Direct Link Between Oxygen and Tanning

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Research indicates a direct link between tanning and adequate oxygen levels in the skin:

Ultraviolet light, whether produced by the sun or an indoor tanning unit, consists of two main energy components, UVA and UVB, both of which contribute differently to your tan. Indoor tanning equipment normally utilizes a carefully formulated and controlled mixture of these two light waves, designed to tan you with a minimized risk of sunburn. Tanning outdoors does not give you this same control because the sun emits the entire spectrum of ultraviolet light, including the most intense rays (UVB) that burn you more quickly.

Your skin's epidermis consists of two layers: the germinative layer (sometimes called the "living" epidermis) and the horny layer (the "dead" epidermis). When exposed to ultraviolet light rays, melanocytes in the germinative layer produce melanin which is then absorbed by the surrounding cells. This creates a protective barrier to screen additional ultraviolet light so that this light cannot reach the deeper and more sensitive layers of the skin. This tanning process is the body's natural defense against sunburn and skin damage.

UVA is a longer ray that penetrates more deeply and slowly than UVB. The melanin in your skin absorbs the UVA rays, turning the pigment brown. UVB rays are short, intense waves of energy, stimulating the melanocytes in your skin to produce the pigment we call melanin.

Everyone has the same number of melanocytes in their body-about five million. But heredity dictates how much melanin your body's melanocytes can actually naturally produce. For example, the skin of African-Americans contains enough melanin to create a black or brown skin color, while the skin of Caucasians has less melanin and is therefore more pale.

As the melanin migrates to the surface of the skin to protect the body from burning, it combines with oxygen and turns the darker color we call a "tan". Skin with lower oxygen levels will burn rather than tan. So, it seems obvious, that the more oxygen in the body and available to the skin to help produce melanin, the darker the tan, the longer it will last, and the less likely the skin will burn.

Determine what kind of skin you have. Most people know whether they are light or dark skinned. This is important since people with fair skin and light colored eyes have to take extra precautions so they do not to get burned by the sun. (Did you know that most "fair" people can burn in less than 15 minutes of normal sun exposure!). The darker your skin tone, the more exposure to the sun you can handle without getting burned.

Figure out how close you are to the equator. The closer you are to the equator, the more likely you are to get sunburned. This is because you are closer to the sun.

You can burn faster at higher altitudes. UV radiation increases about 5% for every 1,000 feet above sea level you go. So, the higher in elevation you are, the quicker you can get sunburned.
Are you taking prescription medications? Many prescription medications contain chemicals that cause the skin to absorb more UV rays. For example, antibiotics, antihistamines, oral contraceptives, tricyclic antidepressants and most acne medications will cause your skin to burn rather than tan. If you are taking these types of medications, always use a sunscreen with a higher SPF rating. It's the safe and prudent thing to do.

If you do get a sunburn, always apply lots of moisturizer lotion, especially lotions enriched with aloe and antioxidants. Remember that you have burned the skin. The capillaries have been damaged and blood has leaked out. You need to help repair these capillaries and provide the skin with nutrients to help the skin heal itself.

Always remember that the goal is to tan safely. There is a common myth that a sunburn will fade into a tan. This is not true. A sunburn is actually broken blood vessels that form on top of a tan. While it is especially bad to suffer from sunburns before the age of 21 since it increases your odds of skin cancer, a sunburn at any age can have serious side effects. These effects include loss of skin moisture, loss of elasticity, the formation of sunspots on the ski and possibly skin cancer.

The Benefits of Oxygen Tanning

Oxygen tanning is now available! For more information see our website at www.albertahomespas.com.

You may experience benefits of oxygen tanning such as:

• Increases and enhances physical performance
• Speeds metabolism/maximum fat burning
• Increases awareness and concentration
• Strengthens overall immune system
• Increases production of Melanin
• Relieves chronic/migraine headaches
• Decreases blood/alcohol levels
• Reduces wrinkling and aging
• Increases blood flow/circulation
• Increases stamina/staying power
• Relaxes both mind and body
• Creates overall feeling of well-being
• Provides energy that lasts for hours!
• And so much more…….!!!

Before starting any program, we recommend speaking to your doctor especially if you have heart conditions, skin problems, or are pregnant.

Steam Shower FAQ

What is a steam room?
A steam room is a room that is connected to a steam generation for the use of steam therapy. In recent years steam showers have also become very popular.They are fully enclosed showers with a steam generator built into them. Steam showers are either custom built or can be bought with some assembly required.

What is the difference between a traditional steam shower and a modular or residential steam shower?
The overall cost of a steam room is mostly in the building materials used. A typical steam generator set-up is only in the $1,000 - $2,000 range depending on size of the generator. Since steam rooms are typically made of marble or glass this adds to the cost of building the room. Modular steam showers however start at around $1,500 for a fully functional good quality economy model. You can expect to pay a little more for luxurious steam showers with integrated whirlpool bath-tubs and hydro massage jets these showers but these are still cheaper than a typical custom steam room.

Do your steam showers need to be assembled?
Our steam showers come in approximately 5-6 major pieces that have all the holes pre-drilled for assembly. Steam shower electrical connections are color coded for easy accessibility. All of our units are designed so that when they are unpackaged every piece can fit through a standard 32" doorway.

What the costs for shipping steam showers?
Shipping & handling is included in our estimate and we ship everywhere in Canada and the United States. Very remote locations may incur an additional fee. Please contact our customer service line for more information.

How much money does your typical steam shower cost to operate?
This of course varies depending on where you live and what your energy costs are. The average steam shower costs approximately 20 - 25 cents per hour to operate.

How is the warranty handled, and what will I have to do to get parts in the future?
All of our products come with a manufacturers warranty. The warranty covers all electrical components such as the main control box, steam generator and any other electrical components used by the steam shower. The warranty includes free shipping for any part but does not include any labor fees incurred for installing the part. In order for the warranty to remain valid proof of having the steam shower installed by a licensed electrician and plumber may be required.

Can I install a steam room myself?
Typically unless you are a licensed electrician and plumber you cannot install a steam room in your own house. The steam shower has to be both plumbed to your house and wired to a dedicated 110v line with a GFCI breaker. Some units with whirlpool bathtubs may require a second 110v connection. Flexible drainage piping lets you integrate your shower into existing drains.

What can I use to clean the shower and tub?
All of our tubs are made of heavy-duty acrylic armored with fiberglass. Non-abrasive cleaners work great on this kind of surface.

Can I use aromatherapy with your steam showers?
Yes. In every shower there is the option to use essential oils where the steam emits into the shower. All you have to do is twist the cap on the steam emitter, insert the oil and close.

What does the optional heat pump do?
While running large water jets after 5-10 minutes the hot or warm water you filled the tub up with will become room temperature. The optional heat pump will maintain the hot water temperature while the jets are running ensuring a hot bathing experience for hours.

Will I receive a tracking number for the status of my order?
After your order is received and processed your unit is then selected from the warehouse and is double packaged to ensure for a proper shipment. Most companies will not go to this extra extent. This process takes 2-3 business days. Once the package leaves our warehouse you are automatically emailed the information necessary to track your shipment. Most shipments use freight companies such as Old Dominion Freight Line (http://www.odfl.com) or Daylight Transport (http://www.dylt.com) depending on your delivery location.

How many gallons per minute do your steam showers use?
Depending on the unit, you will average between 1 - 2 Gallons Per Minute (GPM).

Are there any preparations or cautions I should take before using a steam room?
Drink plenty of water before and after using the steam room. Dehydration can cause many problems so make sure you drink about 8 pints of water a day especially if you are using a residential steam shower. You should also check with your doctor to make sure you are healthy enough for steam therapy.

Can a steam room increase the value of my home?
In many markets it has been reported that houses with a steam room sell for 10% more than the asking price that normal houses. An even more exciting trend is that houses with steam showers installed have been said to sell in half the time as other similar houses on the market making them a favorite with home builders.

Do steam rooms really make you lose weight?
Put simply, yes. Body fat becomes water soluble at 109 degrees Fahrenheit so raising your body temperature to that level allows for your body to sweat fat out. Your body can burn up to 600 calories during a steam bath. Steam baths have also been known to reduce the appearance of cellulite. Adding a steam bath to a regimented plan of diet and exercise is a great way to ensure weight loss.

What are some medical benefits of using a steam room?
There are numerous health benefits to using a steam room or steam shower. Steam therapy raises the body temperature (hyperthermia)which in return helps to cleanse the body of toxins. Using a steam room also increases your heart rate without increasing blood pressure and has been known to cure the following ailments
- Respiratory congestion and inflammation
- Relieves problems associated with Asthma
- Relaxes and relieves sore muscles

How do I know what steam shower is right for me?
There are many different styles and brands of steam showers out there. Depending on what your needs and plans for the steam shower it can become quite a process trying to decide on which model best fits your needs. Our customer service department is available to help you with your selection.

Installing Home Steam Showers and Steam Rooms

This information was provided to us courtsey from www.steamshower.org.

Installing a home steam room or steam shower can seem like an overwhelming task at first glance. The average do-it-yourself can install most steam showers with a little help from a licensed electrician or plumber. Although there are many steam shower units on the market today. The basic concept is the same in all of them and their installations are similar.

The first step in installing a steam bath or steam shower is to level the base. This is either a massage bathtub or a shower stand. It is important that the base is steady so the shower is secure and the water drains properly. After the base is leveled the first wall is connected to the base which is typically the front of the steam shower or the doors. This is screwed with self tapping screws or bolted to the base. After this is secured the side walls are attached. It is important to read your installation instructions because many models require you to use silicone to seal the corners of the steam shower. Some models use rubber seals as an alternative for silicone sealant. After the side walls of the steam shower are attached the top of the shower enclosure is attached. At this point this is when the shower becomes sturdy. Tighten all the surrounding bolts and top bolts after apply the required sealant. Connect all color coordinated wires to their corresponding wires.

If you’re remodeling an already existing bathroom the plumbing is already installed and with little modification is ready for use. Almost every steam shower today comes with both flexible water lines and a flexible drain hose, as long as the water lines are on the wall where the steam shower is being installed and the drain is underneath the base the shower can be installed without any modification to your plumbing. If your project is new construction using PEX plumbing is a cheaper alternative to tradition copper piping. It is also much easier to work with which saves time.

The steam room needs to have its own dedicated circuit and larger units with Jacuzzi bathtubs may also need an additional circuit. The steam shower circuits must be a GFCI (ground-fault-circuit-interrupter), this ensures user safety against electrical shock. It is also important to check your GFCI circuit regularly to ensure that it is functioning properly.

Many manufacturers directions fail to talk about ventilating the overhead ceiling fan. This is important because the steam being vented from the shower creates excess moisture which can cause damage to your home. This ventilation fan should be vented similar to your clothing dryer to an outside source this will prevent the buildup of mold and mildew in your bathroom.

It is important to run the shower for at least 5 minutes before using. Switch through all the shower functions to make sure all the pipes have been cleaned of residual chemicals from manufacturing. I have heard accounts of people getting hives because they didn’t flush the hoses of the steam shower unit properly before using it.

Modular steam showers are a perfect solution for your bathroom remodeling project they come in many styles ranging from traditional shower enclosures to contemporary showers. They are easy to install and can raise the value of your home, making it a worthwhile investment that you can enjoy for years to come.