Inbox

Q: My tanning salon just started carrying sunless products. How exactly do they work and how fast will I see results?

Barbara Roytan
Hammond, Ind.

A: Many of today's sunless products use an ingredient called dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which promotes the development of superficial pigmentation. DHA reacts with amino acids in the skin to form a brown or tan color. This process develops quickly, usually within one hour after DHA application.

For most users, two to four serial applications at intervals of several hours are necessary to achieve the desired appearance, and reapplication every two to four days often will help maintain the level of color. Be sure to exfoliate your skin before applying a sunless tanner so it creates a smooth-looking finish.

Q: My tanning salon suggests that I try their new high-pressure tanning unit. I am a little hesitant because the session price is more expensive than what I currently pay. Is there really a difference?

Pete Tangel
Baltimore

A: The development and use of high-pressure lamps mostly came about because of the consumer's demand for a faster and more-efficient method of tanning. Compared to low-pressure lamps, high-pressure lamps emit a higher level of ultraviolet light in the UVA range--resulting in a stronger, more immediate tanning effect.

As for the price of high-pressure, there are a lot of things to take into consideration. First, the amount of sessions needed to achieve and maintain a tan on high-pressure equipment is substantially lower than on a conventional bed. In fact, after three consecutive high-pressure tanning sessions it is only necessary to tan about once every 10 days.

This is primarily because high-pressure sessions incorporate a majority of UVA light and only a very small percentage of UVB. Conventional sunbeds expose the skin to much higher levels of UVB, causing the skin to exfoliate at an accelerated pace, and thus requiring you to tan more frequently to keep desired results. The bottom line is whether you tan on a conventional sunbed 12 times a month or on a high-pressure bed three times a month, the cost is virtually the same in the end!

If you would like some more detailed information about the benefits of high-pressure tanning, please visit us at www.ultrabronzamerica.com

Q: Why does my tanning salon insist I wear tanning goggles while tanning?

Debbie Linser
Springdale, Pa.

A: The answer is simple: it's the law. Responsible tanning salon professionals cannot stress enough the importance of wearing FDA-compliant eyewear during tanning sessions. Although UV rays emitted from tanning units work well at giving us our golden tan, these same rays can damage sensitive structures in our unprotected eyes. And since eye damage is cumulative, salon staff and state and federal guidelines require the constant use of federally compliant eyewear while tanning.

Q: Can I lose body fat by dieting alone?

Donna Perry
Springerville, Ariz.

A: First and foremost, you should consult with your physician before beginning a diet or exercise plan. However, the answer to your question is yes--but you will lose valuable muscle in the process. The best way to lose body fat is through a combination of physical activity and a low-fat diet (fat intake of less than 30 percent of your daily caloric intake). For faster results, regular physical activity should comprise of a combination of aerobic activity such as walking, running, swimming, biking and resistance training such as lifting weights or using elastic bands.