugs include Tetracycline, Psoralens and heart medications.
How to Attain the Ultimate Tan
Running parallel with the huge advances made in sunbed technology in the last few yeas has been the development of high quality skincare products and tanning accelerators.
You don’t require the use of these products to attain a tan, but with correct use, and selection of a product that suits your skin-type, you can reach a higher tanning plateau in a much shorter time with a healthier skin.
To reach and maintain a tan your skin must be sufficiently hydrated as dry skin not only reflects UV light, but also exfoliates faster, causing your tan to fade quickly.
Natural vitamins are fundamental to the skins appearance and the ability to tan, as they replenish the necessary nutrition required to promoted cell regeneration and oxygenation.
Oxygenation fuels skin cell functions, stimulating melanin production and accelerating the tanning process. Notice how much faster you tan outdoors when exercising? This is because exercise stimulates your skins microcirculation in the same way as some accelerators.
Please ask at any of our salons for advice on the advantages of using these products.
Facts on “Winter Blues”
If you think that suntanning at Body Bronze is for the wealthy and can be done without… think again.
The thousands of New Zealanders who fly to the tropics each year to escape the dreaded winter blues may be responding to more than seductive travel advertising. Recent scientific findings indicate that people who are glum after several rainy days or down right depressed in the depths of winter may be experiencing symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (S.A.D.) a real physiological condition caused by a lack of sunlight.
In the winter months, problems of light deprivation may affect millions of working adults who leave home near dawn and return after dusk. Even during the summer the conscientious used of sunscreens by many people my be reducing their exposure to some of light’s benefits as well as it’s risks.
This syndrome is one of the recurrent depressions that begin in early autumn and grow progressively worse as the days shorten throughout the winter. Classic symptoms include irritability, anxiety, lethargy, arthritic aches and pains, a dramatic increase in appetite and a diminished sexual drive.
People who experience winter depression should not automatically assume that they are victims of S.A.D. Other factors such as changes in diet, exercise patterns, drug and alcohol use and social interactions must be considered in addition to lower light levels. Still there is some corroborating evidence that light can have a powerful effect on human behavior.
A study from the Institute of Applied Physiology in Vienna, Austria, in which exposure to artificial light contains the same wavelengths as sunlight produced statistically significant increase in alertness and psychological arousal in a test group. Participants reported that they felt more energetic and healthier.
The ‘Sunshine Vitamin’ is linked to lowering your risk of several forms of cancer and many other diseases.
Exposure to UVB present in sunshine and in most tanning beds is the body’s natural way to produce vitamin D, accounting for 90 percent of vitamin D production.1 Dietary “supplements” are just that: Supplemental ways to produce vitamin D.
What’s more, research has shown that people who utilize indoor tanning equipment that emits UVB – which most tanning equipment does – also produce vitamin D. And studies have also shown that indoor tanning patrons have higher vitamin D blood levels than non-tanners.2
While the North American indoor tanning industry promotes itself as a cosmetic service, one undeniable side-effect of that cosmetic service is vitamin D production. Even though it may not be necessary to develop a tan to produce vitamin D, this should also be considered: There is growing consensus that humans may not be able to get enough vitamin D through dietary supplements alone (especially if recommended vitamin D levels are raised, as is widely anticipated, from 200-600 IU daily to 1,000-2,000 IU) and growing acceptance of moderate sun exposure as the best, cheapest, most widely available and most natural source. (In comparison, an 8-ounce glass of whole milk is fortified with just 100 IU of Vitamin D). Further, because research suggests that the risks associated with sun exposure are most likely related to intermittent sunburns, it is credible to believe that the benefits of regular, moderate non-burning exposure outweigh the easily manageable risks associated with overexposure.
New research has shown that vitamin D deficiency is epidemic in American adults today, suggesting that up to 90 percent of North Americans are vitamin D deficient and that vitamin D deficiency has significant implications on human health.3 Indeed, two world-wide conferences on Vitamin D were convened in 2006 in North America, with universal consensus that Vitamin D deficiency is a real problem. As a result of those conferences, the American Cancer Society and the Canadian Cancer Society – which had both preached sun abstinence for years – both recognized for the first time in May 2006 that some sunlight is necessary for human health.
It is likely that over-usage of sunscreen in climates and seasons when sunburn is not a possibility — sunscreen almost completely prevents vitamin D production — has contributed to this problem. This is especially significant because:
* A 2006 systematic review of 63 studies on vitamin D status in relation to cancer risk has shown that vitamin D sufficiency may reduce one’s risk of colon, breast and ovarian cancers by up to 50 percent.4
* Additionally, vitamin D deficiency is a leading cause of osteoporosis, a disease affecting 25 million Americans which leads to 1 million hip and bone fractures every year.3 In elderly individuals, such fractures are often deadly. Encouraging everyone to wear sunscreen all year long in any climate undoubtedly is contributing to this problem, as vitamin D is necessary for the body to properly process calcium.
* Vitamin D deficiency most likely plays a role in the development of muscular sclerosis, according to the Calgary based charity Direct-MS. (You can learn more about this by visiting www.direct-ms.org.
* Vitamin D deficiency is also believed to be linked to an increased risk of prostate cancer and even heart disease.
Four additional resources for more information and research on vitamin D are:
* www.uvadvantage.com
* www.vitaminDcouncil.com
* www.sunarc.org
* www.qualitycounts.com/fpvitamind.html
Additionally, a new Canadian Group, the Vitamin D Society, has been launched in 2006 to educate Canadians about Vitamin D deficiency and fund new Vitamin D research. Its web site is www.vitaminDsociety.org.
“Current research indicates vitamin D deficiency plays a role in causing 17 varieties of cancer, heart disease, stroke, hypertension, autoimmune diseases, diabetes, depression, chronic pain, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, muscle weakness, muscle wasting, birth defects and periodontal disease,” the Vitamin D Council writes on its web site. “This does not mean that vitamin D is the only cause of these diseases, or that you will not get them if you take vitamin D. What it does mean is that vitamin D, and the many ways in which it affects a person’s health, can no longer be overlooked by the healthcare industry nor by individuals striving to maintain, or achieve, a greater state of health.”
While public health officials have floundered at how to craft a message that recognizes the both the benefits of sunlight and the risks of overexposure, the professional indoor tanning industry has for more than a decade promoted a balanced message about sunlight. The tanning industry’s core belief: Moderate tanning, for individuals who can develop a tan, is the smartest way to maximize the potential benefits of sun exposure while minimizing the potential risks associated with either too much or too little sunlight.
Sunburn prevention — not sun avoidance — is the key.
Exposure to UVB present in sunshine and in most tanning beds is the body’s natural way to produce vitamin D, accounting for 90 percent of vitamin D production.1 Dietary “supplements” are just that: Supplemental ways to produce vitamin D.
What’s more, research has shown that people who utilize indoor tanning equipment that emits UVB – which most tanning equipment does – also produce vitamin D. And studies have also shown that indoor tanning patrons have higher vitamin D blood levels than non-tanners.2
While the North American indoor tanning industry promotes itself as a cosmetic service, one undeniable side-effect of that cosmetic service is vitamin D production. Even though it may not be necessary to develop a tan to produce vitamin D, this should also be considered: There is growing consensus that humans may not be able to get enough vitamin D through dietary supplements alone (especially if recommended vitamin D levels are raised, as is widely anticipated, from 200-600 IU daily to 1,000-2,000 IU) and growing acceptance of moderate sun exposure as the best, cheapest, most widely available and most natural source. (In comparison, an 8-ounce glass of whole milk is fortified with just 100 IU of Vitamin D). Further, because research suggests that the risks associated with sun exposure are most likely related to intermittent sunburns, it is credible to believe that the benefits of regular, moderate non-burning exposure outweigh the easily manageable risks associated with overexposure.
New research has shown that vitamin D deficiency is epidemic in American adults today, suggesting that up to 90 percent of North Americans are vitamin D deficient and that vitamin D deficiency has significant implications on human health.3 Indeed, two world-wide conferences on Vitamin D were convened in 2006 in North America, with universal consensus that Vitamin D deficiency is a real problem. As a result of those conferences, the American Cancer Society and the Canadian Cancer Society – which had both preached sun abstinence for years – both recognized for the first time in May 2006 that some sunlight is necessary for human health.
It is likely that over-usage of sunscreen in climates and seasons when sunburn is not a possibility — sunscreen almost completely prevents vitamin D production — has contributed to this problem. This is especially significant because:
* A 2006 systematic review of 63 studies on vitamin D status in relation to cancer risk has shown that vitamin D sufficiency may reduce one’s risk of colon, breast and ovarian cancers by up to 50 percent.4
* Additionally, vitamin D deficiency is a leading cause of osteoporosis, a disease affecting 25 million Americans which leads to 1 million hip and bone fractures every year.3 In elderly individuals, such fractures are often deadly. Encouraging everyone to wear sunscreen all year long in any climate undoubtedly is contributing to this problem, as vitamin D is necessary for the body to properly process calcium.
* Vitamin D deficiency most likely plays a role in the development of muscular sclerosis, according to the Calgary based charity Direct-MS. (You can learn more about this by visiting www.direct-ms.org.
* Vitamin D deficiency is also believed to be linked to an increased risk of prostate cancer and even heart disease.
Four additional resources for more information and research on vitamin D are:
* www.uvadvantage.com
* www.vitaminDcouncil.com
* www.sunarc.org
* www.qualitycounts.com/fpvitamind.html
Additionally, a new Canadian Group, the Vitamin D Society, has been launched in 2006 to educate Canadians about Vitamin D deficiency and fund new Vitamin D research. Its web site is www.vitaminDsociety.org.
“Current research indicates vitamin D deficiency plays a role in causing 17 varieties of cancer, heart disease, stroke, hypertension, autoimmune diseases, diabetes, depression, chronic pain, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, muscle weakness, muscle wasting, birth defects and periodontal disease,” the Vitamin D Council writes on its web site. “This does not mean that vitamin D is the only cause of these diseases, or that you will not get them if you take vitamin D. What it does mean is that vitamin D, and the many ways in which it affects a person’s health, can no longer be overlooked by the healthcare industry nor by individuals striving to maintain, or achieve, a greater state of health.”
While public health officials have floundered at how to craft a message that recognizes the both the benefits of sunlight and the risks of overexposure, the professional indoor tanning industry has for more than a decade promoted a balanced message about sunlight. The tanning industry’s core belief: Moderate tanning, for individuals who can develop a tan, is the smartest way to maximize the potential benefits of sun exposure while minimizing the potential risks associated with either too much or too little sunlight.
Sunburn prevention — not sun avoidance — is the key.
Through its light, warmth and radiant energy, the sun provides the basis for all life on our planet. The sun stimulates the mind and soul. It provides a sense of inner peace and well being that both comforts and energizes. When the sun is shining, spirits are lifted and rejuvenated - and there is not a lot that can get us down.
The degree to which you are able to tan is determined by your body's ability to produce melanin. Melanin is a pigment that is found in the skin - except for the palms of the hands, soles of the feet and lips. Melanin is produced through cells called melanocytes. Differences in skin colour and degrees of tanning are attributed to the amount of melanin the cells can produce. The actual tanning process, whether using indoor tanning equipment or tanning outdoor in the sun, begins when the melanocytes are stimulated by ultraviolet (UV) light. Exposure to UVB stimulates the melanocytes and leads to the formation of pigment granules. Exposure to UVA oxidizes the pigment causing the skin to tan. Tanning occurs in two phases. The first phase is IPD or Immediate Pigment Darkening. This is most noticeable in darker skinned individuals who have a higher degree of melanin already present in their skin. IPD may fade quickly after the first tanning sessions. As exposure times increase, the IPD will last longer. (Not all skin types experience IPD.) The actual biosynthesis of melanin in the skin requires 3 to 8 days to develop. Accordingly, phase two of the tanning process is known as Delayed Tanning. As your tanning sessions continue in accordance with the schedule for your skin type, a steady migration to the skin's surface of newly formed, darkened pigment begins. This allows you to maintain your tan with just one or two sessions per week. The calculated combination of UVA and UVB administered in accordance with exposure schedule for your skin type allows the tanning process to occur within the controlled environment of the tanning system.
There is little doubt that having a tan can positively influence your entire outlook on life. For example, many people realize that having a tan makes them feel and appear slimmer. Why? Because dark skin, like dark clothing, absorbs light. Light colours (white especially) actually reflect light and make you appear larger. In fact, many health clubs and weight loss centres observe that people who tan in conjunction with a fitness program are more apt to stay with the program longer than those who do not tan. The reason? People who tan may begin to see a noticeable change in their appearance faster than those who do not tan. For years you have been told 'if you want to look slimmer wear something dark' - now you know why! Having a tan can also be a real confidence builder. For example, having a tan 'before' you holiday at a tropical resort allows you to blend in with the crowd and not stand out like a tourist! At the same time, having a tan in the middle of the winter draws positive attention and is an indication of an active, energetic and successful lifestyle. Indoor tanning allows you to change your appearance, look good and feel great by doing virtually nothing!
TANNING TIPS:
Never try to hurry a tan and always use common sense. This is the most important rule. In other words: never tan more than once a day. As a general rule of thumb: every second day to build colour then from just a few sessions per month, depending upon tanning level used, to retain your tan.
If you are taking medications, please be aware that certain medications may be photosensitive. That is, they may cause an adverse reaction when the body is exposed to UV light. A list, which identifies many photosensitive medications, foods and ingredients, is available at our salon. Always consult your physician if you have any questions or concerns.
Before tanning, remove all cosmetics from your skin and take off all jewellery. TanLovers stock a complete range of skincare products for before and after tanning use to keep an attractive tan looking good for longer. Just ask our friendly staff!
Follow the recommended exposure schedule for your skin type. Consult our friendly staff for advise on proper procedures.
SPF is provided for you by Tanlovers and is recommended for use on lips, nipples, and any sunspots and moles prior to tanning.
Keep your eyes closed and always wear the protective eyewear provided while tanning. Contact lenses should also be removed prior to tanning.
TANNING BENEFITS:
Body Weight
UV Light stimulates the thyroid gland which boosts your metabolism
Psoriasis
Eighty percent of sufferers show a marked improvement with UV exposure
Stress
Decreases adrenaline levels and releases endorphins for a feeling of well being
Seasonal Affective Disorder
“Cabin Fever” or “Winter Blues” sufferers show a marked improvement with exposure to UV light.
Acne
Helps clear the skin
Vanity
You will look terrific!
The degree to which you are able to tan is determined by your body's ability to produce melanin. Melanin is a pigment that is found in the skin - except for the palms of the hands, soles of the feet and lips. Melanin is produced through cells called melanocytes. Differences in skin colour and degrees of tanning are attributed to the amount of melanin the cells can produce. The actual tanning process, whether using indoor tanning equipment or tanning outdoor in the sun, begins when the melanocytes are stimulated by ultraviolet (UV) light. Exposure to UVB stimulates the melanocytes and leads to the formation of pigment granules. Exposure to UVA oxidizes the pigment causing the skin to tan. Tanning occurs in two phases. The first phase is IPD or Immediate Pigment Darkening. This is most noticeable in darker skinned individuals who have a higher degree of melanin already present in their skin. IPD may fade quickly after the first tanning sessions. As exposure times increase, the IPD will last longer. (Not all skin types experience IPD.) The actual biosynthesis of melanin in the skin requires 3 to 8 days to develop. Accordingly, phase two of the tanning process is known as Delayed Tanning. As your tanning sessions continue in accordance with the schedule for your skin type, a steady migration to the skin's surface of newly formed, darkened pigment begins. This allows you to maintain your tan with just one or two sessions per week. The calculated combination of UVA and UVB administered in accordance with exposure schedule for your skin type allows the tanning process to occur within the controlled environment of the tanning system.
There is little doubt that having a tan can positively influence your entire outlook on life. For example, many people realize that having a tan makes them feel and appear slimmer. Why? Because dark skin, like dark clothing, absorbs light. Light colours (white especially) actually reflect light and make you appear larger. In fact, many health clubs and weight loss centres observe that people who tan in conjunction with a fitness program are more apt to stay with the program longer than those who do not tan. The reason? People who tan may begin to see a noticeable change in their appearance faster than those who do not tan. For years you have been told 'if you want to look slimmer wear something dark' - now you know why! Having a tan can also be a real confidence builder. For example, having a tan 'before' you holiday at a tropical resort allows you to blend in with the crowd and not stand out like a tourist! At the same time, having a tan in the middle of the winter draws positive attention and is an indication of an active, energetic and successful lifestyle. Indoor tanning allows you to change your appearance, look good and feel great by doing virtually nothing!
TANNING TIPS:
Never try to hurry a tan and always use common sense. This is the most important rule. In other words: never tan more than once a day. As a general rule of thumb: every second day to build colour then from just a few sessions per month, depending upon tanning level used, to retain your tan.
If you are taking medications, please be aware that certain medications may be photosensitive. That is, they may cause an adverse reaction when the body is exposed to UV light. A list, which identifies many photosensitive medications, foods and ingredients, is available at our salon. Always consult your physician if you have any questions or concerns.
Before tanning, remove all cosmetics from your skin and take off all jewellery. TanLovers stock a complete range of skincare products for before and after tanning use to keep an attractive tan looking good for longer. Just ask our friendly staff!
Follow the recommended exposure schedule for your skin type. Consult our friendly staff for advise on proper procedures.
SPF is provided for you by Tanlovers and is recommended for use on lips, nipples, and any sunspots and moles prior to tanning.
Keep your eyes closed and always wear the protective eyewear provided while tanning. Contact lenses should also be removed prior to tanning.
TANNING BENEFITS:
Body Weight
UV Light stimulates the thyroid gland which boosts your metabolism
Psoriasis
Eighty percent of sufferers show a marked improvement with UV exposure
Stress
Decreases adrenaline levels and releases endorphins for a feeling of well being
Seasonal Affective Disorder
“Cabin Fever” or “Winter Blues” sufferers show a marked improvement with exposure to UV light.
Acne
Helps clear the skin
Vanity
You will look terrific!
Sun Smarts
Staying out of the sun altogether may see to be the only logical answer. But who wants to live like a hermit? The key is to enjoy the sun sensibly, finding a balance between sun protection and those great summer activities like beach volleyball and swimming.
Sunscreens or sunblocks, which block the sun's harmful rays, are one of your best defenses against sun damage because they protect you without interfering with your comfort and activity levels.
The SPF number on a sunscreen shows the level of protection it gives. Sunscreens with a higher SPF number provide more defense against the sun's damaging UV rays.
Here are some tips to enjoy the great outdoors while protecting your skin and eyes from sun damage.
* Wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 every day, even on cloudy days and when you don't plan on spending much time outdoors. Wearing sunscreen every day is essential because as much as 80% of sun exposure is incidental — the type you get from walking your dog or eating lunch outside. If you don't want to wear a pure sunscreen, try a moisturizer with sunscreen in it, but make sure you put on enough.
* Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays. Ideally, it should also be hypoallergenic and noncomedogenic so it doesn't cause a rash or clog your pores and give you acne.
* Apply sunscreen thickly and frequently. If you're not sure you're putting on enough, switch to one with a higher SPF. Regardless of the SPF, always reapply sunscreen after a couple of hours. Most broad-spectrum sunscreens are more effective at blocking UVB rays than UVA rays. So even if you don't get a sunburn, UVA rays could still be doing unseen damage to your skin.
* Reapply sunscreen every 2 to 3 hours and after swimming or sweating. In the direct sun, wear a sunscreen with a higher SPF, like SPF 30. While playing sports, use sunscreen that's waterproof and sweatproof.
* Take frequent breaks. The sun's rays are strongest between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM. During those hours, take breaks to cool off indoors or in the shade for a while before heading out again.
* Wear a hat with a brim and sunglasses that provide almost 100% protection against ultraviolet radiation.
* You probably know that water is a major reflector of UV radiation — but so is snow. Snow skiing and other winter activities carry significant risk of sunburn, so always apply sunblock before hitting the slopes.
* Certain medications, such as antibiotics used to treat acne and birth control pills, can increase your sun sensitivity. Ask your doctor whether your medications might have this effect and what you should do.
* Avoid tanning "accelerators" or tanning pills that claim to speed up the body's production of melanin or darken the skin. There's no proof that they work and they aren't approved by government agencies for tanning purposes.
Staying out of the sun altogether may see to be the only logical answer. But who wants to live like a hermit? The key is to enjoy the sun sensibly, finding a balance between sun protection and those great summer activities like beach volleyball and swimming.
Sunscreens or sunblocks, which block the sun's harmful rays, are one of your best defenses against sun damage because they protect you without interfering with your comfort and activity levels.
The SPF number on a sunscreen shows the level of protection it gives. Sunscreens with a higher SPF number provide more defense against the sun's damaging UV rays.
Here are some tips to enjoy the great outdoors while protecting your skin and eyes from sun damage.
* Wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 every day, even on cloudy days and when you don't plan on spending much time outdoors. Wearing sunscreen every day is essential because as much as 80% of sun exposure is incidental — the type you get from walking your dog or eating lunch outside. If you don't want to wear a pure sunscreen, try a moisturizer with sunscreen in it, but make sure you put on enough.
* Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays. Ideally, it should also be hypoallergenic and noncomedogenic so it doesn't cause a rash or clog your pores and give you acne.
* Apply sunscreen thickly and frequently. If you're not sure you're putting on enough, switch to one with a higher SPF. Regardless of the SPF, always reapply sunscreen after a couple of hours. Most broad-spectrum sunscreens are more effective at blocking UVB rays than UVA rays. So even if you don't get a sunburn, UVA rays could still be doing unseen damage to your skin.
* Reapply sunscreen every 2 to 3 hours and after swimming or sweating. In the direct sun, wear a sunscreen with a higher SPF, like SPF 30. While playing sports, use sunscreen that's waterproof and sweatproof.
* Take frequent breaks. The sun's rays are strongest between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM. During those hours, take breaks to cool off indoors or in the shade for a while before heading out again.
* Wear a hat with a brim and sunglasses that provide almost 100% protection against ultraviolet radiation.
* You probably know that water is a major reflector of UV radiation — but so is snow. Snow skiing and other winter activities carry significant risk of sunburn, so always apply sunblock before hitting the slopes.
* Certain medications, such as antibiotics used to treat acne and birth control pills, can increase your sun sensitivity. Ask your doctor whether your medications might have this effect and what you should do.
* Avoid tanning "accelerators" or tanning pills that claim to speed up the body's production of melanin or darken the skin. There's no proof that they work and they aren't approved by government agencies for tanning purposes.
Want to banish your pale skin in favor of a deep, dark tan? Join the club. Especially when summer looms, many people start considering the best way to get that sun-bronzed glow — turning to self-tanners, tanning booths, a stretch in the sun, or a combination of these.
To lots of people, summer means hanging out at the pool or the beach, soaking up rays and baking in the sun in pursuit of the perfect golden tan. Indeed, most Americans, including up to 80% of people under age 25, think they look better with a tan.
But before you don your bathing suit and head to the pool — or into a tanning booth — spend a few minutes finding out about your skin and sun exposure. These facts can help you get the look you want without stressing your skin.
How Tanning Happens
The sun's rays contain two types of ultraviolet radiation that reach your skin: UVA and UVB. UVB radiation burns the upper layers of skin (the epidermis), causing sunburns.
UVA radiation is what makes people tan. UVA rays penetrate to the lower layers of the epidermis, where they trigger cells called melanocytes (pronounced: mel-an-oh-sites) to produce melanin. Melanin is the brown pigment that causes tanning.
Melanin is the body's way of protecting skin from burning. Darker-skinned people tan more deeply than lighter-skinned people because their melanocytes produce more melanin. But just because a person doesn't burn does not mean that he or she is also protected against skin cancer and other problems.
Tanning Downsides
UVA rays may make you tan, but they can also cause serious damage. That's because UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin than UVB rays. UVA rays can go all the way through the skin's protective epidermis to the dermis, where blood vessels and nerves are found. Because of this, UVA rays may damage a person's immune system, making it harder to fight off diseases and leading to illnesses like melanoma, the most serious (and deadly) type of skin cancer.
Melanoma can kill. If it's not found and treated, it can quickly spread from the skin to the body's other organs.
Skin cancer is epidemic in the United States, with more than 1 million new cases diagnosed annually. Although the numbers of new cases of many other types of cancer are falling or leveling off, the number of new cases of melanoma is growing. In the past, melanoma mostly affected people in their fifties or older, but today dermatologists see patients in their twenties and even late teens with this type of cancer. Experts believe this is partly due to an increase in the use of tanning beds and sun lamps, which have high levels of UVA rays.
Doctors also think that UVB rays play a role in the development of melanoma. That's because a sunburn or intense sun exposure may increase a person's chances of developing this deadly cancer.
Exposure to UVB rays also increases your risk of getting two other types of skin cancer: basal and squamous cell carcinoma.
The main treatment for skin cancers is excision — cutting the tumors out. Since many basal or squamous cell carcinomas are on the face and neck, surgery to remove them can leave people with facial scars. The scars from surgery to remove melanomas can be anywhere on the body, and they're often large.
Cancer isn't the only problem associated with UV exposure. UVA damage to the dermis is the main factor in premature skin aging. To get a good idea of how sunlight affects the skin, look at your parents' skin and see how different it is from yours. Much of that is due to sun exposure, not the age difference! UV rays can also lead to another problem we associate with old people: the eye problem cataracts.
FACT:
Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium and protects it i other ways. The body gets some of its vitamin D from food and some by making it from sunlight (specially UVB rays).
You may have heard that you need to spend time in the sun without sunscreen to get enough of this vitamin. But that's not true. Plenty of UVB rays still get through sunscreen to help the body get enough vitamin D.
To lots of people, summer means hanging out at the pool or the beach, soaking up rays and baking in the sun in pursuit of the perfect golden tan. Indeed, most Americans, including up to 80% of people under age 25, think they look better with a tan.
But before you don your bathing suit and head to the pool — or into a tanning booth — spend a few minutes finding out about your skin and sun exposure. These facts can help you get the look you want without stressing your skin.
How Tanning Happens
The sun's rays contain two types of ultraviolet radiation that reach your skin: UVA and UVB. UVB radiation burns the upper layers of skin (the epidermis), causing sunburns.
UVA radiation is what makes people tan. UVA rays penetrate to the lower layers of the epidermis, where they trigger cells called melanocytes (pronounced: mel-an-oh-sites) to produce melanin. Melanin is the brown pigment that causes tanning.
Melanin is the body's way of protecting skin from burning. Darker-skinned people tan more deeply than lighter-skinned people because their melanocytes produce more melanin. But just because a person doesn't burn does not mean that he or she is also protected against skin cancer and other problems.
Tanning Downsides
UVA rays may make you tan, but they can also cause serious damage. That's because UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin than UVB rays. UVA rays can go all the way through the skin's protective epidermis to the dermis, where blood vessels and nerves are found. Because of this, UVA rays may damage a person's immune system, making it harder to fight off diseases and leading to illnesses like melanoma, the most serious (and deadly) type of skin cancer.
Melanoma can kill. If it's not found and treated, it can quickly spread from the skin to the body's other organs.
Skin cancer is epidemic in the United States, with more than 1 million new cases diagnosed annually. Although the numbers of new cases of many other types of cancer are falling or leveling off, the number of new cases of melanoma is growing. In the past, melanoma mostly affected people in their fifties or older, but today dermatologists see patients in their twenties and even late teens with this type of cancer. Experts believe this is partly due to an increase in the use of tanning beds and sun lamps, which have high levels of UVA rays.
Doctors also think that UVB rays play a role in the development of melanoma. That's because a sunburn or intense sun exposure may increase a person's chances of developing this deadly cancer.
Exposure to UVB rays also increases your risk of getting two other types of skin cancer: basal and squamous cell carcinoma.
The main treatment for skin cancers is excision — cutting the tumors out. Since many basal or squamous cell carcinomas are on the face and neck, surgery to remove them can leave people with facial scars. The scars from surgery to remove melanomas can be anywhere on the body, and they're often large.
Cancer isn't the only problem associated with UV exposure. UVA damage to the dermis is the main factor in premature skin aging. To get a good idea of how sunlight affects the skin, look at your parents' skin and see how different it is from yours. Much of that is due to sun exposure, not the age difference! UV rays can also lead to another problem we associate with old people: the eye problem cataracts.
FACT:
Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium and protects it i other ways. The body gets some of its vitamin D from food and some by making it from sunlight (specially UVB rays).
You may have heard that you need to spend time in the sun without sunscreen to get enough of this vitamin. But that's not true. Plenty of UVB rays still get through sunscreen to help the body get enough vitamin D.
