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Tanning Advice from Sun Shack

 The safety of our customers is our number one priority!
We want to make sure that our customers look good and feel great by tanning in a responsible manner. All of our tanning assistants are fully trained to ensure that they provide our customers with the right tanning advice and promote safe and responsible tanning.

Indoor tanning can help you to achieve the deep, attractive tan you desire. There are some simple rules you can follow to make the most of your sunbed experience, which can both optimise your tan and protect yourself from the danger of sunbeds. Whether you are a frequent tanner or just preparing for a special event, these guidelines should always be adhered to.

 

The most important thing to remember when using a sunbed is that there are limitations on how long your session should last. For a novice user or someone who is very fair skinned, freckled, burns easily and who doesn’t naturally tan much in the sun the sessions should be kept very short. This is that a person’s ability to tan is effected by the levels of melanin in their skin. A person with more melanin will find it easier to tan and will also be less at risk of the risks of using sunbeds, such as skin cancer, although it is still essential for them to use protective measures.

Do not be tempted to exceed the recommended times or frequent the tanning salon too often in the mistaken belief that more time on the sunbed will automatically lead to a deeper tan. Not only can this be detrimental to your long term health, you are harming your skins ability to tan. Overexposure to UV can actually cause depletion of melanin levels and make it more difficult to tan in future sessions.

As a rule, someone with low melanin levels in their skin should limit their session to a maximum of 5 minutes. People with an ‘olive’ complexion can extend this time, but it is best not to stay on the sunbed beyond 15 minutes to minimise long term damage to your complexion and your health. The frequency of the sessions should be limited to 3 times a week or less, and once you have achieved the depth of tan you desire cut down your visits so that you are only visiting the tanning salon often enough to maintain the tan. The staff at the tanning salon will be able to advise you on how to tan safely and effective based on your personal skin type.

Sunbed lotion is an essential part of the tanning experience. While its protection will not diminish all the risks associated with sunbeds it is safer to wear lotion than nothing at all. Sunbed lotion can minimise your sessions as they usually contain Tyrosine, which encourages the skin to produce melanin more quickly. The moisturising effect of the lotion prevents dry skin and promotes the longevity of your tan. Most lotions also contain ingredients such as Vitamin E to counteract the ageing effects of the UV rays. It is also important that the lotion is one specifically designed for sunbed use and not an outdoor suncream.

It is essential to wear tanning goggles at every session. Closing your eyes is not enough to protect from harmful sunbed side effects such as cataracts and cornea damage. Protective goggles can save your sight.

The Golden Rules of Tanning

Below are some golden rules to bear in mind when tanning. Follow these rules to enjoy happy, safe and confident tanning:

Moisturise Your Skin

Moisturisers prepare your skin for UV exposure, reducing the drying effects of tanning. When tanning indoor or out, moisture is lost from the skin. Use a good daily moisturiser after tanning, showers or exercise to keep a healthy glowing skin tone. Choose a good quality lotion when tanning. Exposure to UVA can cause skin to dry up. A high quality tanning lotion can help prevent and reduce these effects.


Take Breaks Between Your Tanning Sessions

Allow a minimum of 24 hours to pass before tanning again, indoors or outdoors. Industry and medical standards recommend waiting 48 hours – the amount of time required for skin to create melanin and a tan.


If You Are Sunburned...

If you are sunburned, soothe your skin with a moisturiser or aloe gel and don't try to tan until the redness completely subsides.

Never Try to Force a Tan and Always Use Common Sense

This is the most important rule. In other words, never sunbathe more than once a day. As a rule of thumb: start with up to ten sessions in two to three weeks. The tan achieved will then be retained by sunbathing once or twice a week. Trying to rush a tan will only increase the risk or premature ageing or if done without a cream then it could lead to severe burning.

Keep to the Tanning Times Recommended for your Particular Skin Type

Medical experts have identified five skin types:

Skin type 1:

Burns easily and rarely tans. These people most likely have bright white skin, blue or green eyes, and freckles. People with Type 1 skin should not tan indoors or outdoors. Their skin is unable to protect them from sunburn.

Skin Type 2:

Can tan, but still susceptible to sunburn. Common traits include brown or blue eyes, red or blond hair, and freckles. Type 2 tanners should be cautious and take any precautions to avoid sunburn.

Skin type 3:

Tans easily, but still susceptible to moderate sunburns. These people often have brown eyes, dark hair, and tan well.

Skin type 4:

Tans easily and almost never burns. These people often have dark eyes, dark hair, and tan very well.


Your tanning assistant will be able to advise you on the optimum tanning session for your skin type and requirements.

Check Any Medication Before Tanning

If you are taking medicine, read the information slip or consult your doctor before tanning as some medicines are photosensitive to Ultra Violet rays.

Use the Right Cream

Always use a good quality tanning lotion that is specifically designed for sunbed use. Do not use any lotions that contain a sunscreen

 

 

 

 

 

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