AGI'S TANNING
  and Spray Tan Salon
Reputable and Professional since 1986
416-538-7929
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Frequently Asked Questions:
 
 How the Skin Tans? 
When the skin is exposed to UVB light, cells called melanocytes inthe deeper dermis layer of the skin produce increased amount of melanin, the tanning pigment. This is then transferred to the top layer of skin, the epidermis. UVA acts upon the melanin near the surface by oxidising it. This turns the melanin brown and creates what we know as a tan. UVB also produces a thickenin gof the horny layer of the skin. This process, together with the protection form the oxidised melanin can create a level of sun protection in the skin.
The best way to creat and maintain a tan is by encouraging the melanocytes to produce more melanin and then drawing it to the top layers of skin and retaining and oxidizing it there. This is done by exposing the skin frequently (3 times a week) via a series of tanning session.  Many lotions at our Salon are designed to encourage the melanin to rise to the surface of the skin and oxidise, hence accelerating the tan.  Lotions also re-hydrate the skin preventing drying of the skin. Don't over expose your skin to UV rays,  where it will burn and peel. 
 
I'm new to tanning indoors, are there some precautions I need to be aware of?
Yes! Don't try to rush your tan. A tan should be obtained gradually. Gradually increase your exposure times, 1 to 2 minutes at a time. Consult your physician if you are taking any medication. Always wear protective eyewear. Ultraviolet light will penetrate the eyelids.
 
What is the difference between tanning Outdoors Vs. Indoors?
One major difference with outdoor sun is the risk of exposing yourself to too much UV rays. Climate changes in the atmosphere and intensity of UV fluctuates throughout the day, making it harder to know how much and how long is enough. The main benefit of tanning indoors is that it allows you to control the amount of UV light that you are exposed to, so that you do not get a sunburn.
Outdoor tanning is actually one of the most unreliable ways to achieve that perfect tan.
 
How does tanning equipment work?
Indoor tanning equipment utilizes the same two kinds of ultraviolet light, UVA and UVB rays, which are the same as those emitted by the sun. Tanning equipment provides a controlled ratio of UVA and UVB, where as with the sun, these ratios change throughout the day and during the year.
Your skin produces a tan the same way as it does when you bask in the sun -- through the absorption of ultraviolet light.
UVB is what starts the tanning process by penetrating the skin and stimulating skin cells that produce melanin (the pigment that makes you tan).
UVA completes the process by oxidizing or "browning" the melanin that has been produced.
Tanning lamps use the best ratio of UVB and UVA light to provide tanning results with a lowered risk of overexposure. 
Exposure times are determined by equipment and trained professionals that takes into account previous tanning sessions as well as the tanner's skin type. This minimizes the possibility of the kind of skin damage that is commom with outdoor tanning.
 
Why do people tan?
People choose to tan for psychological and physiological reasons. Some seek the cosmetic value of that polished healthy bronze look. It is also a way to heighten mood (fight the winter blues) and boost your self-esteem. Others tan to help their bodies produce Vitamin D, especially in winter months. The Vitamin D produced from UVB rays help alleviate such conditions such as psoriasis, acne and so much more. See this link for more information on POSITIVE EFFECTS OF TANNING
Indoor tanning is not only efficient, but it also provides a measure of control over the tanning process that never could be achieved lying under the sun.
A session at our indoor tanning facility is an excellent way to improve your health while at the same time minimizing your risk of sunburn. 
A lot of people pre-vacation tan before going down south to prepare the skin for increased sun rays. A sunburn can take the fun out of your trip, and the further south you travel, the more intense rays.
 
Can pregnant women practice Indoor tanning?
 
Yes. There is no scientific or biological reason they should not tan, whether it is indoors or outdoors. In fact, some scientists believe that the vitamin D generated by UVB rays may be beneficial to the mother and the fetus. Remember, when you are pregnant you can be affected by the heat, this is why it is best to take shorter session.
Should I wax before tanning or after?
 It is best not tan within 24 hours before or after waxing. If you tan before waxing, there is an increased chance of skin irritation or abrasion, even with no visible sunburn. If you tan after waxing, there is an increased chance of sunburn of that area.
But, if you must, you are better tanning before waxing and waiting a few hours before waxing.
 
 
How long does it take to see results?
Frankly that depends on your skin type. Consistency is the key, about three times a week, every 48 hours, starting at low exposure times and gradually increasing your time as your tan builds. Once you have that desirable colour, you come in once a week to maintain your result. Your tan will develop gradually, but it takes a few weeks of regular tanning to get the colour you're looking for.
Don't forget to use an indoor tanning lotion, which makes a big difference in your tan and helps you build your tan faster, darker, and lasting longer.
 
What do I wear?
Basically you can wear whatever you feel like wearing. This is truly a personal preference. Some tan in shorts, under garments, bathing suit or nothing at all. If you choose to tan in the nude, take extra care of areas that are never exposed to UV rays. By exposing the tender spots at a gradual rate, melanin will eventually catch up with the rest of the body's skin for an even, overall tan. One method is to cover the sensitive areas with a towel or clothing during part of the exposure time for the first few sessions.
 
Do I need to protect my eyes? 
Absolutely, simply closing them or wearing sunglasses is not adequate protection. Eyelids block less than 25% of UV light. The only way to do the job in protecting your precious eyes is to wear specially designed and  manufactured eye protection for indoor tanning. You can purchase your very own FDA-compliant eye protection at our salon.
 
Do I need to apply indoor tanning lotion ?
The use of specially designed indoor tanning lotion available at our salon is an absolute neccessity. There are many benefits to using a lotion which plays a vital role in the outcome of your tanning result.
Tanning lotions contain many vitamins and nutrients, along with emoillents, hydrators, moisturizers, humectants and age-defying ingredients. Also, proteins and amino acids that aid in the tanning process..
These ingredients are essential not only in promoting healthier looking skin, but also to help replenish moisture lost during the tanning process.
 
I just can't get any darker, what can I do?
Your skin actually becomes thicker as your tanning progresses and makes It difficult for UV light to penetrate the upper layers of skin. This is commonly referred to as a tanning "Plateau".  Using a different indoor tanning lotion and switching tanning units can help spur the tanning process.
 
Why does my tan dissapear?
Your tan occurs on the outer layers of your skin, the epidermal layers. Those skin cells gradually die and are replaced with the next layer of untanned skin every 26 to 30 days.
 
 What causes white spots?
There are several reasons why white spots occur:
  • Tinea Versicolor. Skin has innumerable types of bacteria, mold and yeast on it. Sometimes due to diet or some other cause (Not tanning), tinea versicolor (Sun spots) gets control of an area of skin and disables melanocyte cells from tanning, resulting in an area that does not tan. This is a type of fungus originating usually on the scalp, that becomes noticeable once tanning occurs, but not a result of tanning. It can be remedied with extra strength shampoos that have the active ingredient "selenium sulfide" (the ingredient responsible for killing off the fungus that cause white spots). Sometimes shampoos are not as effective as using a prescription topical cream such as "Lamisil".
  • Pressure Points. Your position on the tanning bed may create pressure on the tanning bed may create pressure on an area of the body - mainly shoulder blades, tail bone area, and backs of calves - restricting blood flow and preveting tanning due to lack of oxygen in the area. Periodic body shifting during tanning will make these patches preventable. Also, using a stand-up booth every few sessions will give you a more even tan.
  • Vitiligo. Areas that do not produce melanin, usually an irregularly shaped patch of pale skin surrounded by normally tan skin. This cause is unknown, but medically treatable.
Can I take a shower after tanning?
Taking a shower after tanning will not wash your tan away. A natural tan takes 24-48 hours to develop.
A shower may tend to dry your skin and result in your tan to flake, therefore it is best to wait for your skin to moisture lock for atleast 1-2 hours. Use shower gel and a good quality lotion, such as your tanning lotion to help preserve your results.
If you use a bronzer tanning lotion when you tan, do wait atleast 4 hours before showering.
 
Try to shower before your tanning session:  better tanning result. First, the heat from the shower opens your pores, enabling skin to breathe and take in oxygen vital to the tanning process. Second, a shower will wash away dirt and dead skin cells that may impede ultravoilet penetration when you tan. Removing those dead skin cells also allows the active ingredients in tanning lotions to work there way into the live skin cells more easily.
 
What is that smell I get after tanning?
When the body heats up, harmless bacteria on the skin cause that smell. The tanning lotions sold at our salon contain Odor Shield Technology to eliminate after-tan odour. 
 
How do I get rid of pressure points?
Pressure points are usually found on the shoulder blades, tailbone and elbow area. What you want to do is lift up, carefully off the acrylic, several times during your tanning session, to allow oxygen to get at that skin. Within a few tanning sessions, you should see them disappear.

Should I use Lip Balm?
Yes ,your lips do not produce melanin and will never develop a tan. However, UV light from the sun or a tanning unit will cause your lips to dry. Before tanning, apply SPF lip balm.
 
If I have tatoos should I cover them?
Yes! Protect your ink from fading by applying a SPF lip balm/Australian Gold Tattoo Stick balm "sold exclusively at our salon"  to the area.
 
Why do we always hear that tanning is bad? 
The almighty dollar. Fear of the sun, scaring people about wrinkles and skin cancer, is a multi-billion dollar industry led by huge special interests that not only conduct most of the research on this topic but also promote it. Lobbyists for pharmaceutical firms that sell billions of dollars of sunscreens and anti-sun cosmetics have teamed with the dermatology industry to promote a misinformed campaign of sun abstinence.
The idea that people need to control their sun exposure is valid, but
Sun-Scare lobbyists have taken the message too far. People should  be encouraged to tan responsibly and avoid sunburn.
~Zoe International "The Healthy Sun Times" Vol. 1 No. 2
 
Can tanning cause cancer? 
 No research has ever shown that moderate exposure to UV in a non-burning fashion causes skin cancer. It's significant that melanoma is seen more often in people who do not receive regular, moderate sun exposure than in those who spend time in the sun. Also, Melanomas usually occur on parts of the body that receive no sun exposure. This would suggest that genetics play a much more important role in the development of skin cancer than does regular, moderate sun exposure.
~"The UV Advantage" By Dr. Michael Holick, M.D.,PhD
You'd be surprised to know that studies have shown that a sensible amount of sun reduces your risk of several cancers and other serious health conditions. And it's all thanks to Vitamin D, which is made by our bodies through the action of the sun's UVB rays on our skin.
~"The UV Advantage" By Dr. Michael Holick, M.D.,PhD
See this additional interesting article from a Medial Oncologist 
 
Did you know.....
Depending on your skin type, your skin may need more that 24 hours to recover after being exposed to ultraviolet light. We recommend that you space your tanning sessions 48 hours apart to allow proper recovery time and reduce the risk of overexposure.
Did you know.....
The heat that you feel while tanning is from the infrared spectrum of light and has absolutely nothing to do with the tanning process.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                 
                
Studies of indoor tanners have shown consistently that indoor tanning customers once they begin tanning in a professional salon, are less likely to sunburn than they were before they started tanning.
 
Moderate exposure to UVB rays help develop a natural barrier in the skin to protect the body from excessive UV light. UVB rays stimulate the production of melanin, which helps to thicken the skin and develop an additional sun protection factor.
 
 
 
                                 
                         
                                       
                            
                            
      
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 
 
 
 
454 Bloor St. W. 2nd Floor, Toronto, 416-538-7929                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Copyright © 2008. Agi's Tanning and Spray Tan Salon . All Rights Reserved.