102 River Street
Jaffrey, NH 03452
603-532-8433
Frequently Asked Questions ...
UV Tanning (for Red-Light Therapy FAQs, please continue to below):
Do I really need to use lotion?
Yes. Using indoor tanning lotions will provide the essentials of effective tanning: hydration, nutrition, and oxygenation. First, dry skin will actually reflect, rather than absorb ultraviolet light and exfoliates much faster. Second, the skin needs nutrients such as tyrosine, magnesium, copper, and zinc in order to tan. If these nutrients are absent or present in small amounts, the tanning process will be slowed or halted. The natural, vitamin rich products sold at Northern Tropics are fundamental to the skin’s appearance and ability to tan and to replenish necessary nutrition to skin cells, promoting cell regeneration and oxygenation. Oxygen fuels skin cell functions, thereby accelerating the process. Our trained personnel will recommend the appropriate products for you.
THE FOLLOWING LOTIONS ARE NOT ALLOWED FOR USE AT THIS SALON:
•
HAWAIIAN TROPIC
HAWAIIAN TROPIC•BANANA BOAT
BANANA BOAT•PANAMA JACK
PANAMA JACK•EUROTAN
EUROTAN•LA EXPRESS
LA EXPRESS•MAUI BABE
MAUI BABE•SUN SECRETS
SUN SECRETS•TAN MAX
TAN MAX•OCEAN POTION
OCEAN POTION•BABY OIL
BABY OIL•NO-AD
NO-ADWhy can’t I use lotion from a discount store?
Non-salon quality lotions contain ingredients that erode the acrylic surface of the tanning equipment. Even if the label says it is for indoor tanning, the cheap ingredients they contain actually create tiny fissures in the acrylic that will not allow the light to pass, diminishing results. The more often a salon has to replace acrylics due to poor lotions such as baby oil and brands available in discount stores, the higher their prices will need to be to absorb those costs. In addition, some cheaper ingredients such as mineral oil are actually bad for the skin.
What should I wear when I tan?
Tanning attire is entirely up to the client. The potential danger of tanning is overexposure of sensitive body parts that are not normally exposed to UV light. It is recommended that sensitive parts be gradually exposed to prevent overexposure.
Why do I have to wear FDA approved eyewear?
UV light causes damage to the eye over time causing night blindness and/or color blindness. Eyewear worn in tanning beds must block 99% UVB and 96% UVA. Sunglasses are not acceptable because they allow light in on all sides and would create a comical tan line. Towels, coins, cotton balls, etc. are also not acceptable forms of protection because they do not eliminate enough of the UV light to be effective. Do not sacrifice the health of your eyes.
Can I shower after tanning?
It is recommended that you wait a minimum of 4 hours after a Mystic UV-Free session to shower, exercise, or participate in water sports. However, there is no evidence to support that showering immediately after tanning in a bed emitting UV light will inhibit the effects of the session.
Why should I wear a lipbalm with an SPF?
Lips do not contain melanin, and therefore are more susceptible to burning.
Why should I tan indoors?
Research shows that sunshine is the source of all life and energy on our planet. The risks involved with tanning are easily minimized by following the Golden Rule of smart tanning: never sunburn. Indoor tanning provides you with the control that you do not possess outside. Often, before you are aware it is happening, you develop a burn when you are involved in an outdoor activity. In a tanning bed, you receive only carefully controlled dosages to prevent overexposure. In addition, a tan provides limited sun protection (approximately equal to SPF 2-4)
What are the potential benefits of tanning?
First, and most obvious, is the desirable cosmetic effect it has on the skin—it turns it an attractive golden brown. Second, UV light is the main source of Vitamin D, which is necessary for good health, bone formation and repair, and the absorption of calcium and phosphorus in the body. Vitamin D can reduce the risks of developing breast and colon cancers. Research shows that incidences of these types of cancers are actually lower in sunny climates. In addition, UV light is an effective treatment for some skin disorders and psychological disorders. There are numerous physical and psychological reasons that UV exposure is desirable.
Why does a tan disappear?
A tan occurs in the top layer of skin, which naturally exfoliates approximately every 28 days. Exposure to UVB speeds up the exfoliation process and causes the top layer to shed more quickly, losing the old tanned skin and generating new (not yet tan) skin cells every 5-7 days.
Can UV rays emitted by indoor tanning lamps affect internal organs?
No. Although this is a popular myth, UV light waves cannot penetrate past the first few layers of skin. Overexposure will result in sunburn, and cannot affect internal organs.
Can I tan while pregnant?
Indoor tanning lamps give off heat. The heat causes the body temperature to rise. Doctors advise pregnant women to avoid the rise in body temperature that devices such as tanning beds and hot tubs induce.
Is it harmful to wear contact lenses while tanning indoors?
It is not advised to wear contact lenses while tanning. Although wearing FDA approved eyewear will protect your eyes from UV light, the heat generated could cause drying and discomfort.
Why do some dermatologists warn people against sun exposure?
While some dermatologists may advocate total avoidance of UV exposure, the media seems to quote only those who do. Many dermatologists and experts from the medical community have acknowledged the need for moderate sun exposure, while advocating the use of sunscreens.
Is it possible to contract AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases from indoor tanning equipment?
People cannot contract diseases from properly sanitized, well maintained tanning beds. Disease specialists have said that no evidence exists that sanitized tanning units have spread diseases.
Can indoor tanning equipment be used to treat skin disorders such as psoriasis?
The FDA and FTC forbid making claims regarding the benefits of indoor tanning other than its cosmetic effects. However, phototherapy (UV light treatment) has been used to ease symptoms of psoriasis. The treatment can be prescribed only by a trained physician.
Can indoor tanning cure acne?
Phototherapy has been effective in easing the skin problems common to this condition. However, there are many drugs used for the treatment of acne that can render the skin photosensitive, and one must avoid UV exposure when medicated. The use of UV light for acne treatment should only be administered by a qualified physician. Again, the FDA prohibits making claims regarding the benefits of indoor tanning other than its cosmetic effects.
Can tanning cause wrinkles?
Excessive exposure can destroy the resilient fibers of the lower skin layer, thereby causing the top layer of skin to sag. Thus, elastosis, or wrinkling appears. If UV light is not blocked by pigmentation in the outer skin layer, it can penetrate to the dermis and destroy skin elasticity. Thus, it is advised to avoid overexposure to UV light.
What is the age limit for tanning?
Per a new law as of August 1, 2015, we do not tan anyone under the age of 18 in our UV equipment. There is no age limit for UV-free tanning in the Mystic tan.
Do men tan?
It is a common myth that tanning is just for women. Many men enjoy the benefits of indoor tanning.
How long will each visit take?
Your initial visit will be the longest. A certified tanning consultant will teach you about the differences in the levels of tanning and help you choose the proper equipment for your skin and needs. Next, you will fill out a short form allowing Northern Tropics to assess the proper tanning time for your skin. Finally, the consultant will make sure that you have everything that you need to begin tanning, teach you how to use the equipment, and answer any questions. This entire process usually takes less than 15 minutes. However, we are always happy to spend as much time as is needed to thoroughly answer all questions.
Do I need to make an appointment?
Appointments are requested, walk-ins are welcome. Northern Tropics is happy to accommodate walk-ins for UV Tanning. However, it is easier to get in and out of the salon, and/or reserving your favorite room via making an appointment. Red-Light Therapy sessions and Spray Tans will require an appointment. Please be advised that our hours are mostly based on appointments so there may be a chance of an early closure or late opening.
Can I bring my child(ren) with me to tan?
Since the salon is not properly staffed to care for small children, it could be dangerous for them to be unattended while they wait. Taking a child into the tanning room is also prohibited because the UV light could damage their eyes.
Why shouldn’t I use lotion bought on the internet?
For the same reason that we don’t buy it that way. Even though it is cheaper than what we can buy it for in bulk from wholesalers, we cannot be certain that what is in the containers is actually the salon-quality lotion it says it is or that it has not been tampered with.
What causes white spots when I tan?
There are actually two types of white spots associated with tanning. The first are the quarter-sized circles usually found on the shoulder blades and base of the spine. These are called pressure points and are caused by your weight resting on these areas and preventing oxygen from reaching them. You can eliminate these pressure points by gently shifting your weight while you tan. DO NOT TAN ON YOUR STOMACH. The tanning acrylics are not made to withstand your weight and when you get up from tanning on your stomach you could put your knee right through the acrylic. The second type of white spots are much smaller (about the size of a pencil point) and are usually found on the shoulders, upper chest, and upper back. This is caused by tinea versicolor, a fungus that resides naturally on human skin and only becomes visible when exposed to hot, humid conditions. Some doctors recommend Head & Shoulders or Selsun Blue on these spots to make them go away. Consult your physician for more information about this condition.
How do I prepare for a sunless session?
To prepare for a sunless session, make sure that you have shaved and/or exfoliated BEFORE the session. Shaving and exfoliating remove the top layer of skin, and therefore begin removing your sunless tan. Your tanning consultant will show you how to put on the barrier cream, stand, and towel off. Make sure that you don’t get wet for at least 4 hours after your session (12 hours is recommended for best results). If you plan to get a manicure or pedicure, do it before the session.
How long will my sunless tan last?
Your sunless tan will last 5-8 days, depending on your rate of exfoliation and whether or not you keep your skin moisturized. Also, if you keep your skin hydrated, your sunless tan will last longer. Northern Tropics carries moisturizers formulated specifically to extend the sunless tan as long as possible
.
Can I tan in UV beds and Mystic?
Yes. The Mystic solution contains no ultraviolet light, so you can do both in the same day. Many people find that if they tan in the UV equipment first, their skin is warmed up and better prepared to receive the Mystic solution. These people have reported darker results that last longer.
Have more questions? Please...
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Red-Light Therapy (For UV Tanning FAQs, please see above):
What can I expect from Red-Light Therapy treatments?
Treatments using Red-Light will improve skin tone and texture, control pigmentation spots, help reduce pore size, encourage vibrant, healthier-looking skin, and reduce wrinkles. Anti-aging red light therapy stimulates circulation and repairs the elastin fibers within tissue to help keep skin firm.
Are Red-Light treatments safe? What does the FDA say?
According to the FDA, Red-Light at 633nm has a “non-significant risk” status and is completely safe. Red-Light penetrates tissue to a depth of 8 – 10 mm, delivering energy to stimulate a response from the body to heal itself. The lights contain no UV light but are still very bright. Eye protection must be worn.
How does Red-Light Therapy work?
Red-Light at 633nm is absorbed by the mitochondria of the cell and stimulates intracellular energy transfer (ATP) production for enhanced cell vitality and permeability, increased production of new collagen, and increased turnover of collagen and elastin fibers. Laboratory studies have shown that skin cells grow 150 – 200 percent faster when exposed to certain light wavelengths, and research has shown red light delivers powerful therapeutic benefits to living tissue.
How does Red-Light Therapy differ from laser treatments?
Red-Light Therapy does not cut, burn, or break the skin as with laser treatments. Lasers use heat and concentrated light to vaporize or remove tissue. Red-Light Therapy bed lamps produce no vaporization or burning of tissue, and therefore no inflammation or erythema. Red-Light Therapy is one of the few non-invasive tools available that can reverse the appearance of aging skin, such as wrinkles and mottled skin tone.
How soon do results become noticeable?
There are few immediate changes to skin, as change occurs naturally over a period of weeks. Everyone reacts differently, depending on their age and the condition of their skin. In general, best results are achieved within a 30 – 60 day period.
Does Red-Light Therapy treat acne, and age spots?
Red-Light helps remove the bacteria that causes acne, and generates cellular activity that deals with age spots. Red-Light Therapy brightens skin and reduces the formation of pigmentation marks.
Does Red-Light Therapy treat cellulite?
No. There is no evidence that Red-Light treatment affects the fatty tissue below the dermis responsible for cellulite. But, the cellulite area affected may be tightened.
How should I prepare my skin for a Red-Light Therapy session?
To ensure the best possible results of the Red-Light treatment, it’s beneficial to cleanse the skin thoroughly beforehand. No other preparation is necessary. The use of special skin care products designed specifically for Red-Light Therapy, may dramatically improve the results experienced. Northern Tropics does have a skin care line called "Beauty with Light" specifically designed for use with Red-Light Therapy units. Our starter kits start at $45.00.
Is it OK to wear cosmetics during the session?
Please be aware that makeup may reduce or block the effectiveness of the light. The skin’s permeability increases during the session, which improves the effectiveness of red light skin care products and allows active ingredients to penetrate deeper. For best results we recommend removing all makeup prior to use.
Does Red-Light Therapy work equally well on all skin types?
The Red-Light Therapy is safe and effective for all skin types and colors. The main prerequisite is that skin be clean for effective light transmission.
How long do the results last?
Results depend on the length of treatment and the original conditions being treated. Skin rejuvenation is a dynamic process. If maintenance treatments are discontinued, natural expression lines will gradually return over the course of time, at which point re-treatment can be put in place.
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**Northern Tropics Red-Light Therapy Disclaimer: This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or ailments. Your actual results and experience may vary from those described herein. The information provided herein is not intended to substitute for advice from your physician or health professionals. You should always consult with your doctor if you have any questions or concerns prior to using such devices for the indications stated.**
