Tanning salons - what should I look for?

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So, you've decided to go the tanning salon route to golden brown skin. You probably know the dangers of using sunbeds by now (if you don't, have a read of our article on the dangers involved) but there are a few other important factors to take into account, like cleanliness and how well trained the salon staff are.

Following guidelines is going to do you no good if the tanning salon you have settled on does not have trained staff, is clean, safe and comfortable. Many people think "a salon, is a salon, is a salon." Not true. They vary in a number of ways. There are a number of tanning units with varying numbers of bulbs which can all be at varying strengths - what one salon decides on will not dictate what trends the others will follow. Probably the biggest variable between tanning salons however is the price of the sessions. Ideally everyone wants their money's worth and the best way to get it is to spend a little more, to tan a little less.

Three key issues need to be addressed to aid you in the search of the right salon:

Cleanliness

The big one to look for is cleanliness! Take a visit to the tannning salons in your area and explain to them that you are thinking of becoming a user. Common practice usually results in a small tour showing the facilities they offer. This is the perfect opportunity to give the tanning beds, floors and bathrooms the once over.

Not many, but some salons will have carpeted floors which are prime breeding grounds for bacteria and fungus - you need to find out if they are cleaned on a regular basis. With so many people passing through a salon it is important to keep everything sanitized. Try and find out what disinfectants are being used. Common household ones do not cut it - only hospital strength sanitizers should be being used.

Enquire about inspections. For general public safety any tanning business requires regular corporate inspections, whereby the equipment is checked and bacterial and viral test are conducted. Give the tanning surfaces a look over yourself by simply running your hand over the surface. Ideally the surfaces should feel dry and smooth, any greasiness should be reported

Staff Members

The only way you are going to be able to evaluate the experience of the staff is by speaking to them. Above all employees should be attentive to you needs (especially considering the amount you are paying!) They should be able to confidently and expertly explain the tanning process, how the equipment works, why eye protection is required and what lotions will work best with the equipment. For you safety they should enquire about your skin type, medical history, sunburn history and explain the steps involved in building up a base tan. With regard to medical history very salon is required by law to have a list of drugs / medications and medical conditions that may cause the skin to react with ultraviolet light. A consent form then needs to be signed.

Only from this information will a tanning salon be able to professionally advise you on the duration of your sessions. Those with paler skin tones will be recommended less UV exposure than those with an olive or dark complexion. The final duty for the staff member is to advise you on what tanning products could help you to achieve a safe and healthier tan.

Tanning Equipment

Since we are mainly concerned with the tanning element of salons you need to evaluate the equipment used. The vertical chambers are much stronger than the horizontal lay-down units and will produce an all-around tan while eliminating pressure points on your underside.

The equipment is evaluated at two levels: the type of bulbs being used and the number of bulbs installed. Increasing the number of bulbs will decrease the tan time needed. However, t here is a point of diminishing returns - the results achieved using a 48 bulb unit compared to a 52 bulb unit are minuscule. The quality of the bulbs used also affects the quality of the resulting tan - lower levels of UVB reduce the risk of burning. By and large, bulbs range from 1% UVB - 9% UVB.

To ensure your safety units require regular maintenance and a tanning salon should be able to provide you with a schedule of bulb replacement.

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