Dying for dark winter skin
Snow may fall and make the world whiter, but that won’t stop several students from wanting to stay dark.
Indoor tanning is “in” these days, and in spite of the risks and cost involved, “fake-baking” is popular, especially in the winter.
“In the summer, you’re lucky if you even get a few people to come in; but in the winter, we usually see five to 10 people an hour,” said Michelle Stone, an employee at Tropical Hyde in Logan.
Stone said people of all ages come to use the ultra-violet beds, but she mostly sees women in their 30s and 40s, and she said they are always coming in just to get darker skin. Stone said a lot of people tan in the winter because it’s an easy way to warm up when the temperatures have dropped and outside is almost freezing.
“A lot of the people come in because they are cold,” Stone said. “And in January, they come in for the light and warmth if they get winter depression.”
While some come to Tropical Hyde periodically for the light and warmth benefits, others that really want a dark tan will come a few times a week and others almost every day, Stone said, and they will spend anywhere between $4 to $8, depending on what bed they want to use. The higher the price, the faster the tan.
Many tanning salons offer monthly passes and at Planet Beach, where Jordan Schwartz is an employee, tanners will spend anywhere from $20 to $90 on them. The reason for putting out the cash, Schwartz said, is not only to keep a good color year round, but also to get more Vitamin D. Schwartz said indoor tanning helps people stay energized during the winter months.
Not all customers tan the whole season. According to Danielle Warnky, an employee at Tanning Studio, a lot of people come in at the end of winter and early spring to build a base tan before summer starts.
USU students make up the bulk of Tanning Studio customers who come in as late as 1 a.m. to tan. But some say they wonder if it’s all worth it. Stone said she personally doesn’t think it’s worth the money and risk to stay tan during the winter.
According to New York State Department of Health, indoor tanning may lead to skin cancer, premature skin aging, skin and eye burning, cataracts, reduced immunity and blood vessel damage.
Even with knowledge of health risks, Stone said it’s really important for some people to have year-round color. Stone suggests self tanners or “magic tanning,” which is something Tropical Hyde offers. A magic tan is a $15 spray-on tan that gets really dark, lasts about a week, and doesn’t have the risks of tanning beds, Stone said.
Other options for skin treatment include the spa bed at Planet Beach, which offers vitamin-rich steam that places nutrients in the skin, making it soft and less likely to wrinkle. Schwartz said if people aren’t into tanning but want healthier winter skin, they can try the bed for 20- or 30-minute sessions.