Frequently Asked Questions

Tanning
Airbrush
Ear Candling
Facials
Waxing
Tanning      Prices

Why are accelerators / lotions necessary?

Tanning with an accelerator helps moisturize you skin allowing your body to absorb the UV light, dry skin actually reflects the UV light.  Accelerators increase the production of melanin so your skin tans up to 40% faster.  The tanning accelerators/lotions we carry are designed to help you maximize your tanning time.  They also feed and nourish your skin at the same time with vitamins, minerals and other natural ingredients. NOTE: outdoor tanning lotions can create a film on the tanning bed acrylics and actually inhibit your body from tanning by blocking the beds UV rays.

I do not tan well outdoors; will I be able to tan indoors?

Normally you will tan similar indoors as to how you tan outdoors.  With use of a controlled environment (such as Tropical Minnesota) and the right amount of exposure some people are able to tan indoors.

How often do you change the bulbs in each bed?

We follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for bulb replacement so they you will achieve the best results from your sessions.  We typically change our bulbs when they have reached the 4% of their capacity so your tan doesn’t suffer from weaker UV rays.

I tanned a few days ago and did not burn but yesterday I did burn, why?

There are certain everyday elements that can throw off a person’s body and cause you to burn.  Some such elements are: antibiotics, cosmetics, soaps, birth control, and even some common foods (celery).  Also, a slight reaction or itching may be a small heat rash and should go away in just a few days but can also be caused by light sensitivity.

Will showering right after tanning affect the results?

NO, you can not wash away your tan.  Production of melanin does not stop because a person bathes.  But shaving or exfoliating too soon after tanning can affect the tanning process.

Is eye protection necessary?

YES, yes – strict federal laws require the use of eye protection while tanning.  Closing your eyes or covering them with a towel will not protect your eyes.  The UV light dilates your eyes allowing larger amounts of the UV light to enter.  Over time this may have an impact on night vision, color recognition and can cause other issues with your eyes.

How old do I need to be to tan?

State law requires signed parental permission for anyone under the age of sixteen.  A parent or legal guardian must be present before a minor (under sixteen) can tan.  Once a release is signed the parent or legal guardian need not be present while the minor tans.

Can I tan if I am pregnant?

Please consult your physician, although we know that there is not danger from UV rays the second skin layer (dermis) is the most they can penetrate. The affects of heat on an unborn child are not fully known by today’s medical professionals.  So we recommend that instead you try our UV free airbrush tanning.

What is the First-Class Membership and can it save me money?

Yes, if you are a regular tanner you can sign up for our no-hassle First-Class membership.  For only $25 a month (+ tax) you have unlimited tanning in our 20 minute Montego bed.  Members also receive 20%discount on tanning products and $10 off a one hour massage.  There is NO CONTRACT to sign cancel at any time.     * there is a one time sign up fee

If I tan indoors before I go on vacation, do I have to wear an SPF?

YES, whenever you are in the real sun, you should always wear an SPF.  Your lips, ears, eyelids, and the soles of your feet do not contain melanin; which means they will burn the fastest, and never tan.  You should always wear an SPF lip balm, along with sunglasses that are UV protected.  Bring along a burn relief gel (just in case).

Can tanning indoors cause skin cancer?

It is very difficult to isolate that indoor tanning is directly linked to the reported increase of skin cancer.  There are standards in place to moderate and regulate the amount of time a person should be allowed to tan.  Continuous excessive overexposure to UV light from any source (indoor or outdoor) can cause skin cancer.  Squamous & basal cell carcinomas seem to take 15-30 years to develop.  Melanoma now appears in some cases in teenagers and may require less time than basal & squamous cell carcinomas to develop.  A period of 3 – 30 years would be more reasonable time for melanoma, given existing studies and the incidence in teenagers.  If a person is predisposed to skin cancer they should avoid tanning indoors or outdoors.  Sunburn is harmful to the skin and should always be avoided.

Other tanning hints:

  1. always wear a lip balm with an to protect them
  2. you should about 24 hours between sessions
  3. if you reach a tanning plateau ask an employee how best to get past it and keep tanning
  4. Moisturize your skin often
  5. cover your tattoos with an SPF lip balm or lotion
  6. for added comfort change positions slightly and for a more even tan with no ‘pressure marks’
  7. you may wear as little or as much as you much as you want
  8. skin should be clean and exfoliation can all help to tan better
Airbrush      Prices

Airbrush tanning is an UV free alternative to an all over body tan. It looks natural, does not give you that orange look and lasts 7-10 days with correct maintenance.

What to do prior to session?

  1. Client should dress in loose-fitting, dark-colored clothing, do not wear leather or silk. A button down or zipper top works best along with a pair of loose sweats/pants. Please bring a pair of slip on sandals/shoes to wear home. Please remove all jewelry.
  2. Exfoliate skin thoroughly before your scheduled session.
  3. We have found that using a sugar scrub makes sunless tans last day's longer, try not to use a cleanser that has a moisturizer built into the product.
  4. If unable to shower prior to your session, rinse with clean water before a session, so no trace of old soap or moisturizer is left behind.
  5. The skin needs to be clean, no oils, creams, deoderant, perfume or makeup should be present. If the skin isn't clean, the tan won't last long.
  6. Hair bonnets, disposable undergarments are provided.
  7. A barrier cream will be applied to cuticles, knees, elbows, knuckles, palms of hands and bottoms of feet.
  8. You may wish to user your own undergarments, remember if you do, they will get spray on them so wear dark old ones.
  9. Remember, even though it looks like you have a suntan, your skin may not be prepared for the actual sun, so, if you are going on vacation or will be in the sun for a period of time; use at least an SPF 30 sun block.

What to expect after your session?

  1. Wait for six hours before showering or working out.
  2. Avoid getting wet (even in the rain), or spot washing as it may streak.
  3. You may have areas that look darker than others, do not worry. After your first shower that will all even out.
  4. You will see brown water when you shower, do not worry. That is just the excess washing off.
  5. Try not to use soaps or cleansers with the micro beads or an exfoliator for a few days as this will remove the tan much faster.
  6. USE A GOOD MOISTURIZER EVERY SINGLE DAY -- try to moisturize at least twice a day.

Ear Candling      Prices


What is ear candling?

Ear candling is a gentle and painless natural therapeutic means of removing excess was accumulation, cleaning the auditory canal and sinus cavities with no side effects.  The candles are hand made with 100% cotton and 100% pure bee’s wax which has natural vitamin E.

Benefits:

  • Cleansing of the Eustachian tubes and sinus area
  • Relieves pressure from sinus infections
  • Helps with compacted wisdom teeth, and ear infections
  • Relieves pressure from migraines, headaches and flying
  • Provides the ability to breathe easier and reduces snoring
  • Helps sharpen senses of sound, sight, smell and taste
  • Relieves itching in ears
  • Relieves sore throats and coughs due to colds

How does ear candling work?

A hand made hollow candle is inserted into the opening of the ear.  The large end is lit creating a vacuum.  The constant draw from this vacuum pulls out any excess build up of ear wax and mucous congestion from nasal cavaties.

How often should ones ears be candled?

Ear candling is a wonderful means of preventative maintenance of cleansing the auditory canal to prevent build up of wax.  The average person without any history of was build up or sinus problems requires two treatments per year.  Although each case is treated individually due to the severity of their allergy sensitivities, some clients with chronic sinus problems can require one treatment per month.

Who can benefit from ear candling?

  • Swimmers – more susceptible to swimmers ear
  • Anyone who wears a hearing aid – helps to keep canal clean to assist in being able to hear more clearly
  • Anyone who has excessive was accumulation
  • Anyone with ear infections, sinus congestion or experiencing sinusitis
  • Anyone who works in an environment where there is a lot of dust or dirt
  • Children with ear infections
  • Ringing in the ears – if caused from anything other than permanent nerve damage, i.e. chemicals, metals, toxins, fatty deposits, worms and parasites

Facials      Prices

Is there anything I should do to prepare for my facial?
No. Also, you do not need to wash your face before coming in for a facial.
   
When should I start having facials and how often?
Now! Whether you have young or mature skin, healthy or problematic skin, facials are beneficial at any age. Having a facial at least once a month will help maintain healthy skin. However, if there are specific skin concerns that you are trying to address, more frequent visits may be needed.
   
How do I decide what facial is best for me?
That is ideally best decided during the consult with the Ethetician. If you are unsure of the amount of time to schedule your appointment for then to be safe schedule it for an hour and you and the Esthetician can discuss which course of action to take when you arrive.
   
What should I expect during my facial?
  • Depending on the facial, your Esthetician will briefly or thoroughly examine and discuss your skin
  • Guys will be asked to undress from the waist up. Women will also be aksed to undress from the waist up, but can leave their bra on and just remove the straps from their shoulders. Both will be asked to remove any jewelry. The Esthetician will leave the room for the client to undress and get under the covers, returning in a few minutes.
  • The Esthetician will then proceed with the facial, which in a typical one hour facial includes: skin analysis, cleansing, massage, masks, extractions and moisturizing
   
Benefits of Facial Treatments
  • Deep cleaning of the skin removing impurities and debris superficially and embedded
  • Relaxing the nerves relieving the stresses and tensions of life
  • Strengthening and maintaining muscle tone for a more youthful appearance
  • Increasing circulation thus nourishing the skin, therefore improving elasticity, firmness, color and texture
  • Helping prevent the formation of wrinkles and age lines by releasing tension held within the muscular structure and stimulating cellular rejuvenation
  • Removing dead skin cells revealing a younger, fresher, more radiant you
  • Creating a sense of emotional and spiritual well being thru deep relaxation and rejuvenation
  • Activating glandular activity, often correcting the secretions of over or under production of sebaceous oils
  • Analyzing the skin and prevention maintenance
  • Advise you on both professional and home care treatments
TIPS for Facials
  • Avoid sun and chlorine exposure for 24 hours
  • Schedule a facial every 2-4 weeks, or when you feel your skin needs one, to get maximum results and to maintain them
  • If any irritation or excessive breakouts occurs after the facial, please contact your esthetician to correct future treatments
  • Cold wax
   
TIPS for Alphablend Maximum Exfolliant Treatment
  • Do not use any scrubs, abrasives or harsh soaps for 48 hours after treatment
  • Wear at least 15 SPF daily
  • To achieve maximum results, you will need a minimum of 4 Alphablend Treatments
  • Please re-schedule in 2-4 weeks for your next treatment

Waxing      Prices

What should I expect when waxing?
First, a special preconditioning lotion is applied (regular lotions and creams make the wax slip from the hair). The warm/hot wax is applied ot an area in thin strips and then covered with a strip of cloth. Once the was hardens around each strand of hair, the esthetician will hold the skin taut and pull the cloth quickly, thus removing the hair. After a waxing session you should exfoliate your skin for the next few days this keeps follicies open and keeps from getting ingrown hairs after a waxing session.
   
I hear that waxing is a painful process, is this true?
Everyone's level of pain is different. Some experience little to no pain and find it somewhat relaxing. Others say is is uncomfortable with some pain. But the thing to remember is that if you relax and breathe it is easier to handle. If you are tense the follicle closes and the wax does not reach the root of the hair. Keep in mind that immediately after waxing the esthetician applies gentle pressure to the area with their hands; icing the area also can help ease the pain. Inform the esthetician if this is your concern.
   
What is a Brazilian bikini wax and what should I expect?
A Brazilian bikini wax removes the hair from the entire pubic region, except for a small patch just above the vaginal area. A paper thong might be provided, but most likely you will be in the buff. First the hair is snipped with scissors, then using an applicator the warm wax is placed on a small area and then removed with a cloth. In a traditional Brazilian the buttocks area is also waxed. Relaxing is important as it causes less pain and helps to remove the hair root easier.
   
TIPS for Underarm/Leg/Arm Waxing
  • Avoid sun exposure, chlorine, and hot water (hot tubs/baths) for 24 hours
  • Avoid heavy exercising for 24 hours
  • Avoid tight clothes around the area
  • To prevent ingrown hairs and/or breakouts, use a granular scrub 2 days post depilation
  • Schedule a wax every 2-6 weeks, when hair is as least 1/4" long, to get maximum results and to maintain
  • If irritation, swelling or a burning sensation occurs, apply a cool, wet wash cloth to the affected area for 10 minutes
   
TIPS for Facial Waxing
  • Avoid sun exposure for 24 hours
  • Do not apply any makeup to waxed area for 24 hours
  • Wash face with lukewarm or cool water
  • To prevent ingrown hairs and/or breakouts, use an acne spot treatment 2 days post depilation
  • Schedule a wax every 2-6 weeks, when hair is at least 1/4" long, to get maximum results and to maintain
  • If irritation or swelling occurs, apply a cool, wet wash cloth to the affected area for 10 minutes.
   
TIPS for Bikini/Brazilian Waxing
  • Avoid sun exposure, chlorine, and hot water (hot tubs/baths) for 24 hours
  • Avoid heavy exercising for 24 hours
  • Avoid tight clothes around the area
  • To prevent ingrown hairs and/or breakouts, use a granular scrub 2 days post depilation
  • Schedule a wax every 2-6 weeks, when hair is as least 1/4" long, to get maximum results and to maintain
  • If irritation, swelling or a burning sensation occurs, apply a cool, wet wash cloth to the affected area for 10 minutes
   
TIPS for Back/Chest Waxing
  • Avoid sun exposure, chlorine, and hot water (hot tubs/baths) for 24 hours
  • Avoid heavy exercising for 24 hours
  • Avoid tight clothes around the area
  • To prevent ingrown hairs and/or breakouts, use a granular scrub 2 days post depilation
  • Schedule a wax every 2-6 weeks, when hair is as least 1/4" long, to get maximum results and to maintain
  • If irritation, swelling or a burning sensation occurs, apply a cool, wet wash cloth to the affected area for 10 minutes
  • If you experience a breakout after a wax, even with an acne body scrub, schedule a back treatment 1-2 weeks post depilation


Tropical Minnesota - 10th and Mainstreet - Hopkins, MN - 952-933-6666 - cindy@tropicalmn.com

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