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Old 03-21-2003, 12:08 PM   #1 (permalink)
 
Join Date: Mar 11 2003
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I was wondering what is the normal %UVB in a stand-up tanning booth. I thought that it was really low (like under 8%).

I went to a salon and got in a Sundazzler booth and stayed 7 minutes (max was 11). I got pretty red...especially on my upper body. My neck was the worst. When I mentioned this, the girl at the desk told me that I got redder on my neck and chest because they were more moisturized than my legs. She also said that as long as I didn't peel, I should come on back in a couple of days and stay the same amount of time. I DID NOT do that. I don't think she really knew much. She was very young and just working at the appointment desk. I didn't use any tanning lotion that first time because I hadn't decided what kind I wanted. I did, however, start using Body Drench moisturizer that night. I now have bought some Swedish Hemp Creme by Swedish Beauty. I will use it next time I go. I decided to call and ask some questions.
I called today and said that I had some specific questions about one of their beds. I said, "Can you help me or do I need to speak with someone else?" She told me to hold on and got someone for me. I thought "Great, I'll get to talk to someone that can provide some answers!" WRONG!! Here were my questions and the answers I received:

Me: How old is the Sundazzler unit?

Her: I'm not sure....let me ask. (I hear her ask someone else).....1998. But she just changed the bulbs in November.

Me: How many watts are they?

Her: Uh, let me ask....The most powerful you can get for that bed. (She then rattles off some numbers I didn't even recognize.) I asked her again and she said 13.0 (now even I know that watts should be something over 100, right?).

Me: What about percent UVB?

Her: Hold on.....she's got a lot of customers......40%.

(Recently, I found a site online that explained the differences in bulbs. It said that most people with normal skin go for about 5% UVB. If that's true, then 40% seems way too high.) Do you think she was right? Or, do you think was she just confused about the numbers like she was with 13 watts? Do they even make lamps with 40% UVB? I thought they were all really low (like 8%).

I was going to ask if they periodically flip the bulbs around in the stand-up. But after those answers, I figured why bother asking.

I know I should find another place. However, I live in the country and I have to drive an hour round-trip just to tan at this place. There are a handful of other salons in that town. But, truthfully, I don't think any of them would know any more about their equipment. This salon is big. They have regular, super, deluxe, and stand-up beds. They also have the MysticTan spray booths, hydromassage, facials, nails, hair, etc. And it's the only one in town with a stand-up unit. For some reason, I can't seem to get in the lay-down beds without itching for days. It's happened every time I've gotten in one (and I've tried different ones over the years). In fact, I stopped tanning because of that. Then, I heard about the stand-up beds. Last year, I tanned in a stand-up right here in my country neighborhood (just a girl that owned a beauty shop and had a really old stand up bed.) She had bought it from a Gold's Gym that went out of business. It did great. In fact, she gave me more info than this big salon. But she doesn't have it anymore. It was really old and giving her problems so she bought a lay-down bed. I tried her new lay-down bed a couple of weeks ago. I got in it on Wednesday and itched/stung through Saturday. And I did moisturize. So, maybe I'm allergic to something on those beds.

Anyway, I don't have a lot in the way of choices. Basically, it's either stay where I'm at and figure out what I need to do in that stand-up.....or use a lay-down bed and itch/sting.....or stop tanning indoors. I don't have time to tan much outdoors.

I think I can wisely figure out my length of time and increase gradually. I just don't want to be red every time. Last year, I turned pink at first but then seemed to get browner each time I stayed. It didn't take me but 2 or 3 visits to start looking a little brown. But, of course, I have no idea how much UVB was in that bed last year. Even my redness from Sunday is now brown....and hopefully I won't peel. I haven't so far. But, if I peel, it's usually a week later. So, I guess what I'm wondering is: If the 40% UVB is correct....is that going to make me red/pink every single time? Or, will it start getting me browner after a visit or two? I've only been in it once so far. It's obvious I can't depend on the people at that salon. I'm going to have to research and be my own protector here. Are there any other precautions I can take with such a high UVB%?

I wonder how much UVA is in the lamps. Isn't the UVA better for tanning and the UVB that causes more burning?

I don't really have anywhere else to go. I tried to check other towns that are about the same distance (an hour round trip) and can't find anything.

Sorry for such a long post. Just wanted to give all the necessary info here. Thanks everyone,

Tonya

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Old 03-21-2003, 12:39 PM   #2 (permalink)
 
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Hello,
My name is Jeff and I work for Exotic Tanning Systems. If you would like some help to your situation, please give me a call at 800-346-3584 ext. 308 and I will be happy to help you will all of you questions above.
Jeff
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Old 03-21-2003, 12:47 PM   #3 (permalink)
 
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Woa, 40% UVB would be like sitting on MERCURY........

this information is completely wrong.....

melty
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Old 03-21-2003, 01:11 PM   #4 (permalink)
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Some booths are touchy. Even 2 minutes makes a big difference in whether you burn or not. I'm assuming you're a little fair right now. In an 11-minute booth you probably should have started with 5 minutes. You might have burned in the neck area because that area is kind of sensitive in that it stays covered alot by hair. My neck is kinda white right now even though my body has a tan. When you get in a stand-up unit you are gonna tan areas that get missed by tanning in beds - like your underarms, back of the neck, and behind the arms. That's where I usually get a little pinkish at first.
If you still want to tan at the same place, I would start off with less tan time. It seems that the kids working there are clueless. But you don't have to be. You be in charge of your own tanning. If you like their place and their beds, go back - just take it slower. There's a great product called Insurance that helps with the burn - makes it feel great!
Stand-ups typically give you more color in your upper body - so be prepared. If you start to notice that your legs aren't getting dark enough, go into one of the lay-down beds to tan them up.
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Old 03-21-2003, 08:50 PM   #5 (permalink)
 
Join Date: Mar 5 2003
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I'm sorry you had such a bad experience. I second redhot's advice on cutting your time and working your way up. However, if you want to try a lay-down bed again, I would ask for an 2 extra towels. Wet one with water and wipe down the acrylic and use the other one to dry it off. I have several customers who are sensitive to the sanitizer and this cleared up their problem.
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