Posts Tagged ‘Pools and Spas’

When Can a Sauna Burn Occur?

Thursday, July 3rd, 2008
by Amy Nutt

Saunas can be installed in a person’s home, but they are mostly found at health spas, hotels, fitness clubs, and resorts. They also come in several different types in which their differences are defined by how they are heated and not so much how they are made. A sauna that is heated using wood will most likely be designed different or of a different size than another wood heated sauna. Despite their differences, their benefits and their risks are the same.

One may find that a sauna is heated with a heater that is powered by electricity, gas, or wood. There are also saunas that are heated with rocks or through infrared energy. Infrared energy is created through ceramics or metal that uses infrared energy to produce the heat. There are even infrared lamp saunas that produce the sauna heat through heat lamps. The lights from these lamps tend to be incandescent, which means the lights are colored. It is known that colored lights are good for various organs within the body. But although these different types of saunas are beneficial, caution must be taken because sauna burn can actually occur.

What is sauna burn?

Sauna burn is a burn that occurs to the skin while being inside of a sauna. It doesn’t have anything to do with being in the sauna too long. When a person is in a sauna too long, they will become dehydrated and can possibly pass out. The skin does not become burned in the process.

What causes sauna burn is not taking off pieces of jewelry such as necklaces, watches, and rings. Leaving glasses on can cause sauna burn and it is even considered safe to take out contact lenses to avoid the lenses adhering to the eye due to the heat. Dental plates should also be taken out. It is safe to say that anything that is artificial on the body should be removed to avoid any possibility of a burn.

Other precautions

Aside from taking off jewelry, glasses, and any other artificial artifacts on the body, sandals such as flip flops should be used. A plain pair tends to not have any type of metal or plastic pieces that can cause burn. The floor to the sauna tends to be hot and can burn the bottom of the feet. This is why some saunas have bowls of water available to place the feet in to avoid burning from occurring. However, wearing sandals has become a common practice and bowls of water are not seen quite as much.

The truth is that it is ideal to walk into the sauna with nothing on aside from a towel and a pair of kick off sandals. This allows the individual to enjoy the benefits of the sauna without risking burn. The only worries that should exist are possible respiratory issues that occur in some people and that too much time is not spent in the sauna that could lead to dehydration. No one should have to worry about being burned, so it is good to do a double check and even ask those around you if there is anything on your body that can cause a burn. It is amazing how used to certain pieces of jewelry that many people become and innocently forget that they have it on. In reality, it isn’t like in the movies when the mob boss is sitting in the sauna with his associates, sporting a huge gold chain around his neck. It is good to be realistic and make sure that all possibilities of injury are eliminated because, although some may say it is okay, it is better to be safe than sorry.

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Can Saunas Improve Your Breathing or Sinus Conditions?

Tuesday, June 24th, 2008
by Amy Nutt

Saunas can help those with breathing or sinus conditions breathe better. This may seem like a contradiction, especially since the steam associated with a traditional sauna can aggravate certain breathing conditions, especially asthma. However, studies have shown that those with breathing conditions can actually find relief from a trip to the spa.

There are three main types of saunas used today. Dry saunas use a wood stove to heat the air inside of the sauna. This creates little to no steam, which means those who cannot breathe in steamy air can breathe in a dry sauna. Because the heat in a dry sauna is not moist, it does not make the user feel as though he or she is breathing “heavy” air. This can make it possible for asthmatics to use the sauna when they otherwise were unable to do so. The heat does not feel as hot as it really is, simply because it does not contain high humidity.

Some people with breathing difficulties find it difficult to breathe inside a traditional dry sauna. The dry, hot air stifles their breathing. However, infrared saunas, the second type of sauna, operate differently. Instead of heating the air, the infrared sauna heats the person. This means that the air inside of the sauna is the same as the air outside of the sauna. Those with chronic breathing difficulties can benefit from the healing properties of using a sauna while avoiding the problem air in a traditional dry sauna by using an infrared sauna.

People with breathing problems that can breath steamy air often report more relief from a steam sauna than a dry or infrared sauna. Doctors often recommend taking children who have sinus infections or asthma into a steamy bathroom to help them breathe. The steam in the bathroom has the same effect on the child that the steam in a sauna has on an adult with breathing difficulties. It helps to break up the mucus that is causing the problems. Therefore, those who can breathe in a steam sauna often report more relief of their breathing difficulties from this type of sauna treatment than from the dry or infrared treatments. The problem, however, is that the steam can aggravate some people’s breathing difficulties, so caution should be used when these individuals are using the sauna for the first time.

All three types of saunas help rejuvenate the body overall. This serves to help breathing problems as well as other skin conditions. When someone enters a sauna, the heat penetrates the body and opens the pores. As the body heats, it begins to perspire. Along with the perspiration, toxins that have built up in the body are removed. This increases circulations and improves the immune system. As a result, the body functions better as a whole unit. Sinus problems and other breathing difficulties are lessened as a result of the decrease of toxins in the body.

Some breathing problems are aggravated by too much stress. A sauna, whether wet or dry, can help relieve stress and fatigue. This can help alleviate stress-related breathing problems for certain people.

Personal saunas to be used at home are available, but this purchase should not be made until the person suffering from breathing difficulties has first determined whether or not a sauna will help. Individuals who are wondering whether or not a sauna will help their breathing and sinus problems should try one, unless advised not to by their doctors. Most day spas have saunas available. By visiting a spa, those with breathing problems can try the sauna and see if they have any improvement in their symptoms before investing the money in a personal sauna. If someone finds relief from their asthma or other chronic breathing problems in a sauna, then buying a personal sauna may be a good investment.

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Thinking About Indoor Tanning

Friday, June 6th, 2008
by Betty P Davis

Looking our very best is important as we want others to take notice of us. It can be intimidating when those around have a golden tan and we haven’t. It is obvious we haven’t gotten enough sun lately. Getting into the habit of visiting a tanning salon a couple of days per week can do the trick though. There are some frequent thoughts that individuals have about this option though.

Skin cancer is certainly an issue to be aware of. It can be caused by natural sun as well as indoor tanning that exposes you to UV rays. This is a risk you have to be willing to take should you plan to tan indoors with such equipment. Those with a high risk of skin cancer may want to explore the sunless options though in order to offer them peace of mind.

The amount of time it is going to take for you to get a tan will be different than for your friends. Don’t be discouraged if it takes you longer than it did for them. You may have fairer skin and that means you can’t tan for as long each session. You may be going to the tanning salon a couple of times per week while they go in every day. It can also depend on the products each of you use.

You may think it is a waste of time and money to go in and only tan for about five minutes. Especially if your friends are tanning for about 15 minutes each time they go in. Yet you don’t want to get that red color so limiting the time is going to work to your advantage. Make sure you use a moisturizer several times a day as well. This will help you to obtain some color faster as well as maintain it longer.

Monitor how your skin responds to the indoor tanning as well. You don’t want to walk out pink or red. The lighter your skin is the more sensitive it will be to the UV rays. If you have light skin you should only tan for about five minutes. Don’t worry that other people are able to do so for longer. If you can’t be out in the natural sunlight as long as them you can’t do it inside either.

There are some excellent products on the market these days for sensitive skin though. These are tanning accelerators and bronzers that many tanning salons offer. Let them know what your concerns are as they can also help you to get into the right tanning equipment. This may end up being a model that uses sunless tanning technology rather than the UV rays.

Spending money on a luxury such as indoor tanning may make you uneasy. It can be embarrassing to ask the staff how much the services are. It is to your advantage though to compare those prices. Make sure you explore what the tanning salon has to offer for that price. You should be able to get a discount if you buy a tanning package.

There are many thoughts individuals have when it comes to indoor tanning. Having the facts makes it much easier to find out if it is right for you or not. Every tanning salon operates somewhat differently so make sure you don’t assume what you will find inside. Ask for a tour or schedule a single appointment to find out what it is all about.

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Make Sure You Exfoliate Before You Tan Indoors

Friday, June 6th, 2008
by Betty P Davis

If you plan to get an indoor tan make sure you exfoliate. This is going to ensure you get the very best results from your tanning efforts. With the types of equipment out there right now, no one will ever be able to tell you didn’t get that gorgeous color lying out on the beach or at the pool.

The UV rays that are outdoors are similar to what you will find in a tanning salon. They work the same way so you want your skin to be ready for them. If you don’t exfoliate then you will end up with skin that is very dry. This means your color won’t go as deep into the skin as it could. That means it will take you much longer to develop the base tan color you seek.

It is important to have a very good soap that you use to exfoliate with as well. If it doesn’t contain quality ingredients then you won’t get wonderful results. You want to avoid those that have fragrances with them. While they will smell nice they are also going to dry out your skin. This is the opposite effect of what you should be aiming for.

Liquid soap for exfoliating seems to be less harsh than bars of soap. Most of what you will find out there comes in either form so you can choose what you want. You want to scrub your skin while you exfoliate with a loofa or a wash rag very well. This way you can remove all of the dry and dead skin from your body.

Make sure you rinse all of the soap off your body too. Some people get into a big hurry and so some of it lingers. This can irritate your skin and result in it drying out in those areas as well. It never hurts to give your body one more rinse from top to bottom when you think you are all done just to be sure.

How do you dry your body off after you shower? If you quickly wipe all the excess water off with a towel then you need to make some changes here as well. When you exfoliate it leaves the skin below vulnerable. So when you roughly dry it off you damage it. To protect it, slowly pat it dry and you will keep it looking and feeling great. You also need to remember to drink a significant amount of water each day.

Generously apply a good lotion with moisturizers in it to you skin. This will help to lock in the moisture after you have exfoliated. It will allow you to keep the benefits of it longer. You will definitely notice the different results you get when you use indoor tanning products and equipment.

If you want to have fabulous results from indoor tanning, then you must take the time to exfoliate properly. There is just no way around doing this. If you aren’t going to put the effort into doing that then you aren’t going to be happy with what you get in return. Some people don’t realize that exfoliating is so important, but now that you know about it make it a part of your indoor tanning ritual.

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Tips For Purchasing Spa Treatments Online

Sunday, June 1st, 2008
by Keith Mann

There are increasing numbers of people looking for spa treatments in the privacy of their own homes. If you are one of them and are looking for great bargains on supplies, then bear in mind the infinite resource of the Internet or World Wide Web. This article aims to give you some handy tips to help find supplies at a reasonable price.

When it comes to buying supplies and products for spa treatments over the Internet and World Wide Web there are now wonderful websites that are in operation specifically to sell this type of merchandise. As more and more women and men have taken to enjoying spa treatments at home, the demand for necessary products and supplies has increased dramatically. Hence, what really has been a near explosion in the number websites specifically dedicated and devoted to selling products and supplies for spa treatments.

Some major spas that have their own line of products have begun marketing merchandise for at home use. So to put is basically, if you want specific spa products from a major spa that you may have heard about or even gone to at one point in time, it is possible that you may find the products used in the spa online. The best part about ordering online is that you can order from the comfort of your own home.

There are some tips and suggestions associated with purchasing products and supplies for spa treatments over the Internet that you need to keep in mind. First, you need to know what sort of return policy a particular online vendor might offer. The real risk of buying online is the fact that in some limited circumstances you might not actually receive the product that you thought you were purchasing in the first instance. Before you order anything, make sure you know what a merchant will permit when it comes to returning items.

Next you will want to know what kind of damage shipping and handling will do to your wallet. There are many sites that will not charge at all for shipping and handling as long you purchase a minimum order. You can find out what websites offer this deal and take advantage of it when you are purchasing your home treatment spa supplies from off the Internet.

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Locating A Quality Tanning Salon

Friday, May 23rd, 2008
by Betty P Davis

It is a good idea to carefully explore your options before you select a tanning salon. That way you can be sure it is a good fit for you. Too many people pay for that first month of service but they aren’t happy with what they get in return. Your tanning experience can be great if you look at some issues before you select where to go.

Finding a great tanning salon means you feel that you will be getting your money’s worth. You may find it costs a bit more for you to get what you want. If you are willing to pay that then that is great. If you need to count your pennies though then you will need to look for specials and even narrow down your list of requirements to the bare essentials.

Generally, the fancier the tanning salon is the more you can expect to pay. They have plenty of nice equipment in there that they are paying for. However, don’t forget to explore the smaller tanning salons. Their equipment may not be as new but you can still get great results. The savings can also justify going with the basic tanning location as well.

The location of the tanning salon is something you want to consider. You may think driving 20 minutes each way isn’t a big deal. Yet when you start to do it each day, that is plenty of time as well as gasoline wasted on the trip. See if it is possible to get the same quality results at a tanning salon closer to you. There may be one by your office or where you pick up your children to look at.

You need them to offer some great hours too. Not everyone works from 9 to 5 and not everyone wants to tan after work. People always have other commitments so you need a tanning schedule that is flexible. If you can go before work two days a week and at lunch two days a week then make sure that tanning salon can accommodate you.

Pay attention to how the staff is trained and works with customers. This should be a very customer oriented type of business. If you have questions about the process, your appointment time, or any other aspect then make sure you ask. If you don’t feel the staff is knowledgeable or that they care about helping you then don’t waste your time tanning there.

Chances are you have friends and family members who tan as well. They can refer you to the location that they love to go to. Keep in mind though that the needs of people can be very different when it comes to tanning. Therefore what works best for them may not be a place you will be happy. Finding out what types of tanning equipment they offer is very important as well.

It is worth it to find a quality tanning salon out there. Visit several of them so you can compare prices and options. You want to be sure you are getting the very best price for the services you desire. Tanning can be a great experience if you take the time to see what is offered before you start.

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