Into The Mystic: A new take on tanning

By Loren Yakopcic
For Weekly Surge

It's that time of year again: Time to empty our wallets and step into the world of tanning. But instead of paying for 600-800 watts of "reflective lamps," there is a new trend in the world of tanning-UV-free spray tan.

Most tanning salons up until now have perfected the UV rays for tanning beds. What most sun lovers may not realize is that tanning can be quite addictive. In some tanning stores, beds are available that offer quick tanning in only about eight minutes. But eight minutes in the bed is equivalent to eight hours in direct sunlight. Most tanning beds emit 93 to 99 percent UVA light, which penetrates deep into the inner layers of the skin, creating long-term effects. UVB light penetrates the outer layers of the skin, causing sunburn. The UVB rays are considered more dangerous, but tanning beds in general give off three times more radiation than exposure than the sun.

Physicians believe that one sunburn is doubling the risk to skin cancer. And despite what people may believe, dermatologists say that tanning in beds can lead to skin cancer in general. According to the FDA, a difference in the color of your skin (a sun tan), is your body's way of telling you that the skin has been damaged.

How to tan without looking like this season's Prada bag? Spray tanning is the new way to bronze your skin while protecting it from harmful rays. The health risks are minimal, and after three million tanning treatments, there have been no reactions documented. In under a minute, spray tanning applies a very fine mist to the skin, resulting in a fabulous natural bronze and glow. Today's spray tanning is far better than spray tanning of the past. Spray tanning today avoids that pumpkin orange Oompa Loompa syndrome, and after only one visit, the customer is tan and bronzed.

Spray tanning prices range from $25 per session to $100 for a few one-hour sessions. In the long run, the customer is saving money, because spray tanning darkens your skin with the first visit. Using a conventional tanning bed takes about a week to develop a bronzed look. Sunless tanning spray is made with a chemical called dihydroxyacetone (DHA) which causes the skin to bronze, not burn. Fluent tanners who are familiar with spray tan report realistic results and excellent coverage. Avoiding chlorine or salt water, keeps the skin tan and bronzed for five to seven days.

Jillian Esteves, 21, a Coastal Carolina University student from Flemington New Jersey, explained the benefits of spray tanning. "I have been spray tanning several times and I've been extremely happy with it. I enjoy spray tanning rather than using the beds because I am afraid of the long term risks of UV rays. My mom is always telling me how skin cancer only takes one time to develop, and by using a spray tan, I am safe from burning, and skin cancer."

Tracy Hamilton from Ultra Tan has used Mystic Tanning and said she enjoys the outcome. "I love the fact that by using Mystic Tanning you receive instant gratification," she said. "It is of course UV free which is always positive, and by just one visit you develop initial color."

Ultra Tan, located in University Commons in Conway, has its own Mystic Tanning bed available for customers. The store also offers a Mystic V.I.P. package, which offers saving on unlimited sessions.

Donna Toomey, manager of Aruba Tan, also in Conway, explained on the store's Website that Aruba Tan has, "both stand up and lay down sunless tanning beds by Sontegra, and all tanning sessions in our booths come with facials."

Both tanning salons provide quality sunless tanning sprays, with decent prices and fair packages. With the health risks now minimalized because of these sprays, skin cancer can be easily avoided.

It is the beginning of a new era of tanning.

For more information on these two tanning salons that offer these sunless sprays, please visit www.arubatan.net, and www.ultratan.com.