Tan Away Muscle Pains and Fibromyalgia!

Fibromyalgia is a widespread medical disorder, characterized by chronic widespread muscle and connective tissue pain, or a heightened or painful response to pressure.  Fibromyalgia symptoms include fatigue, sleep disturbance, joint stiffness, numbness, and cognitive dysfunction.  Fibromyalgia is estimated to affect 2-4% of the population, with a female to male incidence ratio estimated at 9:1.  

While there is as of now no definitive cure for fibromyalgia, some treatments have been demonstrated through controlled clinical trials, including medications, exercise, and behavioral interventions, like adding tanning to your routine.

In one study, a Dr. Steven Feldman (M.D., Ph.D. and dermatologist practicing at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem, North Carolina) found that fibromyalgia patients who were exposed to UV rays in tanning beds over a period of six weeks felt a significant decrease in pain compared to those who were in non-UV beds.  According to Dr. Feldman, the UV rays cause the skin to release endorphins, essentially feel-good molecules, that ease pain and increase muscle relaxation.

One of Dr. Feldman's patients, Laura Hemrick, said that before the UV treatments she felt "...like [she] had been hit by a truck".  Hemrick underwent six months of testing before she was diagnosed with fibromyalgia.  She tried to treat her condition with exercise, which only provided minmal relief, and then medications, which made her so sick that she gave up.  "I would deal with the pain before I go back to those again," Hemrick said.

Tanning however was her saving grace.  After undergoing tanning sessions of approximately 12 minutes three times a week, Hemrick says her pain has been put at ease.  In fact, tanning is the only thing that has successfully worked for her.

And tanning doesn't just help with severe muscle pains like those of fibromyalgia; many people have come forward claiming tanning helps soothe their arthritis and back pains.

Seems that a lot more than a gorgeous glow can be achieved through solarium heliotherapy!

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Infinity Sun!

As some of you Hollywood Tanners may have noticed, Hollywood Tans Salons are starting to partner with the fantastic Infinity Sun.  Infinity Sun a revolutionary spray tan company based out of Beverly Hills, and they're responsible for gorgeous celebrity tans like that of the beautiful Jessica Alba and Kendra Wilkinson from “The Girls Next Door”.   I came across this fun article about I.S. the other day and thought I'd post it so you guys can see what they're all about!


Celebrity Fashion Secrets: Age-Defying Sunless Tanning
Kimberly West, Yahoo! Contributor Network

The sultry, glowing, and golden brown tans of the Victoria's Secret models are a goal of many women. They do look simply gorgeous. Like one would imagine a goddess on Olympus to appear. But did you know that each celebrity appearance takes a crew of experts to produce that perfect tan? And that dewy, radiant tan involves three hours or more of prep time? Not to mention the maintenance schedule. The sunless tan is a big celebrity fashion secret Hollywood would prefer to keep to itself.

An army of stylists is deployed in Hollywood every year during the six-weeks between the Golden Globes to the Oscars. Preparing one starlet for her stroll down the red carpet is definitely a team effort.

The first step in the sunless tanning process is usually a body-enhancing airbrush tan. While these tans lend the healthy glow many crave, they can also make the celebrity client look like they've spent more time at the gym than they actually have. Stylist Coco, who has worked with such celebrities as Eva Longoria, Jennifer Garner, Jenny McCarthy and Lara Flynn Boyle, recently revealed that, "If they haven't quite been to the gym, I can make it look as though they have. I give them an even glow and lightly etch in where the muscle is."

Where can a celebrity (or a non-celebrity with some bucks and a lot of free time on her hands) go for the sunless tanning treatment?

Infinity Sun in Beverly Hills is the sunless tanning place at the moment. They've teamed up with world-renowned celebrity stylist Jose Eber, and are taking Beverly Hills by storm. Celebrity clients includeJessica Alba and Paris Hilton, among others. But non-celebrity clients can also enjoy the luxurious Infinity Sun tanning experience. Applied with a proprietary spray system, the whole sunless tanning process takes approximately three minutes. The result is a natural-looking, golden brown glow. A tan that most would love to have!

Infinity Sun also offers a full line of sunless tanning products to enhance the results of the tanning procedure and to make the tan last. This includes a non-abrasive exfoliator to remove the dead skin cells and a prep lotion to even out the porosity of the skin and enable the tanning solution to more evenly penetrate the skin. For a dewy and even more radiant tan, an extender with shimmer is available. The extender also helps lengthen the life of the celebrity tan for two to three days. Celebrities at Infinity Sun may also choose to luxuriate their skin and their senses with a vanilla aromatherapy, alcohol-free sunless tanning aerosol, created with seven essential oils, Vitamin A, Vitamin E. A vanilla aromatherapy is also available for color maintenance for areas of the skin that are prone to fading, such as the face, hands and feet.

Now that you're clued in on this celebrity fashion secret, the radiant and dewy tans of those glowing Victoria's Secret models and celebrities on the red carpet are no longer completely out of reach!

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That Poof Looks Familiar!

While you may have thought "Jersey Shore" was Miss Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi's first reality television appearance, we're about to show you the Princess of Poughkeepsie before she hit the Shore.  Check out the clip below of Snooki, or as she was known then the "Jerzette", on MTV's "Is She Really Going Out With Him?!" in 2009 right before JShore hit the air!

Is She Really Going Out With Him? - MTV Shows

Who knew?!  

Vitamin D Takes On Diabetes!

Its no secret that vitamin D has widespread benefits for our health, like prevention of chronic diseases.  Now, more and more evidence is coming to light that suggests vitamin D may play a vital role in the prevention and management of glucose intolerance and diabetes.

Of the estimated 23 million Americans with diabetes, the majority have low vitamin D levels, suggesting that vitamin D plays an integral role in insulin sensitivity and secretion.  

In a study involving 3,000 people with type 1 diabetes, there was a decreased risk in disease for those who took vitamin D supplements.  Continuing observational studies of people with type 2 diabetes also revealed the importance of supplementation in the prevention of the disease.

While vitamin D is certainly not the sole cure for this harmful disease, management of the nutrient may be a simple and cost effected method to improve blood sugar control and prevent many serious complications associated with diabetes.  But diet alone will not be sufficient in managing proper vitamin D levels; a combination of adequate dietary intake and exposure to sunlight or ultraviolet light can decrease the risk of diabetes and related health concerns.

Not only is it linked to diabetes prevention, vitamin D is also crucial in maintaing bone strength, maintaining a strong the immune system, cancer prevention, proper circulation, and cardiovascular health.  Along with ultraviolet rays, other sources of vitamin D include fish, eggs, fortified milk, cod liver oil, and supplements.


For more information on the links between diabetes and vitamin D, check out our sources below.  And to get your daily dose of this essential nutrient, stop by your local Hollywood Tans salon today!

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Best and Worst Celeb Tans of the Week!

It's been a week full of glam tans and orange disasters, here are our favs:

Despite dealing with the stress of her boy to Cy Waits possibly going to jail, Paris Hilton looked surprisingly classy this week, as she headed to Hollywood hotspot Beso....

Not to mention she looked like a golden goddess at the Golden Globe Awards party, rocking a Jean Fares Couture gown and the perfect tan!

Brooklyn Decker looks insane on the cover of February's Esquire magazine; (while she may have some extra help from photoshop) this Victoria's Secret model rocks her gorgeous glow like no other!

In other news......

Hayden Panettiere's Golden Globes ensemble failed to impress; from her unflattering and sheer floor-length black gown, to her over baked faux glow, this look was definitely a miss.  

Make Your Valentines Day Red Hot!

Looking for new ways to heat up your Valentines Day?  Our new "Red Hot" Valentines gift bags are all you need!  

Since everyone loved our holiday "Naughty or Nice" gift bags, we couldn't resist the opportunity to give you guys another awesome bundle of Hollywood Tans goodies to help you kick of your Valentines just right.  The gift bags are geared towards couples so you can share it with someone you love, be it that special someone or your best pal!

Each gift set will include:

• 2 Bubbly lotion packets: Get a chance to try out our latest lotion that has all the luxury of Champagne, including a stimulating, effervescent bubbly sensation and a fresh and alluring scent.

• 2 Chocolat packets:  One of our best selling lotions, because you can't have Valentines day without Chocolat! 

• Heart-shaped Candle: A sultry surprise, when melted the candle turns to edible massage oils

• 2 Black Eye Candy eyewear glasses

• 2 Boxes of Red Hots Candy

• Hollywood Tans Gift Certificate*

What better way to tell that special someone "You're Mine" then with a gift bag full of Hollywood Tans fun fit for two?!  Grab your "Red Hot" Valentines Day gift bag today and turn your Valentines Day Valen-Tan!

*prices from salon to salon

Even Celebs Have To Make Time To Tan!

Everyone's fav reality star Kim Kardashian sneaks out of Golden Globes party for a spray tan!

Kim Kardashian definitely pulled out all of the stops for her glamorous Golden Globe Awards after-party ensemble on Sunday night, including the perfect accessory: a spray tan!

The entrepreneurial fashionista and reality TV star snuck out of the swanky InStyle/Warner Bros. soiree just after midnight to get her spray tan fix.

Proud of her flawless faux glow, Kardashian tweeted, “I left the Golden Globes party and came home to a midnight spray tan! LOL…Thanks Jimmy CoCo for the late nite tan!”

Now there's a celeb who knows how to prioritize!



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Q & A time with the Senior Tanologist!

Question:  Can I tan while pregnant?

Great question, I get this one a lot!  Consulting your doctor on this topic is always a wise choice, as each pregnancy is unique and has it's own considerations.  At this time there are no studies on the effects of tanning beds on the unborn child, so anything you hear at this point is just a myth.

Because the UV light used in solarium tanning does not ever reach the child, your baby is not at risk from UV.  The real thing that you need to monitor is your body temperature, specifically keeping cool.  During the first trimester your doctor will most likely advise you not to do anything that will raise your body's temperature, such as hot tubs, saunas, and tanning.  However, after the first trimester, it may be okay to have moderate sessions while using a tanning bed or booth. The most important thing to remember is to stay cool and drink plenty of fluids.  

One thing you should take into account, however, is that your skin during pregnancy is more sensitive than usual so you should start with shorter sessions until your body has built up your base tan.  Happy Tanning!

Party With Hollywood Tans Willmington and DJ Pauly D!

Not sure what you're plans are for this weekend?  How about dancing the night away with Jersey Shore's DJ Pauly D and scoring some sweet Hollywood Tans prizes!

Hollywood Tans fans in the Philadelphia area are invited to come party with HT, Q102, and DJ Pauly D this Sunday at 9pm at the Roxxy, be sure to check it out!

Inject-a-tan: Innovation or Injurious?!

If you're super up to date on the latest tanning gossip, you may have heard about the latest craze in the tanning world: tanning injections.  While they may sound the like the best thing since sliced bread, new research is proving they may have significant long term side effects.  Hollywood Tans has done our fair share of research and we're got the 411!

In an effort to steer clear of solarium beds, many lifetime tanners are choosing to inject themselves with Melanotan I and II, also known as the "Barbie Drug".  Like solarium tanning, Melanotan injections claim to help increase the bodies natural production of melanin, but the catch is they work without the sunlight.  The unregulated (and in some countries, illegal) injections claim to have all the benefits of tanning without any of the side effects.  Well think again TanNation!

As tanners are more frequently trying out this new bronzing craze, more and more negative side effects are surfacing.  Not only has the drug presented side effects such as nausea, vomiting, depression, high blood pressure, and panic attacks, recently it has been suggested that severe long term side effects exist.

"Quite apart from the risk of HIV or other viruses from using dirty needles, the [Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency] says the side effects could be 'extremely serious' and is concerned it could soon see people in hospital as a result."

One of these potential long term effects is the activation of melanocytes in the skin.  Melanocytes are cells that aide in the widening and darkening of moles and can become cancerous.  In other words, this drug that is marketed specifically to bring you all the benefits of tanning without any of the negative risks of UV, may actually put you more at risk than good ol' fashion tanning (and you miss out on all that vitamin D).

Until there are more facts to help us evaluate this new tanning fad, I stand by the notion that the best way to get a gorgeous glow is from a solarium tan or a spray tan.  What do you guys think, anyone out there ever tried tanning injections?    

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Fear Not! A Spray Tan Doesn't Always Mean an Orange Tan!

One of my personal favorite new moments of 2011 was being reintroduced to my pals down at the Jersey Shore, I seriously can't get enough of those GTL-ers.  As my girlfriends and I gathered around the TV, eager to see what the season 3 opener had to offer, they kept pointing out to me that they were scared to try spray tanning for fear of looking "Snooki Orange".  Thats when I realized that most people don't know theres a right way to spray tan, and a wrong way!

Anne Hathaway's character in the movie "Bride Wars" clearly didn't do her tanning research!

Firstly, let me say that it is very easy to avoid looking cheez-puff orange and it all starts with picking the proper product/method.  To ensure a gorgeous faux glow, do your research and choose a brand and a salon that has a good reputation, like Mystic Tan.  Brands like Mystic are outfitted with the best technology and specialists who can ensure that you are using the correct color solution for your unique skin tone.  They also will help keep you from using too much solution or letting it overdevelop on your skin.

After spray tanning, you need to allow 6-8 for your tan to set on your skin before showering, however you're free to (and encouraged!) to shower anytime after that.  If you are applying your spray tan too often or letting it sit on your skin for too long, then you may cross over to the orange side, Jersey Shore style.  

Just remember that when it comes to spray tanning, as long as you're working with a licensed, trained professional, you won't have to worry about being day-glow-orange, all you'll have to worry about is how to best show off your awesome faux glow!

And the 2011 Hollywood Tans People's Choice Award goes to...

The People's Choice Awards kicked of the 2011 Award Season this evening and Hollywood Tans has the scoop on all the glam tans...and the not so glam!

Minka Kelly, a.k.a. The Hottest Woman Alive (via Esquire magazine), rocked a cream Vivenne Westwood dress, suede pumps, and the most important accessory of all: a beautiful tan!  While the verdict is out on her dress, (Hot or Not?!) her gorgeous glow definitely earned her the Hollywood Tans' People's Choice Award for "Ultimate Glam Tan".

Runners up for the "Ultimate Glam Tan" award include:

The stunning AnnaLynne McCord, who rocked a hot electric blue dress and a lovely subdued tan.

Soap Opera star Virginia Williams, who showed off her Hollywood Tan with this sexy open back number.

And now the not so glam....

Emma Roberts looked beautiful as usual, but she definitely looked like she forgot her most important accessory...a tan!  While I love her black ruffled mini, a golden glow would've accented it perfectly.

High School Musical star Ashley Tisdale totally missed the mark.  The Disney actress looked a little burnt out...while it may not be obvious in this picture, she's definitely crossed over to the orange side.  While I'm all for dark tans, its important to keep it looking natural!

So what exactly is a Tanning Accelerator Lotion?

Ever wondered what it is about a "tanning accelerator" that makes it different from normal tanning lotions and bronzers?  I've got your answer!

Tanning accelerator's are perhaps one of the indoor tanning industry's most effective products for a deeper, darker, long lasting tan.  Accelerators are lotions that increase the amount of melanin your skin naturally produces when it is exposed to ultraviolet rays.  Melanin is a dark pigment that intensifies a tan and also helps protect the skin.  By increasing melanin, tanning accelerators help speed up the tanning process, so that the time of exposure under uv light is less.  In other words, using tanning accelerators helps you get a dark tan in a short amount of time. 

So what is it that makes accelerators so effective?  The most common substances found in accelerators are tyrosine and psoralen, two are amino acids extracted from different plants and citrus oils.  These amino acids are what help stimulate pigment cells to create more melanin.  Other substances that are usually found in tanning accelerators include Aloe Vera and Vitamin E, both of which are important in preventing wrinkles and keeping the skin hydrated and smooth.

Want to try out a tanning accelerator?  Stop into Hollywood Tans and pick up one of our many awesome accelerators, like our hypo-allergenic Power Lunch, or our naturally sophisitcated Pure Glam lotion, available at your local salons today!