Questions and Answers

Q1. Can I go on a sunbed and sunbathe in the natural sun on the same day ?

A. You should avoid this, if possible, so that the daily exposure of UV rays is not exceeded, as this might cause a sunburn.

Q2. Can I use a sunbed when I am pregnant ?

A. If you do not need to avoid the natural sun, you can use a sunbed as well . However, excessive sunbathing should be avoided in order to prevent too much strain on the body. In cases of doubt, ask your doctor.

Q3. Can children and people with Type 1 skin use a sunbed ?

A. Children and people with Type 1 skin react very sensitively to the sun and should avoid tanning according to the opinion of dermatologists.

Q4. What do I have to remember when I use a tanning lotion ?

A. If the product has been dermatalogically tested, there is no reason you should not use it. However, it is not a good idea to use untested tanning pills or tanning crèmes.

Q5. Why doesn't the skin tan equally on all parts ?

A. The insides of the arms and legs do not tan so well because they have less pigment forming cells than the rest of the skin. The face does not tan as easily because it has a thicker horny layer by nature, as a protection against UV-B rays. Freckles and pigmental spots have a high number of tanning pigments, and for this reason will turn darker much faster than other parts of the skin. Parts of the skin that we lay on have a poor circulation. A lack of oxygen may lead to a reduced coloration of the melanin pigments. Tanning without pressure spots is thus provided best by sunbeds with ergonomically designed shaped base acrylics.

Q6. What can I do if a sunburn develops none the less ?

A. Permit a slight sunburn to pass, best of all, which means - some days without sun - provide the skin with moisturising skin-care products and drink a lot. In cases of severe sunburn seek the advice of your doctor.

Q7. How long does the tan last ?

A. About 2 to 4 weeks after sunbathing. Due to the natural renewal of the skin, the upper skin cells are shed little by little. After about 28 days the skin will have renewed itself. By means of the corresponding care with special cosmetic products for example, the tan can be conserved longer.

Q8. How can the holiday tan be conserved ?

A. You can use a sunbed once or twice a week. A few minutes of sunbathing are completely satisfactory to conserve your holiday tan.

Q9. What is the optimal number of tanning tubes required to give the best tanning performance from a vertical tanning unit?

A. There has been great debate about the optimal number of tubes for tanning efficiency. Tanning efficiency is influenced by:

• The age and type of the UV tubes and how many tanning hours they have already completed
• The total UV output from the equipment
• The distance of the client from the tubes
• The ambient temperature of the tubes; if they become too hot then tubes don’t operate efficiently

Ambient temperature varies from one salon to the next (some may have air conditioning and others may not, air extraction and size of room also varies) and this influences tanning efficiency in the same way as the cooling mechanism of the equipment. The age and type of tubes in each unit also varies and Sunquest are prepared to use whatever type of tubes the customer prefers.

In respect of tanning efficiency across the various units on the market today, we can only really compare the variables that the manufacturer has direct control of ie, distance of the client from the tubes (or the tanning tunnel area) and the UV output as measured by the total wattage of the tubes (eg, 48 x 160 Watts for a 48 tube unit fitted with 160Watt lamps). The tanning tunnel area in square metres is also the area of the base of the unit and is calculated by using the formula π x radius of the floor ² (the formula for calculating the area of a circle).

Obviously, if you provide more UV output per m² of tanning tunnel area then tanning performance will be better. This is a simple mathematical equation! For example, a 60 tube 160W Aurora has a higher UV output than a 48 tube 160W Aurora and indeed most other 48 tube VTUs on the market today, even those with a smaller tanning tunnel or floor surface area. Try the calculation for yourself!

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