• Tanning 15

Tanning

• Vitamin D – Facts!

  Medical studies around the world have proven the benefits of Vitamin D in association with:

  • Cellular Health: including breast, colon and prostate cancers
  • Bone Health: including osteoporosis, hip fractures, osteomalacia and hip fractures
  • Organ Health: including high blood pressure, hypertension and heart disease
  • Mental Health: including SAD, PMS, depression and general mood
  • Auto-immune Diseases: including multiple sclerosis, Type 1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis
  • Skin Disorders: including psoriasis
  • Obesity and exercise programmes
  • Sunlight is the most effective way for the body to manufacture Vitamin D. Yet in the UK and Ireland, our bodies can only manufacture Vitamin D from exposure to the sun during the months of May to October. Outside of these months, the sun is simply not strong enough.

• Are sunbeds for tanning only?

  If you don’t have the opportunity to go out in the sun or prefer a more private and controlled environment, indoor tanning facilities represent a viable alternative to natural sunshine for stimulating your production of Vitamin D. However, it is important to remember that the radiation that you are exposed to in an indoor tanning facility is the same as what you get from the sun. That means you need to take the same precautions that you would if you were in natural sunlight.

• What are the benefits of using a sunbed?

  Sunbeds offer a controlled way to tan and can provide appropriate levels of UV to ensure sufficient levels of Vitamin D are achieved and maintained (see section on Vitamin D for more on this subject).

  Tanning in sunlight means the body can be subjected to different levels of UV rays, depending on the time of day, location in the world, month of the year and so on. With a sunbed, a tanning programme can be developed to ensure skin type and the type of sunbed being used, are taken into consideration to ensure that over exposure, including the possibility of burning, is avoided.

• How many times a week can I sensibly use a sunbed?

  People with skin type 1; children under 18 and people on certain medications that may cause photosensitivity; people with a history of skin cancer in their family should not use a sunbed at all. Moderate tanning of 2-3 sessions a week is OK for everyone else but ensure you rest the skin for a minimum of 24 hours between each session and at least 48 hours for skin type 2. The European Standard advises not to exceed 60 sessions per annum.

• What credit / debit cards do you accept?

  We accept all major Credit & Debit cards including Visa, Mastercard & American Express.

• What’s your cancellation policy?

  We politely request that all guests let us know if they can’t make an appointment as soon as possible.

  We need a minimum of 24 hours notice for cancellations, as we can fill that appointment space with a guest on our waiting list.

• How do I prepare my skin for UV tanning?

  Dry skin reflects light and sheds more frequently. Any tan that develops is shallow and does not last. Moisturising is key to developing a deeper, darker tan. A week before your first session, thoroughly exfoliate and moisturise. Ensure that you moisturise after every bath or shower and use a UV specific lotion during your session.

• What is the Difference Between Stand-Up and Lie-Down tanning?

  Individual preference! Beds are as varied as users and the main difference between stand-up and lay-down tanning is individual preference. Some clients like to pop in for a short session on a stand-up on their way to work whereas others like to enjoy a longer session on a lay-down to relax and unwind!

  Modern beds are designed to tan all over through the careful design of the lamp array, client position and reflectors. Our tanning consultants are always happy to provide you with a tour of the equipment offered at your local store and our equipment list provides a convenient overview.

• How Old Do You Have to Be to Use Tanning Beds?

  UK law states that persons under the age of 18 are prohibited from using UV tanning equipment or entering any rooms containing UV tanning equipment.

• Can I Tan While I am Pregnant?

  While there is no research to indicate UV light would have a negative effect on an unborn baby, our policy is to prohibit the use of UV tanning equipment in the 2^nd and 3^rd trimester. This is intended to minimise risk to the mother.

  We are always happy to place an active tanning package “on hold” for the duration of a pregnancy or transfer credit to a friend or family member. Packages are reactivated for the amount of time remaining on the package at the time of placing it “on hold”.

• Can UV Light Help My Skin Condition?

  We advise that clients consult with their GP before undertaking any UV tanning package to treat a specific condition. Whereas UV light is believed to kill the bacteria associated with Acne, new developments in treatment of this skin condition and many others underlines the necessity to consult with a health professional.

  However, UV tanning equipment is absolutely fantastic for the production of Vitamin D. Experts believe that having a vitamin D deficiency might limit the body’s ability to keep skin healthy and as such, conditions such as Acne, Psoriasis and Eczema may be indirectly helped by ensuring that Vitamin D levels are maintained. Talk with your health professional about the different options you have available.

• Are Sunbeds Good for Vitamin D?

  Yes! There is a wealth of research citing responsible use of UV light as the best source of Vitamin D. All life on earth is in some way reliant on sunlight to thrive and humans are no different. Vitamin D is essential for development, maintenance and function of many systems in the human body as well as for the prevention of chronic illnesses and the promotion of health and well being.

  Outdoor sunlight is in short supply in the northern hemisphere, we even joke about the lack of the British summertime! This in turn leads to an increased risk of Vitamin D deficiency. Using a responsible indoor tanning package is not only tailored to your skin type, it is an efficient use of time. A recent study stated that we would need to be in outdoor sunlight for 130 minutes in Autumn and Winter in order to produce this essential hormone!

  Using a UV tanning bed regularly for a session length suited for your skin type is a great way to help promote and boost your Vitamin D levels.

• How Long Does It Take to Build Up a Tan?

  Building a tan is dependent on skin type and the condition of the skin. Dry skin reflects light and as the cells shed more frequently, any tan developed does not last. Fair skin tans more quickly whereas medium and dark skin types are more resistant to the tanning process, requiring more sessions. The time taken to build a tan varies dependant on many factors, but on average, a base tan can be developed between 3 and 5 sessions.

  You are able to maximise your tanning potential by ensuring that the skin is fully exfoliated and thoroughly moisturised. We stock a wide range of UV lotions that encourage the tanning process as well as replace moisture lost during your session. Our tanning consultants are trained to help you find a lotion to suit your preferences and tanning requirements.

• How Much Time Between Do I Have To Leave Between Sessions?

  The amount of time left between sessions varies depending on skin type and whether you are building or maintaining a tan. Our policy states that no more than one session can be used in any 24-hour period. The reason for this being that the tanning process takes 24 hours to complete and as such, this reduces the risk of over-exposure and maximises your tanning potential.

  When building a tan, it is important to not leave more than 72 hours between sessions as after this time, the tan will begin to recede.

  Our tanning consultants are trained to assist you in designing your personal tanning plan which is determined by your skin type, tanning history and tanning preferences.

• What is 0.3?

  The 0.3 process is a slower, more gentle way to tan. The tanning result is deeper, darker and lasts. 0.3 compliant lamps emit a lower amount of UV per square metre than standard lamps (Erythmically weighted) and this dramatically reduces the risk of over-exposure.