Helen Zhang

Opening three months ago in the Space Building, Shekou, Bronze's Tanning is the first tanning center to open in Shenzhen after branches were launched in Shanghai and Beijing.

The tanning equipment is from Megasun, a top German brand enjoying a high reputation for safety and comfort. The standing tanning machine has plenty of space, even for tall people, while there are facilities for those who prefer to lie down to enjoy tanning in maximum comfort.

According to Queenie Gao, manager of Bronze's Tanning Studio, tanning is beneficial for health. Through tanning, our bodies can produce more Victim D, which helps people keep relaxed. Tanning is also claimed to combat rheumatism and other joint ailments. For those with an eye to fashion, tanning is a quick way to color skin a healthy tone.

The tanning machines can be adjusted to concentrate on selected parts of the body. For example, if a person doesn't want to tan the face, the tanning lamp can be adjusted.

Pedro Barros, an Italian man living in Shekou said he was so happy to see a new tanning studio which would help him keep on tanning as he does in Europe.

Bronze's Tanning Studio is offering a trial service for 50 yuan for new customers. The newcomers will also be eligible for free membership with future discounts.

Tips on tanning outdoors:

Wear sunscreen. Sunscreen is an absolute must. Would you go scuba diving without a mask? Sunscreen has an SPF factor, which is the number of times you're being protected by the sun's harmful UV rays, while sunblock is a stronger shield that literally blocks you from most of the sun's UV rays. This means that sunscreen still allows you to get a tan; it just makes tanning more gradual and prevents you from burning.

Re-apply. You need to apply sunscreen approximately 20 minutes before going outside, and re-apply if you go into the water, even if your lotion is waterproof.

Do not use baby oil. Baby oil is literally asking the sun to radiate your skin and fry you.

Do not get burned. Speaking of getting burned, people erroneously believe that a burn will fade away into a nice tan. This could not be more false. A burn will cause your skin to become all blistery and splotchy, and your skin will just peel away to reveal the next layer.

Think gradual. The best attitude when it comes to tanning, is to think gradual. You will not get a great tan in one day, but you will after several days of being exposed to the sun.