Q. What is so different about Consol Suncenters compared with other tanning studios?
A. Ours is a relatively new concept in the UK. Our studios are open from 7am in the morning until 9pm at night 7 days a week, for our customers’ convenience. There are regular visits from our management and security staff, but there is no need to make an appointment because our customers are able to pay and access our studios themselves using automated, coin operated technology.
Consol has over 26 years experience operating tanning studios. We use the highest quality Ergoline sunbeds which are regularly maintained in a clean environment with clearly displayed advice about safe, responsible tanning and access to our Helpline.
Our technology is unmatched. You can accurately test your skin type using a skin tester in our studios. We are the only company in the UK to comply with an EU declaration which controls sunbed output - keeping you at minimal risk of burning while still getting a great tan.
Q. What advice does Consol offer its customers or people wanting a tan?
A. Know your skin type; start tanning with only a 4 minute session and never exceed 20 sessions of 5-20 minutes per year; always where protective goggles and do not wear make-up or perfume, moisturise your skin after a sunbed session and do not use a sunbed if you will be exposing your skin to natural sunlight later the same day. All of our suntanning studios provide comprehensive literature on safe, responsible tanning and we man a Helpline during opening hours which is able to sensibly advise over 500 people per month.
Q. How do you stop someone with fair skin likely to burn from using your sunbeds?
A. We always advocate “if in doubt, leave it out”. Everyone should avoid over exposure to the sun and sunbeds, particularly fair skins which are more prone to burning. We have very clear guidelines in our tanning studios about different skin types and how people should or shouldn’t use indoor tanning facilities. Leaflets to take home, providing comprehensive information, are available in all our studios and we always recommend no more than 5 minutes on a sunbed for the first few sessions. We also have a Helpline during opening hours which is used by 500 people a month, where we offer advice on responsible tanning.
Q. What are the benefits of tanning on a sunbed?
A. There are a wide range of known physical and psychological benefits. Developing a base tan can provide four times the level of protection for your skin when you are outdoors. UV rays provide an important source of Vitamin D which is essential for the body’s absorption of calcium. It regulates the growth and repair of bones and strengthens the immune system. Sensible tanning can alleviate the effects of skin disorders such as acne, eczema and psoriasis. It is an excellent mood-enhancer. There is also evidence that UV rays can help prevent certain cancers.
Q. I would like to use sunbeds in winter but I am worried about health risks.
A. Current extensive international research show there is no connection between responsible indoor tanning and negative health issues. In fact, research on breast cancer, prostate cancer and colon cancer show that regular sun exposure may play a key part in preventing these diseases. Research also shows that moderate use of sunbeds can help reduce blood pressure, boost Vitamin D in the body (which helps protect against bone diseases such as osteoporosis), enhance mood in the winter months, help treat depression, alleviate skin disorders such as eczema and protect skin against burning.
It is important that you do not burn and follow responsible tanning guidelines which are:
Always use sun protection in natural sunlight. If you want to use a sunbed, know your skin type, start tanning with only a 4 minute session and never exceed 20 sessions of 5-20 minutes per year, always wear protective goggles and do not wear make-up or perfume, moisturise your skin after a sunbed session and do not use a sunbed if you will be exposing your skin to natural sunlight later in the day. All of our tanning studios provide comprehensive literature on responsible tanning and we man a Helpline during opening hours which is able to sensibly advise about 500 people per month.
Q. If I use a Consol sunbed late at night, how safe am I?
A. Safety and security are our top priority. Our studios are partly-supervised which means that managers visit each studio regularly. Our security staff visit our studios daily on a regular basis. We have CCTV and each of the sunbed cabins are secured with a sturdy lock. Our Helpline number is clearly displayed in each studio. A member of our management or security staff is never far away.
Many of our customers are women who enjoy the convenience of using our tanning studios at different times during the day in a safe environment.
Q. Would you ever advise someone not to use a sunbed?
A. Yes. People should avoid using a sunbed when taking certain medication, such as antibiotics, because these can make the skin particularly sensitive. Certain medical skin conditions are advised to avoid tanning and your GP should be consulted in this instance before using a sunbed. Exceptionally fair skin (Skin type I) is prone to burning and this skin type should be advised to avoid tanning.
We provide comprehensive advice in our tanning studios, on our web site and via our telephone Helpline. Our advice is “if in doubt, abstain from tanning and always avoid over exposure to the sun”.
Q. Has anyone burned on a Consol sunbed?
A. No. Customers that follow our clear guidelines for responsible tanning according to individual skin types are able to enjoy the benefits of indoor tanning without burning.
Q. Are you regulated?
A. The sunbed industry in the UK is not regulated by Government. Individual businesses have to adhere to health & safety guidelines imposed and monitored by local authorities, However, the subject of regulation is a very topical one at the moment and you may be interested to read more about this in the "Political Acticity" section under "Company Information" on the top menu.
Consol is a Europe-wide business that imposes exacting standards in all its studios, from the quality and safety of its technology to standards of information for its customers. Consol is also a member of a US-based sunbed association with close European links and a large international membership that provides us with the latest in world wide information on safe, responsible tanning.
Q. Why aren't you a member of the UK Sunbed Association?
A. We are a large, European-wide business and the UK Sunbed Association is very small, representing less than 20% of the industry. We would like to see a more cooperative industry in the UK and have offered to play our part with a more open dialogue and sharing of best practices.
Consol is the leading tanning chain in Europe, so this is disappointing when we believe the industry should be working together to maintain and raise standards.
We would like to see a UK association that operates in a similar way to the Indoor Tanning Association and the International Smart Tan Network. These bodies are proactive organisations lobbying for the industry as an economic force as well as funding and promoting the latest scientific and medical research on responsible tanning.
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