How our Tanning Salon Certification Helps You Tan Better 21 Jun 2021, 7:53 pm

There are many things to consider for a great cosmetic tan indoors. Not all tanning salons are equal, so here are some tips to think about.

Staff members at the Image Center have completed the Sun is Life Certification, to keep informed about the latest information on tanning. This tanning salon certification covers a lot about understanding the business and serving you in the best way possible.

We’ve learned extensively about:

• Understanding ultraviolet light
• The skin’s reaction to UV light
• Photosensitivity
• Skin Cancer
• Skin Typing
• Federal & State regulations
• Eye protection
• Lamps
• Salon cleaning and sanitization
• Indoor tanning lotions and sunless products
• Equipment operation and maintenance
• Salon operations

Indoor tanning creates a controlled environment for a cosmetic tan. Unlike tanning outdoors, UV light exposures are delivered according to individual skin type and regulated by a precise timing system.

The following areas cover some helpful information when deciding about indoor tanning.

How Genetic History Affects Tanning

If you have a family history of skin cancer, you may have a sensitivity to tanning, whether it is indoors or outdoors, which may affect your decision on whether tanning is right for you.

Fair-haired or red-haired people are often sensitive to UV rays. Those with moles or freckles should also be careful about their amount of exposure.

One of our first steps is to help you analyze your skin type and sensitivity before starting indoor tanning. While a three-minute tan is minimal exposure for one person, it may be too much for another.

By understanding your sensitivity level to indoor tanning, you avoid risks that may not exist for other people. You don’t want to overdo it or find yourself in a situation where the risk of UV exposure is too high for your skin type.

How Medications Affect Photosensitivity

Photosensitivity is also called sun sensitivity. Some diseases or illnesses can affect how sensitive your skin is when exposed to the sun. In some cases, a rash, itching or burning may result from UV exposure. Lyme disease, lupus, and chronic inflammation are common illnesses that bring a sensitivity to light.

Some prescriptions, medications, cosmetic products, and essential oils can also affect your photosensitivity. Many antibiotics help treat illnesses, but they may also make you more susceptible to burning.

If you have an illness or are on a prescription medication, make sure to discuss indoor tanning with your doctor before beginning a tanning program.

Eye protection during indoor tanning

When unprotected, your eyes can be permanently damaged from UV rays, whether they are from the outdoor sun or indoor tanning. That’s why it’s important to use good eye protection when using a tanning bed or booth. Simply closing your eyes does not provide enough protection, as the skin on your eyelid is thin and the UV light will penetrate it easily.

Make sure that your eyelid is completely covered with your eye protection and that you pick a type that is rated for indoor tanning.

Tanning goggles fit snugly over your eyelids, with a thin elastic strap to hold them on your head. They come in a variety of shapes, colors, and sizes, and can be reused if cared for properly.

Tanning stickers are a popular alternative to goggles but are a one-time use product. They are designed to fold as a cone to cover your eyelid, sticking in place. Since they stick directly on your eyelid, these don’t cause “raccoon tan lines” that common goggles do.

Moisturize your skin when tanning indoors

UV rays can dry out the surface of your skin and lead to wrinkles, age spots, and even possibly skin cancer. Moisturizing is a crucial step in indoor tanning because it helps keep your skin hydrated.

It also works to help provide you with an even tan. A complete application of tanning lotion over the entire body reduces the chance of developing blotches, patches, or uneven lines. 

Moisturizing also helps make your indoor tanning session as comfortable as possible.

Tanning Salon Staff Consultation

If you’re new to tanning indoors, take advantage of a consultation with the certified staff members before you begin.

They can offer suggestions to make your tanning experience more pleasant and answer any questions you may have about indoor tanning.

Top Things To Consider When Finding a Tanning Salon 1 Nov 2018, 6:05 pm

There are a number of factors that you need to consider when finding a tanning salon. Your skin is the largest organ in your body, and you should take care to protect it. Research has shown that tanning can offer benefits to your skin and to your overall health. Not all tanning salons will be the same, and it is up to you do find the best one for your needs.

Things You Should Consider When Choosing a Tanning Salon

Location – Your time is precious and being able to save a few minutes can mean a great deal. Consider looking for a tanning salon around your home or around your business. It can also be time saving to choose a salon that sits within your commuting route.

Options – Many salons will provide a range of services, from different tanning beds to spray tanning. Some may even offer extra services such as manicures, pedicures, or massages. Having a wide variety of options can help you make the most of your time at the tanning salon.

References and Recommendations – Word of mouth is still the best form of advertisement for all industries. Hearing rave reviews from friends and family can be a great way to find the right tanning salon.

Packages – Many tanning salons will offer incentives in the form of package deals on services or tanning sessions. Some salons will offer a monthly package, while some will offer a session package instead. The available packages can be a good reason to choose a specific tanning salon.

Cleanliness – The upkeep and cleanliness of the facilities, the tanning beds, and the changing rooms should be high on your list of priorities when it comes to finding the right tanning salon. Ask about cleaning schedules and also request to see the beds and other areas before signing a contract.

Equipment – There are wide variety of tanning beds and tanning services. Knowing that the equipment is up to date and well-maintained is important to ensuring that you get a safe, quality tan.

There are a number of different things that you need to consider when looking for a place to do your tanning. Start by talking to others and finding out what they have to say about the salons they use. Take time to visit the locations that have been recommended so that you can compare services and packages and check the cleanliness of the facilities.

The more that you learn about salons, the easier it will be for you to make the best decision for your needs. Take time to make a list of concerns or interests and rank those in order of importance. Then, use that list to find the perfect salon for you.

Top 3 Benefits Of a Customized Exercise Plan 20 Oct 2018, 6:15 pm

There are a number of benefits that you can gain from creating and following a customized exercise plan. Your body is unique, and you will have different scheduling requirements than others will. That is why it is important to have a customized exercise plan – your needs are different.

It is helpful to learn from professionals who have experience and an educational background in exercise and physiology. If you have a personal trainer, be sure to choose one that will take your unique needs and requirements into consideration.

The 3 Top Benefits of a Customized Exercise Plan

1. A customized exercise plan can be adjusted to your physical limitations or your desired results. Standard exercises such as jumping jacks or sit ups can be customized if those exercises strain your muscles or joints. The old idea of “no pain, no gain” is deceiving. You want to push your body, but you don’t want to hurt yourself. Understand the difference between injury and “safe” soreness.

2. Create a plan that will work for you. No matter how solid a plan may be, if you never follow through, then it will do you no good. A customized exercise plan will take your schedule and your requirements into account and work around those issues. Sometimes the plan may incorporate your daily schedule in a new and unexpected way. By making these twists in your exercise plan, you are more likely to follow through with consistency. The consistent pursuit of regular exercise will make the biggest impact on your life.

3. A customized plan can be tweaked for your specific goals. The woman that wants to run a marathon will train differently from the man that wants to rock climb. Different muscles will be targeted. Your reasons for wanting to exercise will have a lot to do with the exercises that are chosen for your unique plan.

Exercise plans are not a “one size fit all” system. Women and men will train differently – although it may not seem like the differences are significant – because their bodies respond differently to exercises. Some individuals will need to focus on areas that are less critical for other people. People with limitations (because of health, schedules, or injury) may need to have adjustments made to their plan.

A strong exercise plan is not generic and copied from someone else, but one that works for your needs. Working with a professional who understands your desired goals and individual needs can be the key to developing the right plan. The professional trainer or gym staff member should help you analyze your goals and choose the workout plan that will allow you to reach those goals.

When you take into account the top benefits of a customized exercise plan – including the follow through that most likely will come from a plan that fits your needs – then you will understand the value of making that plan.

Benefits of Moisturizing And Tanning 6 May 2015, 6:57 pm

Moisturizing and tanning can have many benefits for keeping skin healthy and looking young. Learning the best techniques and methods will allow you to get the most out of your routine.

Top Benefits for Regular Moisturizing

Rehydrating dry skin. Water is a vital part of the proper functioning of the skin. The regular application of a moisturizer can help rehydrate the skin.

Anti-aging benefits. Healthy and hydrated skin produces a glow. That glow is what makes your skin look and feel younger. Well-hydrated skin will also show fewer wrinkles.

Changes in skin reactivity and barrier properties. Creating hydrated and healthy skin will help the skin protect itself. Troubled skin will react to the environment and even stress situations. Active moisturizing can help reduce those reactions.

Relieve itching and flaking. Dry, itchy skin makes you want to scratch, and too much scratching can lead to wounds that get infected. Heavy, thick creams will protect the skin and provide the moisture that will reduce the itching and flaking.

To get the most benefits from applying moisturizer, choose a time when you are still damp from your bath or shower. Your skin is already plump with the moisture from the water and adding the moisturizer on top of that will help to lock in the moisture.

Surprising Benefits of Tanning

Regular exposure to the sun in moderate amounts will provide many benefits to the body. This is complete exposure, without sunscreen. Always limit the time in the sun to just a few minutes a day to get the most benefits without the high risks that come with sun exposure.

Increased Vitamin D levels – low Vitamin D levels can cause a multitude of issues in the body. Experts have linked low Vitamin D levels to everything from diabetes, neurological disorders, and skin problems to infections, autoimmune disorders, and kidney problems.

Increased production of nitric oxide. Research has shown that a limited exposure to UV rays can help the body produce the chemicals that work to reduce blood pressure.

Tanning can be one of the methods for combating “winter blue” syndrome. This is a condition caused by the darker days of winter and the fact that most people spend their winter days indoors.

Reduction in skin conditions, like outbreaks of acne, can be accomplished by moderate tanning. Fungal infections are also helped with exposure to the sun.

Most problems from the sun happen when there is overexposure. Sunburns and heavy sun tanning are often the biggest issues.

There are many benefits to moisturizing and tanning regularly. Moisturizing helps keep the skin hydrated and healthy. Tanning allows the body to produce Vitamin D, which is essential to helping the body fight off illnesses and disease. Tanning on a moderate level also combats skin problems, including acne breakouts.

Learning the benefits of moisturizing and tanning can help you make a plan to include them in your daily routine. Always start with small amounts and work your way up to the place where you will receive the most benefits for your efforts.

Want to try a tanning package? There’s no contract or commitment! Click to visit the tanning page!

How to Add Exercise into Your Daily Routine 6 May 2015, 6:41 pm

You lead a busy life. Between work, friends, and family it can seem like there is little or no time left for exercise. And yet, exercise needs to be a priority. If you want to live a healthy and vital life, and look and feel your best, then you’ll want to take these steps to help make it a habit and part of your daily routine.

Start Small – Identify one small thing that you can do each day. Can you walk an additional 5,000 steps? That’s about 2.5 miles. Can you spend ten minutes doing calisthenics, such as sit-ups and pushups? Can you jump rope for five minutes? Just focus on achieving a small goal now that you can build on over time.

Find Time Chunks – Your daily exercise doesn’t have to be completed all at once. You can fit it into small segments throughout your day. Identify small time chunks that you can leverage. For example, you can take a walk during lunch, and get up twenty minutes earlier and do your pushups and sit-ups. Find some time during your day and get started.

Do Something that You Love – When your exercise is an activity that you enjoy, you magically make time for it. For example, if you like dancing or bike riding, it will be easier to find time for these activities.

Be a Joiner – Team sports, gyms, and fitness clubs can be motivating because you have more accountability. When you join a team, the other members are counting on you to be there for practice and games. When you join a gym you also have financial accountability, and can get help from a personal fitness trainer when you need it. Joining a walking or running club can be motivating because you’re exercising with other people who are all dedicated to the same sport.

Build in Rewards – Consider rewarding yourself for meeting or exceeding your fitness goals. For example, if you set a goal to visit the gym at least four times each week, then at the end of a successful month you might buy yourself some new gym clothing or visit the spa for a massage. Rewards help you pat yourself on the back and can be motivating.

Finally, get your loved ones involved. It’s much easier to achieve your fitness goals and fit exercise into your daily routine when you have support. Tell your friends and family what your goals are and ask them for help. Let them know what you need from them to succeed.

Daily exercise is good for both your body and your mind. It’s the best way to lose weight and keep it off. It lengthens your life and puts a smile on your face. Incorporating exercise into your daily routine is a great way to live a better life.

Try out the gym equipment! There’s no contract or commitment! Click to visit the B-Fit page

A Clean Car Helps Allergy Sufferers 6 Apr 2015, 11:56 am

You might be surprised to learn that indoor air is often more polluted than outdoor air. This is important for allergy sufferers to remember. If you have allergies, you can be stuck in a difficult position. The inside of your car is contaminated, but you don’t want to roll down the windows because the air outside is full of pollen. So what can you do? Keep your car clean.

How Contaminants Get Inside Your Car

There are essentially three ways that dirt, dust, pollen and other allergens get inside your car. They can come in on your passengers; for example, you might pick up a friend who has a cat. The cat hair sticks to their clothing and then to your car seat.

Pollen and contaminants can also get into your car when you have your windows or sunroof open. Also every time you open your car doors, air rushes in, bringing contaminants with it. Finally, air comes in through your car vents. Whenever you turn on your air conditioning or your heat, it pulls air from the outside. Keeping your car clean can help prevent these natural pollutants from triggering your allergies.

How to Keep It Clean

The first step is to make sure that your car’s air filter is clean. Your car manual will offer a timeline for replacing your filter. If you know how to check your filter, you can make sure that it’s always clean. Your mechanic will also be able to change it for you, and you can have it replaced when you get your oil checked.

Your car cabin air filter filters pollen, dust, bacteria, exhaust, mold spores, and other contaminants from the air coming into your car from the heating or air conditioning. And if you turn on the recirculating air option in your car then it runs your indoor air back through the filter again.

When possible, choose leather upholstery instead of fabric. Pollen and other particles don’t stick to leather, and leather is also easier to wipe down. However, if leather isn’t an option then try to vacuum your car’s interior on a regular basis. Once a week you can run it through a car wash and vacuum the seats, console, and floor mats. Washing your floor mats will help keep dust, hair, and pollen out of your car’s interior as well.

Keep your windows and sun or moon roof closed to keep pollen out. Wash your car on a weekly basis and maintain your car. While you can’t keep all of the pollen and allergens out of your car, a bit of upkeep can help reduce them and their impact on your health.

Visit EZ Car Wash to have a clean car inside and out for one low price.

Protect your car and keep it clean! Click to visit the carwash page

Setting Healthy Exercise Goals to Last All Year 2 Apr 2015, 11:42 am

You know you’re supposed to exercise. It’s good for your health and longevity, and exercise also makes it easier to achieve and maintain weight loss goals. But many people find that setting and keeping their exercise goals is nearly impossible. The key to success is to set good goals. Let’s talk about what a healthy exercise goal looks like, and then offer a few tips to help you get started right.

What is a Healthy Exercise Goal?

Doctors used to recommend doing 30 minutes of exercise each day, but that’s not always a good rule of thumb. In fact, if you do exercise 30 minutes a day but you sit the rest of the day, then you’re still at risk for “sitting disease,” which leads to obesity, heart disease, diabetes and more.

Healthy exercise goals incorporate moving more. However, they also have to be specific, measurable, and attainable. For example, you could decide to start walking 10,000 steps each day. 10,000 steps equals approximately five miles; which makes a great first step for a healthy new year. Once you’ve reached this first goal and integrated the habit into your life, it’s time to add cardio and strength training. A walking habit combined with a consistent exercise program will help you stay in the best shape of your life – and it will add years to your lifespan.

Taking It Up a Notch

Both strength and cardio are recommended for strong muscles and fat burning. There are different types of fitness programs to consider. You can alternate between cardio days and strength days, or you can create a HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) program which allows you to do both cardio and strength in about 20 minutes.

The Key to Achieving Success

It’s vitally important that you set small and realistic goals for yourself. For example, if you decide that you’re going to run three miles every day, but you’re not running at all right now, you might be setting yourself up for failure. Running a mile and walking two miles every day for the first few weeks may be more attainable, or perhaps running three miles three times a week.

Find something that you love to do. If you hate running then don’t set a goal to run every day. Do an activity that makes you smile and you’ll stick with it. Give yourself some time off to recover during the week and track your progress. As you achieve each small goal, remember that it’s a building block to a larger target. And each new habit you create helps you live a healthier life.

Want to get in better shape?Click to let us help you

Top 5 Reasons to Spray Tan 4 Jan 2015, 9:00 pm

Now that the Michigan winter is upon us and the sun is setting  earlier in the day, you are probably spending most of your daylight time indoors. You might be missing the feeling of hot sunny summer days and long summer nights. If that’s the case, you may wish to revisit summer with indoor tanning options such as spray tanning. Here are the top 5 reasons to spray tan.

Control and Customization – When you tan with natural sunlight, you have very little control of the final outcome. You will certainly get tan lines, and you may also develop burns from overexposure.

When you spray tan, you have complete control of the results. You are not limited by your natural complexion and so you can customize the color, shade, and location of your tan. The choices are endless; you can choose anything from a light healthy glow to a deep bronze.

All natural – You can choose to spray tan using all-natural ingredients, as well. Many companies follow green guidelines to produce natural tanning products.

No harmful UV rays – One of the biggest risks of tanning in direct sunlight is exposure to dangerous ultraviolet rays. With spray tanning, you don’t have to worry about skin cancer or sunburn. The results are safe and controllable.

Ease of use – Spray tanning is much quicker, easier, and safer than spending hours baking in the sun. There are many options to choose from that require very little time or effort.

Lasting results – When tanning using natural sunlight, you have to dedicate time every few days to keep your tan looking good. Spray tanning is quick and easy, and lets you achieve lasting results.

Fabulous Tan at Adrian Image Center has top-quality Norvell Auto Revolution™ spray tan equipment to ensure natural, great-looking results, and is affordable as part of a tanning package or a single visit.

Interested in checking out our tanning options?Click here

Benefits of Dry Cleaning Clothing 3 Jan 2015, 10:00 pm

Like many people, you may have a hectic schedule, and you also want to save time and money. Having your clothing dry-cleaned may help you accomplish both goals. Here are some ideas to consider when caring for your clothes.

Clothing lasts longer – Normal washing can make clothes shrink, stretch, fade, and wear out over a relatively short time. Because dry cleaners use different methods and solutions, your clothes will last longer and you will get more wear out of them.

Little extras with a big impact – A professional dry cleaner inspects the clothing and makes note of any problems such as a missing button, tiny tear, or a pricked area that you didn’t notice. They may also offer alteration and mending services such as sewing on buttons or hemming.

Expert Knowledge – Professionals also know the best ways to clean specific fabrics, remove tough stains, preserve cherished garments, and press your clothing. They also know how to clean and care for your draperies, blankets, and other large items that may be hard for you to clean yourself.

Save time – Many dry cleaners have a drive-up window for efficiency when dropping off your clothes. Let them do the work of stain removal, cleaning and hanging the clothes while you make better use of your time.

Save money – Reducing your utility bills is just one advantage of getting help with your laundry; but you can also cut down on the amount of stain removers, color boosters, bleach, detergent, fabric softeners, sponges, brushes, and other laundry room supplies.

There are many benefits to dry cleaning your clothing, so find a professional that’s right for you.

Got a lot of dirty clothes?Click to see how we can make them clean

Winter Skin Care Tips 6 Dec 2014, 2:00 am

It’s easier to remember to care for your skin in the summer, partially because more skin shows. In the winter, when you are more apt to wear long sleeves and stay bundled up, you may not be as conscious of how your skin looks and feels. Your skin can look great year-round. Here are some winter skin care tips for a radiant glow.

Moisturize for winter – Each season comes with its own unique weather conditions. This means that the moisturizer you bought in the spring may not be able to handle winter skin issues. Between the cold air outside and the dry heat inside, it’s no wonder that your skin is drier too. Use oil-based moisturizers, often found in night creams. These help by forming a layer of protection on your skin while they moisturize.

Just add water – One of the main reasons your skin is drier in the winter is the low humidity in your environment – cold air outside and warm dry air inside. If your skin is feeling a bit tight or dry, add some moisture back into the air. This can be done in a variety of ways. Using a humidifier is usually the best and quickest way. However, you can just put a pot of water on the stove and let it heat until the water is steaming hot. Another way to do this on a smaller scale is to use a very basic, electric diffuser, which can be used with or without scents.

Food for Thought and Skin – Certain foods can help you fight the ravaging effects of winter and keep your skin healthy. Eat some tomatoes, chickpeas, salmon, sweet potatoes, cucumbers, Iceberg lettuce, green tea, pumpkin, rosemary, thyme, walnuts, apples, and oranges.

Remember the sunscreen –Whether you participate in winter sports or not, don’t forget to use sunscreen. The sun can cause just as much damage in winter as it does in summer. Since you may not feel the heat from the winter sun as you do in the summer, you may not notice the signs of sunburn. When possible, use a winter sunscreen that contains a moisturizer.

Winter skin care presents some unique challenges, but following a few tips will give your skin a great look that will brighten your day!

Going on a vacation soon and want a base tan?Click here to see how we can help you