How Does Tanning Work? - Java Tanning Studio

How Does Tanning Work?Here at JAVA Tanning Studio & Contempo Spa, we say that tanning is what the skin is designed todo (to protect itself from over-exposure and outside stresses)... so moderate UV exposure to producea tan is like exercising your muscles so they don't waste away. We call this process natural tanning.Note: we ONLY advise this for people with skin type 2+.Natural tanning occurs when skin is exposed to UV light - both UVB & UVA. Special cells calledmelanocytes produce melanin pigment which travels to the surface of your skin. Done moderately,this strengthens and protects the skin, while the top layers turn a browner colour as a consequence.The cosmetic tan that results from repeated moderate tanning sessions is a bonus of this biologicallycrafted process.It's important to know that: burning is not tanning! Your skin does not need to get red in order toget brown. It is equally important to know how vital it is to use good quality tan accelerator andextender products to keep the skin hydrated and nourished during the tanning cycle. Our HydrationStation was designed to help with that task by giving your skin an infusion of moisturizers to helpsuper hydrate your skin prior to tanning. Just like muscles need good nutrition to perform theirbest, the skin also needs good care for a great tan & glowing colour.In an indoor tanning environment the ratio of UVA to UVB is controlled to a degree that you are farless likely to develop a burn. Everyone has about 6 million melanocytes, but everyone has a differentamount of melanin, according to their skin type, which is why we are all a different colour, and whypeople tan differently. This is why it's so important to have an individual tanning program designedfor you, like we do at JAVA Tanning Studio & Contempo Spa in Brantford.Why Does Tanning Make Me Feel Warm?Most of us have probably never even questioned this – but here’s the thing – UV light itself isinvisible and has no heat. So why do we feel warm during a tanning session? It's all to do with theproduction of melanin pigment that's stimulated by exposure to UV light. Melanin pigment turnsour skin brown, but more importantly – because clever Mother Nature has a perfect plan – melaninis an excellent photoprotectant. This means that melanin absorbs UV radiation and transforms theenergy into harmless amounts of heat. The process is called Internal Conversion, and it's the reasonwhy indoor tanning fans believe that moderate tanning and a resulting base tan protects the skinfrom sunburn.Melanin is so efficient at protecting our skin- it dissipates 99.9% of the absorbed UV radiation asheat, so there's only less than 0.1% left to produce any potential skin damage. Most sunscreens (orartificial melanin as they are sometimes referred to) are not nearly as efficient at converting UV intoheat, averaging less than 60% conversion.Here at JAVA Tanning Studio & Contempo Spa, we agree with a growing global opinion thatubiquitous use of chemical sunscreens has reached dangerous over-use levels among light-skinnedpopulations. This phenomenon goes a long way to explaining why so many people in the worldtoday may be deficient in vitamin D. We manage our outdoor UV exposure less with chemicalsunscreens, and more by covering up and seeking shade once our naturally tanned skin has taken asmuch UV exposure as it can handle- before we feel the tell-tale, over-heated feeling that warns us our

skin has had enough.Don't get us wrong- sunscreens still have a place in an outdoor UV exposure management plan! (Infact, we even sell an amazing range of sunscreens in-store.) They are designed to prevent sunburn. Sowhenever you may be at risk of sunburn- and the options of shade or covering up are exhausted orunavailable- sunscreen can be your last line of defense. It is also essential for sportspeople or otherswho by necessity will spend long periods of time outdoors, longer than their skin can handle.How long will it take me to get brown?To build a base tan, your goal should be to have regular, moderate exposure, using products thatboost melanin production for a faster, deeper result. You should find out your skin type and matchthis with the recommended tanning schedule for the tanning equipment you are using. As a generalguide, if you are tanning 2-3 sessions a week with good equipment and a skincare regime, youshould see results after 3-4 sessions, and your base tan will be optimized after 10-20 sessions.Remember: always leave 24 hours between tanning sessions. Tanning is a gradual, dynamic process,as you build layers of color on the surface of your skin through regular, moderate exposure sessions.Stop tanning, and your tan gradually fades away as the natural exfoliation of the surface layers ofyour skin shed through washing, perspiring, friction etc (you'll be familiar with this tan-fadingphenomenon if you've ever spent a summer outdoors, and an autumn inside.) To maintain a tan, youneed to stimulate the tanning process from time to time.A key to good tanning results is for your skin to be very healthy & well moisturized. Healthy skintans best, and holds your tan for longer. (People who are every-day smokers will usually find itharder to tan, as their skin- the largest organ on the body- struggles to stay in best health.) Great tanaccelerators & extenders contain premium skincare ingredients, which keep skin in fantastic hydratedcondition. Unfortunately many people are unaware just how vital using good tanning products is tobalancing out the negative effects of UV exposure. Sun exposure can cause dryness which in turn cancause aging and wrinkling of the skin, so ensure your skin stays well hydrated by using specialtytanning products before and after tanning. Using drying soaps can also strip your tan, so using apremium quality body wash (also sold at JAVA Tanning Studio & Contempo Spa) will go a long wayto helping make your tan last.Sunburn: It's NOT the same as tanning!The medical name for sunburn is erythema. Sunburn occurs when too much energy is absorbed bythe skin, causing tiny blood vessels in your skin to burst from excessive sun exposure. The resultingsunburn (which may be experienced as redness, tenderness, itching & pain, followed by peeling,dryness, unevenness, and often increased sensitivity to the affected area) can cause permanent skindamage, and should be avoided at all cost. Many people falsely assume that sunburns'fade' into tans but this is not the case. Sunburn is an injury in the top layers of theskin.Moderate, repeated exposure to UV light in a non-burning fashion can assist the development of a'base tan'. Thickening the uppermost layers of skin, repeated non-burning exposures followingappropriate exposure guidelines has been shown to provide the skin with a natural SPF (SunProtection Factor) of at least 2-3. To illustrate this with an example- if your skin tends to burn in, say,

15 minutes in the sun without sunscreen, then an SPF2 provides twice the protection- meaning yourburn time increases to 30 minutes. Thousands of tanners around the world use this 'base tan' formulaasacquired by a course of moderate indoor tanning- and combined with sensible shade-seekingoutdoor behavior and good quality SPF sunscreens- to give them better protection against sunburn inthe outdoor environment. So do we! The California Tan SPF range of suntan lotions (availablethrough JAVA Tanning Studio & Contempo Spa) provide a range of protection, combined withluxurious skincare ingredients and added tanning-help boosters (in the SPF15 or less formulas) to letyou tan outdoors with a reduced risk of sunburn (not to be used in our sunbeds though).When it comes to tanning indoors (in sun beds / stand-up booths) you must remember sunburn isan injury to the skin. It is NOT a necessary part of the tanning process! In fact, sunburn willslow down the rate at which you achieve a tan, as your body has to turn its attention torepairing the damage caused by the burn before it can continue the tanning process to get you brown.If you ever burn in an indoor tanning facility, discuss this with the staff there. If they do not seem tobe concerned about the health of your skin, or if they don't know that burning is detrimental toyour tanning progress, find another place to tan. The Golden Rule of Smart Tanning is: DON'TEVER SUNBURN!!There are risks associated with over-exposure to sunlight. From an aesthetic perspective, overexposurecan lead to skin dryness, which in turn helps the process of wrinkling and aging of the skinalong. There is great potential risk to the eyes in relation to exposure to UV light- so it is imperativeyou wear good, close-fitting eyewear when using a sun bed. In addition, infection can be sharedbetween users of eyewear, the goggles you use must be properly disinfected between you and the lastuser, since this can be a difficult challenge (as some goggles have crevices) we recommend that youpurchase your own pair and clean them regularly. In fact, if a client does not have their own pair ofgoggles (we offer some for sale) the tanner will NOT BE ALLOWED to use our sun bed/booth.The relationship between exposure to UV light and the development of skin cancers is complex. Whatis agreed is that over-exposure to UV light should be avoided, and that certain groups of people aremore sensitive to negative effects. Particularly, skin type 1 people should not ever use a sun bed, andthey should be extremely careful during the spring and summer months to avoid over-exposure tosunlight.Are Sun beds SAFE?It is almost impossible to say that any human activity is 100% safe because, by definition this meansyou can do it recklessly and come to no harm. Our experience, and that of thousands of our clients atJAVA Tanning Studio & Contempo Spa is that the benefits of moderate tanning (producing vitamin D,feel-good endorphins, well-being, confidence-boosting, the psychological stimulus from a mediatative 'timeout'....)outweigh the risks associated with over-exposure to UV light. It should be remembered thattanning in a non-burning fashion has never been isolated as causative mechanism for any cancer.The relationship between exposure to UV light & the development of skin cancers is complex. Whatis agreed is that over-exposure to UV light should be avoided, and that certain groups of people aremore sensitive to negative effects. Particularly, skin type 1 people should not ever use a sun bed, andthey should be extremely careful during the spring and summer months to avoid over-exposure tosunlight.There are risks and benefits to driving a car. Is it fair to say that there is a "safe" way to drive a vehicle,or that one car is really "safe" compared to another? No, because if you use any vehicle recklessly

then this may very well result in an injury, or worse. So when you take a car journey, you make sureyou're prepared. You do what you need to do to ensure that you're confident your car is fit to handlethe journey. You do everything you can to minimize the risks associated with being on the road. Thenyou relax, enjoy the journey and gain the benefit of getting from "A" to "B".Sun-lovers the world over feel that sunshine tanning (indoors in a sun bed or outside in the sun) ismuch the same. Once you satisfy yourself that the tanning equipment is appropriate for your needsand prepare your skin with good quality antioxidant-rich pre-tan accelerator lotion, you can monitoryour sessions, avoid sunburn by keeping to a sensible plan, and moderate your UV exposure. Then,you can enjoy all the wonderful benefits that moderate UV (sunlight) exposure brings, while stayingaware of the risks involved, and alert to your own unique situation.All human activity involves risk. Please tan responsibly.A Note On Sunbed Equipment: Sunbed lamps and equipment vary. Newer, modern sun bedequipment will usually be fitted with a newer style of lamp- which may emit a spectrum of UV lightmore gentle even than sunlight.Charts found on the JCTA (Joint Canadian Tanning Association): www.tanresponsibly.ca shows howthe WHO position of non-tolerance to sun bed tanning has been developed in error. The statisticalincrease in risk- when analyzed properly- applies not to commercial tanning salons but to hometanning units and dermatological UV chambers. (Ironically, our detractors don't seem to realize thatthe more pressure they put on the industry, the more they force it underground and into peoples'homes where their exposure cannot be monitored or controlled.)Tanning SENSIBLY? Is there such a thing?As outlined above in our point "Are Sun beds Safe?" it is irresponsible for anyone to use the term'safe' in connection with UV exposure. But if you are a sun-lover, if you desire a tan for cosmeticpurposes or for any other reason or, if for some reason you need to live your life in a UV-light-richenvironment, then JAVA Tanning Studio & Contempo Spa, along with numerous other organizations,believe it can be done sensibly.Smart, sensible tanning is about being informed on the risks & benefits of sun exposure, and makingdecisions based on that information as it relates to you personally. You must know your skin typeand follow an appropriate tanning exposure schedule designed for you in order to develop a tangradually and avoid sunburn. Skin type 1's should not use sun beds at all.Be aware over-exposure to UV light can lead to skin dryness, wrinkling and aging of the skin andsunburn, and should be avoided. Use indoor tanning lotions to counteract the drying effects of UVlight. Understand there may be a relationship between over-exposure to UV light and skin cancers,particularly if you have a family history of skin cancer, a low skin type, more than 50 moles on yourbody and/or other correlated factors such as occupational exposure to chemicals, smoking and highfatdiets. Protect your lips with lip balms or sunscreens, as lips do not produce protective melaninpigment and can burn easily. Be aware that certain medicines and perfumes can cause photosensitivity.If you are concerned about anything relating to sun bed tanning, you should consult yourdoctor prior to using sun bed equipment.Always remember that MODERATION is the key to sensible enjoyment of tanning and the sun.

What Does Light Do For Me?Experts believe that exposure to light can treat the condition S.A.D (Seasonal Affective Disordersyndrome, or the 'winter blues'). People may suffer from this syndrome in the winter months, and inthe worst cases doctors prescribe expensive, hospital-based UV light treatments. Some doctorsrecommend their patients use a sun bed to informally treat themselves for this reason- because a fewcontrolled sessions in a sun bed can be just as effective but at a fraction of the price. There are alsomany different styles of 'light boxes' or light-emitting units available that people use when theirlocation or lifestyle prevents them from having access to much natural light. Dermatologists also uselight to treat various non-life-threatening skin disorders like psoriasis and eczema.Exposure to light is responsible for keeping our circadian rhythms in check- through the action of thehormone melatonin- produced by the pineal gland. This can be helpful in reducing the effects of jetlag. We know the sun energizes and relaxes us- why else do people cheer up and calm down whenthe sun comes out? UV light exposure resulting in a natural cosmetic tan also increases our selfconfidenceand gives a general sense of well-being.Broad-spectrum chemical sunscreens may prevent many of these beneficial effects of light exposurefrom occurring through the inhibition of the absorption of UV light. It is important to note that thesun can be fierce and people can sunburn rapidly in this part of the world. JAVA Tanning Studio &Contempo Spa advocates developing a healthy respect for light, understanding that moderation isthe key to balancing the benefits and risks. We advocate moderate exposure for those who candevelop a tan, and sunburn avoidance for all.Protect yourself and your family from sunburn, and don't over-expose your skin to the sun. Haveannual skin checks if you are a pale skin type or have a family history of skin cancer. It is virtuallyimpossible to live a life without exposure to the sun, and in fact without any such exposureeverything on the planet, including us, would be soon dead.Over-exposure to UVR is a correlated risk factor for melanoma skin cancer. Everyone should beaware of the amount of sun exposure they receive and ensure their skin never burns. Those at higherrisk include skin type 1 persons, those with a family history of the disease and a genetic inability totan. Remember sun bed tanning should not be attempted by persons with skin type 1. Currently,expert opinion is divided on necessary vitamin D levels for health. If you are unsure about yours,consult your doctor.What's All This I Hear About Vitamin D?Vitamin D is actually a hormone which is produced by the body in response to exposure to UVB light.It is difficult to get sufficient levels of vitamin D through diet alone.Until recently it was recommended people should get 1,000 IU of vitamin D3 per day, which is aboutequivalent to the units made during an average indoor tanning session. A glass of milk, on the other hand,delivers about 100 IU. The issue of daily recommended dosage of vitamin D is currently under debate; withmost pro-vitamin D health professionals now upgrading the RDI to 2,000 IU per day.

With current food supplies and patterns of eating, it is almost impossible to obtain sufficient vitaminD from the diet alone**.** See the video at the D-Tan Sunlight Centre facebook pageVitamin D is critical for bone health as it is necessary for our bodies to use calcium effectively. Youcan drink all the calcium-enriched milk and eat all the cheese you like, but if you don’t have adequatevitamin D in your body, you won't be able to use that extra calcium properly. A deficiency in vitaminD caused by low levels of sun exposure increases the risk of bone diseases such as osteoporosis,osteomalacia and rickets in children. Older people are especially at risk of developing osteoporosis,which leads to an increased risk of fractures from weaker bones. It has been suggested that VitaminD regulates blood pressure and may help reduce risk of hypertension, stroke, diabetes, heart attackand heart failure. A 2008 study found that people with the highest levels of vitamin D are 21 per centless likely to die of any cause than people with the lowest. Vitamin D may also improve insulinproduction and research has found it to be strongly linked with preventing diabetes. An increase invitamin D levels in the bloodstream has also been suggested to help lower the risk of severaldiseases- particularly those caused by abnormal cell growth (e.g. breast, prostate and colon cancer).You are most at risk of being vitamin D deficient if you are dark-skinned because you need more sunexposure to make vitamin D. Also at risk are the obese (vitamin D gets trapped in layers of fat anddoesn't perform as efficiently) or those who get very little sun exposure (people who wear sunscreenat all times, the institutionalized and/or elderly and children who do not receive adequate nonsunscreensunlight exposure time.)Are you getting enough VITAMIN D? Regular tanners* make plenty of it, but those who stay out ofthe sun might be at risk of deficiency. Interested readers can see more about this topic by visiting:http://www.tanningtruth.com/index.php/vitamin_d_sunshine_vitamin/* Vitamin D is made in the skin in response to UVB light- so only sun bed equipment emitting UVBlight will produce this effect. Over-exposure to UVR is a known risk factor for basal and squamouscell skin cancers, and is a correlated risk factor for melanoma skin cancer. Everyone should be awareof the amount of UV exposure they receive and ensure their skin never burns.If you are really interested in this topic of research, we highly recommend you read The UVAdvantage, by Dr Michael Holick, professor at Boston University School of Medicine.Planning on getting your vitamin D outside? Remember this rule-of-thumb: your shadow must beshorter than you to synthesize vitamin D effectively.JAVA Tanning Studio & Contempo Spa notes the connections between high levels of vitamin D andlow incidence of diseases- while widely reported, are not yet officially sanctioned. Our intention isnot to promote the idea that tanning reduces the incidence of disease. We couch the above commentsaround the essential advice to all people that sensible sun exposure practices must be employed toreduce your risks of over-exposure to UV light, and this opinion piece should not be viewed as aclaim that sun bed use offers health benefits.Making Sense of Commonly Used Tanning Accelerator TermsWhen browsing sun bed tanning accelerators you're likely to see the following tanning-specificreferences:• Step 1 lotion= Use these to build a faster, better base tan. NOTE: even long-term tanners who tanregularly will need to go back to using a Step 1 lotion if they lose their base tan!

• Step 2 lotions= Use these to advance your tan beyond the base/ plateau level. Also use a Step2 lotion when you want to maintain your tan at its current level.• Tanning Plateau= this is the stage when tanning progress slows down and your base tan ismaximized. You're now ready to use a Step 2 lotion to maintain tan or get browner.• Pure lotion= A pure sun bed tanning accelerator for better natural tanning without any addedheat or bronzer ingredients.• Bronzer lotion= A sun bed tanning accelerator with added fake tan ingredients to give you alittle self-tanning along with natural tan boosting. Generally bronzers have enough self-tannerfor a kick of color, but not enough fake tan to worry about going streaky or orange. Just applyto skin with even, circular motions and wash your hands after application. NOTE: Manytanning lotion bottles are labeled with the words 'Lotion de Bronzage'... this is just the Frenchway to say 'tanning lotion' and does not necessarily mean there is self-tan in the product.• Heat, Hot Action or Tingle= A sun bed tanning accelerator which turns skin temporarily redand may give a tickling, itching sensation for up to an hour after tanning (feels a bit likesunburn, but isn't...) The sensation is caused by special ingredients which speed up your microcirculation,flushing blood to the surface of your skin, very much like when you exercise.Often misunderstood, 'hot' lotions are marvelous for your circulation and many heat-lovingtanners swear by their tanning results using these lotions! JAVA Tanning Studio & ContempoSpa recommends trying a 'hot' lotion packette to boost color on slow-tanning legs.Why Should I Use A Tanning Lotion?Moist skin tans much better than dry skin, in fact, moist skin will absorb about 20% more UV lightthan dry skin. Using good quality tanning lotion will help you tan faster and helps your tan lastlonger. (20 minute session in our Hydration Station can also boost your color by 2 – 3 shades darkerafter just one session). UV light has a drying effect on the skin so using lotions designed for indoortanning will help put back moisture lost in the tanning process. The better condition your skin is in,the more readily it will perform as nature intended, producing melanin in response to UV exposure,resulting in a natural, healthy-looking tan. The active ingredients in tanning lotions are the buildingblocks of melanin- amino acids, L-tyrosine etc. As the lotion is absorbed by the skin, these ingredientsfeed the melanin-producing cells to give faster tanning results. Lotions maintain skin condition &minimize dry skin cells to avoid the tan flaking off sooner. Anyone who has used a good tanninglotion will know how important it is to use one every time you tan, for the look of your tan, and foryour results. Tanning without lotion is like showering without soap! Now, you wouldn’t do that,would you?There is another vital reason that you should use tanning lotion every time you tan. The premiumantioxidant ingredients in specialty accelerator lotions have the ability to stop any free radicalactivity in your skin cells. Free radicals will lead to premature ageing, skin wrinkling, and cancontribute to the development of skin cancer. Antioxidants are your best friend when it comes toyour health- they can be taken orally or topically and in this case they can help protect your skin fromthe dangers of these unwanted UV-exposure side effects. Tanning with lotions is quite simply a moresensible way to tan.

Is Bronzer Lotion The Same As Fake Tan?Yes and no. Most accelerators with bronzers contain the same DHA (dihydroxyacetone) ingredientsas self-tanning lotions, but in a smaller quantity, so the likelihood of streaking or patchiness isreduced. Prepare the skin for self-tanning by exfoliating prior to the tanning session. When usingtanning accelerator lotions with bronzers you should exfoliate at least once a week to avoid bronzerbuild-up. Accelerators with bronzers are a great option for people who want to tan quickly, as theygive an immediate color boost while the natural tan develops. New generation bronzers contain veryclever ingredients to give a 'bronzer' effect, without any DHA or risk of streaking from a quickapplication.Can I Use my Tanning Accelerator Lotion Outside?Yes, you can use tanning accelerator lotions outside to speed up your tanning results and care foryour skin. In fact, whenever your skin is exposed to UV light you should protect it with a goodquality lotion product- whether that is a tanning accelerator or an SPF. How to decide which? Thiscomes down to your skin type, the weather conditions, and how long you are likely to be exposed.As an example, a skin type 3 with fairly good tolerance to sunburn and an existing light base tanshould be able to expose their skin with tanning accelerator to the sun outdoors on a clear day inmid-summer for about 10-15 minutes per side for maximum tanning benefit. To stay in the sunlonger, they should cover up with clothing and/or sunscreen, or seek shade after this time haselapsed. The more tan you get, the more you can increase these times, but remember the golden rule:never tan every day- for best results, always use good quality tanning accelerators, SPF sunscreens &after tan extenders, AND leave a day in between to develop a long-lasting tan and to avoid the skingetting stressed and drying out. You must exercise caution when using an indoor tanningaccelerator lotion outdoors. Due to the uncontrolled UV environment, and the fact that these tanninglotions do not contain SPF (Sun Protection Factor), you are also at risk of quicker sunburn outdoors ifyou use a tanning accelerator lotion.Is Hot Action (Tingle, Heat) The Same As Sunburn?Hot Action products cause a temporary skin reaction of reddening and a tingling sensation, whichwill vary in intensity according to skin type. It lasts anywhere from 20 minutes to a few hours. Theseproducts should only be used by advanced tanners. If you do use one and find it uncomfortable, showerimmediately after tanning to wash off the lotion and cool down the skin.

How Are Specialty Tan Extenders Different From Normal Moisturizers?Specialty tan extenders deliver essential hydration to tanners' skin. Used every day after showeringor bathing (tanning or not) these brown boosters encourage melanin development and tanningresults at all times. They contain similar melanin boosters to good quality pre-tan lotions, as well asunique hydrating ingredients to cater for the special needs of tanners' skin.Tan Extenders... Are they really much better than using "regular" moisturizers? The thing withcheaper varieties of moisturizer is that the reason they are cheaper is because they contain quite ahigh quantity of filler ingredient. These fillers are usually oil-based, and these non-mineral oils don'tdo your skin any favors. Oil is not inherently bad for your skin, but neither is it absorbed, so it reallyjust slicks over your skin (yes, just like an oil slick) giving you a temporary feeling of smoothnesswithout any long-term benefits.Most non-tanning moisturizers these days are developed bydermatologists who generally subscribe to the theory that allPIGMENTATION (including tanning) must be stopped in itstracks. Therefore most of these products developed for thegeneral non-tanning public contain anti-pigmentationingredients that will seriously hold back your tanning results.Some dense oils also inhibit the tanning process while you tan. So if you're tanning on a lie-downsunbed with an oil-based accelerator lotion you'll soon ruin the acrylic panels!Special tan extenders like the ones we sell are full of easily absorbed, nutritive ingredients that FEEDYOUR SKIN the tanning-specific nutrition & hydration it needs. That's why using these moisturizersevery day makes your skin feel smooth and actually improves smoothness and texture over thelonger term, and not just for a few hours. Designed to continue feeding tanning cells beyond thetanning session, these products are quite different from 'any old' moisturizer, and at JAVA TanningStudio & Contempo Spa, we treat them with the loving care they deserve, slathering ourselves withthem on a daily basis! Come and see our range of affordable tan extenders. These luxurious after-tanlotions & washes help you keep your tan for much longer.

What's My Skin Type?Knowing your skin type is the key to understanding how much UV exposure your skin can handle,which helps you to balance the risks and benefits of sun exposure. Come in to JAVA Tanning Studio& Contempo Spa and fill out our Skin Assessment questionnaire to determine your skin type. Thenwe will recommend the correct tanning times for you in accordance with our particular tanningequipment.Some Facts About The SkinYour skin is your body's largest organ. Skin covers the entire body and protects you from sunlight,heat and cold, infections, toxins and injury. It weighs about six pounds, and is made up of millions ofcells, divided into two layers. The outer layer is the epidermis, and the inner layer is called the dermis.The epidermis contains a defense mechanism designed to protect skin against over-exposure to UVlight which can result in sunburn. This occurs by a biological process called 'melanogenesis'. We callit 'tanning'.When skin is exposed to UV light, melanocytes in the epidermis produce melanin, a pigment whichgives skin and hair its natural color. Melanin pigment absorbs UV radiation, turning it into heat andprotecting the skin cells against sunburn. The more melanin pigment you have & produce, the darkeryour skin. The amount of melanin pigment you have depends on your skin type, which isdetermined by your genetic background and your skin's history of UV exposure.PsoriasisThe word 'psoriasis' is the ancient Greek word for 'itch'. Psoriasis affects 50 million people worldwide,mostly adults, and the symptoms can be extremely distressing. The symptoms of psoriasis areusually raised patches of thick, red skin covered with silvery scales. Medical research shows that UVlight (sunlight) significantly improves psoriasis and other similar skin conditions like eczema.Dermatologists often prescribe 'light treatment' to patients with these conditions; this treatment isusually administered in a concentrated dose of narrowband UVB- similar to the UVB light availablein tanning equipment. Many people have experienced fast and remarkable improvement in theirpsoriasis condition by following a moderate and highly supervised course of indoor tanning. In fact,many of them have been referred to tanning by their GP or dermatologist as indoor tanning at anexcellent tanning salon is a much cheaper way to get results for psoriasis than expensive medicaltreatments.Worried About A Sunbed's Effect On Your Skin?We often hear sweeping & unfounded statements such as "sun beds are 10 times worse than the sun".But what does that even mean? We know that sunlight is necessary for survival on this planet.Excessive exposure to UV light has been found to contribute to non-melanoma skin cancers, whichare easily treated and rarely fatal. Excessive exposure is also corelated with melanoma skin cancer, sotaking a vigilant approach makes sense. Protect yourself and your family from sunburn, and don'tover-expose your skin to the sun. Have annual skin checks if you are a pale skin type or have a familyhistory of skin cancer. It is virtually impossible to live a life without exposure to the sun, and in fact

without any such exposure everything on the planet, including us, would be soon dead.So we know that we must respect UV light and take a moderate approach to our exposure to balancethe risks and benefits. Research into the UV radiation outputs of different light-emitting devicesincludingthe sun and sun beds- show that the "new era tanning lamps" we use at JAVA TanningStudio & Contempo Spa actually emit UV light in a more positive spectrum than the sun itself. Orindeed than the equipment that is used to deliver medical UV light doses and to test sunscreen efficacy. Newera lamps like these are found in most modern pieces of tanning equipment available at excellentindoor tanning salons like ours.Sunscreens, sunblocks, suntan lotions: which SPF is right for me?The table below is a helpful guide for sunscreen use according to your skin type. Don’t know your skintype? Come in to JAVA Tanning Studio & Contempo Spa for your very own skin analysis.NOTE: the following assumes full, constant sun exposure at the hottest part of a clear day at normalelevation, without swimming or excessive sweating. Times should be adjusted as appropriate forcloud cover, elevation, activities, clothing and shade.Sun ProductSPF30SunblockLotion orSPF30ContinuousSpraySPF20SunblockSPF15 SuntanLotion orSPF15ContinuousSpraySPF8SunscreenLotion orSPF8ContinuousSpraySPF6Sunscreen DryOil SpraySPF4SunscreenLotionWho & When is it suitable for?Skin types 1-2 for very high sunblock protection, reapply every hourly. Skintype 3 for very high sunblock protection, reapply every 1-2 hours. Skin type4 for extreme sunblock protection, reapply every 2-3 hours. Notrecommended for use for skin types 5 or 6.Skin types 1-2 for high sunblock protection with added water/sweatresistance, reapply hourly. Skin type 3 for high sunblock protection withadded water/sweat resistance, reapply every 1-2 hours. Skin type 4 for veryhigh sunblock protection, reapply every 2-3 hours. Not recommended foruse for skin types 5 or 6.Not suitable for skin type 1. Skin type 2 for moderate sunscreen protectionand tanning help, reapply every 30 minutes - 1 hour. Skin type 3 should useSPF 15 for moderate burn protection and tanning help, reapply every 1-2hours. Skin type 4 & 5 may use SPF15 for fairly high level burn protection,reapply every 2-4 hours. Not recommended for use for skin type 6.Not suitable for skin type 1. Skin type 2 for low sunscreen protection andsun-tanning help, reapply every 15-30 minutes. Skin type 3 for sun-tanninghelp with moderate burn protection, reapply hourly. Skin type 4 formoderate sunscreen protection and tanning help, reapply every 1-2hours. Skin type 5 for very high burn protection, reapply every 2-3hours. Not recommended for use for skin type 6.Not suitable for skin type 1. Not recommended for skin type 2. Skin type 3& 4 for sun-tanning help with low burn protection, reapply every 30 minutesto 1 hr. Skin type 5 for moderate burn protection & suntan help, reapplyevery 1-2 hrs. Skin type 6 for extreme sunburn protection, reapply every 3-4hrs.Not suitable for skin type 1. Not recommended for skin type 2. Skin type 3 &4 for sun-tanning help with very low burn protection, reapply every 15-30minutes. Skin type 5 for low burn protection & tanning help, reapply every30mins - 1hr. Skin type 6 for very high burn protection, reapply every 2-3hrs.How Many Sessions Do I Need To Get A Base Tan?

Your Situation Skin Type (2) Skin Type (3) Skin Type (4) or (5)No tanning for morethan a yearNo tanning since lastsummerTanned last summer +intermittent sessionssinceTanned last summer +regular sessions since20 – 30 sessions(5-10 weeks**)15 – 25 sessions(5-9 weeks)10 – 20 sessions(3-6 weeks)8 – 15 sessions(2-5 weeks)15 – 25 sessions(5-9 weeks)10 – 20 sessions(3-6 weeks)6 – 15 sessions(2-5 weeks)6 – 9 sessions(2-5 weeks)10 – 15 sessions(3-5 weeks)5 – 15 sessions(2-5 weeks)3 – 9 sessions(1-3 weeks)3 – 6 sessions(1-2 weeks)* Skin type 1 is excluded as not permitted to tan indoors. Skin type 6 also excluded as unlikely toachieve increased pigmentation indoors.** Based on tanning 3 times per week.# Note all estimated numbers of sessions required will be influenced by the quality of tanningaccelerator lotion used.Isn't Tanning Bad For Me?This is a question we are often asked, and it does not have a YES or NO response, because the issueisn't that simple. It's a bit like asking, "does water cause drowning?" While drowning may be aconsequence of exposure to water, it would be crazy for everyone to stop swimming in case theymight drown.Do you think that because you slather on chemical sunscreens that you won't get skin cancer? Or thatby staying out of the sun completely you won't get skin cancer, or your skin won't age?Unfortunately, science doesn't back this up. Like any cancer, there can be no guarantee you'll avoidgetting it- no matter what you do. As for ageing- well the only way to stop that in its tracks is to stophaving birthdays.While those concerned with promoting messages about the dangers of too much sun exposure dotend to encourage extreme measures like 24/7, year-round sunscreen use and total avoidance ofsunlight in midday hours throughout most of the year- they have done so in the hope that suchmeasures will stop people from getting skin cancer. But it's not working.Meanwhile, there has been a more insidious reason for the relationship between sunlight and skincancer to have been blown out of proportion- and the culprits are mainly the cosmetic wing of thepharmaceutical industry. Sunburn protection products have made extraordinary amounts of moneyby being cleverly marketed as if they prevent cancer, as opposed to what they really do, which isprevent sunburn. Aggressive 'educational' advertising campaigns have convinced many people thatno amount of sun exposure is safe, in order to boost sales of sun protection products. There is bigmoney to be made in playing on your fear of developing wrinkles! Happily, thanks to the attention ofgroups like the Cancer Society to the problem we have highlighted of possible vitamin D deficiencycausingthem to revise their 'hardline' position on sunshine avoidance and encourage limited

exposure for good health, this is beginning to change. UVB light exposure (which increases yourlevels of vitamin D) has been linked time and again to a reduced risk of many other types of cancersand other disease. JAVA Tanning Studio & Contempo Spa notes the connections between high levelsof vitamin D and low incidence of diseases- while widely reported, are not yet officially sanctioned.Our intention is not to promote the idea that tanning reduces the incidence of disease. We couchthe above comments around the essential advice to all people that sensible sun exposure practicesmust be employed to reduce your risks of over-exposure to UV light, and this opinion piece shouldnot be viewed as a claim that sun bed use offers health benefits.Provided you use good tanning lotions which contain antioxidant ingredients, you may actually beable to reverse the effect of UV-induced free radical damage in the skin. People are largely unawarethat by use of the best tanning lotions & extenders you can afford, and always keep your skinnourished with them, it may be possible to keep wrinkles and premature ageing to a minimum, whilestill enjoying sun exposure.Why have we been scared out of the sun? Read another side of the debate athttp://www.tanningtruth.com/index.php/sun_scare/Why Should I Use A Tanning Lotion?Moist skin tans much better than dry skin, in fact, moist skin will absorb about 20% more UV lightthan dry skin. Using good quality tanning lotion will help you tan faster, and help your tan lastlonger. UV light has a drying effect on the skin so using lotions designed for indoor tanning will helpput back moisture lost in the tanning process. The better condition your skin is in, the more readily itwill perform as nature intended, producing melanin in response to UV exposure, resulting in anatural, healthy-looking tan.The active ingredients in tanning lotions are the building blocks of melanin- amino acids, L-tyrosineetc. As the lotion is absorbed by the skin, these ingredients feed the melanin-producing cells to givefaster tanning results. Lotions maintain skin condition & minimize dry skin cells to avoid the tanflaking off sooner. Anyone who has used a good tanning lotion will know how important it is to useone every time you tan, for the look of your tan, and for your results. Tanning without lotion is likeshowering without soap! Now, you wouldn’t do that, would you?Why Can't I Tan Every Day?Tanning Every Day? Don't Do It! Your tan will not develop as well as if you tan every other day.Tanning is a 24 to 48 hour process, and the cells producing melanin (tanning) pigment need this timeto fully respond to the UV exposure and do their job. Tanning too soon will interrupt the tanningprocess as your skin tries to start the process over again before the first one is complete. Also, yourskin needs time to adjust back to pre-tan moisture levels to look great and tan more effectively. Weknow it's tempting sometimes to jump in that sun bed every day- let's face it- it feels so great! Buthold yourself back to just three tans a week and you'll soon see an awesome difference in your colorand in your skin. (In fact, as you tan moderately over a longer term- you'll start to see your colorincrease more on the second day after tanning than the first.)How Soon After Tanning Can I Shower?

Showering after tanning will not interfere with the tanning process. However, showering straightafter a tanning session will wash all your lotion off. The lotion is still conditioning your skin andpromoting your tanning results, so it seems a bit of a waste! JAVA Tanning Studio & Contempo Spaoffer for sale, special towelettes that contain ingredients to inhibit after-tan odor. If you really wantto shower right after tanning, we advise that you try to wait a minimum of 4 hours at least.Why Do I Have Trouble Tanning My Legs?Legs have much less melanin pigment in them than other parts of the body. Humans were designedwith more melanin in the parts of the body that needed more protection from over-exposure to thesun, e.g. shoulders and arms. Legs are usually ‘shaded’ by the rest of the body, so they don’t need asmuch protection, and therefore it will take longer for you to see tanning results on your legs. Shaving,waxing & exfoliating legs also slows down results as this strips older, tanned skin cells, revealingnew un-tanned skin. Have patience, limit your exfoliation, or use products with bronzers or hotaction in them to give legs a boost. (Try a Hydration Station Session for amazing results!)Tanning Outside: Can I Do It?Indoor tanning is, in our opinion of course, the best way to get and keep a natural tan the mostsensible way. But yes, tanning outside is a viable option too... as long as you follow the rules ofoutdoor tanning- this can be a perfectly acceptable way to top up your color. After all, it's what wewere all doing well before sun beds were invented!The DO'S of Outdoor Tanning• DO Use tanning lotion, good quality moisturizer or low-factor sunscreen when tanningoutside- just like indoors skin can dry out without this essential hydration replenishment.• DO Watch your exposure time carefully- get a stopwatch & make sure you have the sameamount of time both sides- increasing gradually between sessions. Work out your skin typeand be cautious. For example, a skin type 2 would start with just five-ten minutes exposureeither side, and increase this time every second day by just 3-5 minutes to avoid sunburn andmaximize your tan result.• DO Know your limits! When you start to feel uncomfortably hot, it's time to get in the shade.o To Use Tanning Lotion: While using the best tanning lotions you can afford isadvisable for exceptional tanning results and skincare, we are happy to recommendusing good budget lotions for outdoor tanning. These are a really affordable way to getgood tanning results outdoors.o To Use Moisturizer: The best moisturizers for tanning skin are actually specialty tanextenders- available to suit different budgets – they are also acceptable to use outdoorsfor great nourishment to prevent the skin drying out and give good quality antioxidantbenefits to your tanning skin.o To Use Sunscreen: These days it's pretty tough to find a sunscreen product in thechemist or supermarket that will actually help you tan. California Tan Sunscreens aregorgeously luxurious sun screening products, which help you to develop a lovelygolden tan while screening out UV rays so that you can enjoy the sun longer.The DON'Ts of Outdoor Tanning

• DON'T tan every day- the same rules apply as indoor tanning- only tanning every second day,or once every 24 to 48 hours, will produce a better tan & be much better for the health of yourskin.• DON'T burn! Monitor your sessions carefully and take it easy. Patience is a virtue when itcomes to natural tanning, but it is well rewarded.• DON'T forget- outdoor tanlines are swiftly sorted with a few trips to an exceptional indoortanning facility like JAVA Tanning Studio & Contempo Spa!Why Does My Tan Fade?Using a good quality tan accelerator lotion while tanning, as well as an extending moisturizerproduct in between tanning sessions, is the key to maintaining your healthy-looking tan. Extendermoisturizers contain the same tan-maximizing ingredients in them as the accelerators, promotingyour results even between tanning sessions. Don’t forget that your skin is constantly exfoliating andrejuvenating, so keeping your skin in great condition and locking in moisture levels is essential tokeep your tan looking beautiful.I have a wedding in six weeks. What’s the best way for me to get brown?There are a number of options available to you. In six weeks you will be able to fit in about 18 tanningsessions, so this is plenty of time for most skin types to get a good color. Another advantage of anatural tan achieved by moderate and supervised indoor exposure is that it will condition your skinfor your warm and exotic honeymoon! A sun bed-acquired base tan offers an SPF (sun protectionfactor of 2-3). Using a tanning lotion with bronzers, will give you immediate color results while yournatural tan develops and have you looking gorgeous for the big day.Why do I PEEL when I come back from holiday?Indoor tanning and outdoor tanning are the same; you should only tan every 24 – 48 hours. So, whileit feels fantastic to get out and sunbathe every day when you're on holidays with great weather, ifyou do you will dehydrate your skin and disadvantage your tan. Generally speaking- in hot, tropicalplaces, the moisture content in the air is a lot higher than here in Canada, so you may well not noticethe dehydrating effect your every day tanning is having while you're there. It's only when you returnhome to a dryer climate that your lovely tropical holiday tan starts to disintegrate and peel awaywhen your skin has a chance to rest. This can all be avoided! Not only should you ALWAYS usetanning accelerators and/or SPF sun protection products when outdoor tanning, you should alsoonly tan once every two days (stay in the shade, cover up or slather on SPFs on the non-tanning days)and ensure that you are moisturizing your whole body at least twice a day during and after yourholiday. Try the wonderful moisturizers available at JAVA Tanning Studio & Contempo Spa - a greatinvestment for keeping that terrific holiday color!Can I tan when I'm PREGNANT?

The most important thing for you to know about tanning when you're pregnant is that UV light doesnot penetrate past the epidermis or outer layer of your skin, so it goes nowhere near your unbornbaby. The legend of the 'roasted tanner' is just that- a story! Contrary to the way film-makers may like toportray tanning equipment, sun beds do not emit microwaves and do not 'cook' anything, least of all you oryour insides!When you are pregnant, you are much more sensitive to HEAT, and so the sun bed environment maybe uncomfortable for you.In the THIRD trimester, tanning may bring on contractions, and you may well not feel up to it at thatpoint anyway!JAVA Tanning Studio & Contempo Spa has had many moms-to-be tanning with us at all stages ofpregnancy. These ladies have done their own research and come to a thoughtful decision thatmoderate UV exposure will be a good thing for them while pregnant. Our tanning moms maintainthat the vitamin D resulting from UVB light exposure like that in our stand-up sun booths boosts thehealth of them AND their babies. Please note however, we do recommend you consult your doctorif you still have concerns, and we advise sun bed tanning should not be attempted by persons withskin type 1.Industry RepresentationThe JTCA (Joint Canadian Tanning Association) was set up to protect individual freedom to tan andto provide a voice for the sun bed industry. JAVA Tanning Studio & Contempo Spa representativesare actively involved with this organization; we believe it is a useful vehicle to achieve bettercompliance within in the industry in the interests of protecting consumers' rights and public health.To view the JCTA website go to: www.tanresponsibly.ca