Tan beautifully and safe, indoors
For more than 27 years, On the Dark Side Tanning Salons have been the tanning studios that people from all over Windsor-Essex have trusted. Thousands of customers have turned to On The Dark Side for an indoor option to receive the benefits of the sun, which include relief from depression, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), vitamin D deficiency and various skin conditions.
Owners Gerard and Christine Bernauer have made it their goal to help educate and protect sunbathers, guiding them toward achieving the right kind of sun tan and teaching them how to avoid sunburn.
Although indoor tanning is considered a cosmetic service, indoor tanning clients have experienced a great side effect: the production of sufficient levels of vitamin D, otherwise known as “the sunshine vitamin.” Most sunbeds are able to emit enough UVB light to trigger natural vitamin D production.
An approved member of the Joint Canadian Tanning Association (JCTA), On the Dark Side ensures that every single member of its team is Smart Tan Certified. It’s a vital detail that protects clients, who know that they’re in safe hands.
Despite all the controversy surrounding indoor and outdoor tanning, On the Dark Side remains positive about the services it offers, aware of the greater benefits of tanning as well as the safety measures the staff and clients must take.
On the Dark Side’s motto, or what they refer to as their “Golden Rule,” is “Never burn.”
“It is a fact that sunburning (overexposure) is harmful to the skin,” says Christine. When it comes to tanning in natural sun, “sunscreen, sunglasses and moderation are key.” Tanning indoors enables the client to control his or her exposure, and because not every skin type is the same, the experts at On the Dark Side can help determine what’s best for each client.
“If we have a skin type 1 tanner, we will not tan them but we’ll offer our Mystic HD UV-Free Spray Tan,” says Christine. “We make it clear that the spray tan does not provide any sun protection but it will help them look good while they are laying in the shade. Our spray tan is a great alternative to provide that golden, bronzed look, and is quite popular for special events.
“At this time of year, we have many families that tan with us to build their base tan before they go on their vacation,” continues Christine. “Sun tanning indoors in a controlled environment allows consumers to tan responsibly and to identify their skin type to help prevent burning and overexposure.”
According to the JCTA, creating a natural base tan via exposure to UV light is called photo-protection, and can give a person four to six times the protection from burning under the sun in a tropical area. Christine states that contrary to popular belief, a base tan is not damaging to the skin, but in fact aids in protecting a person from burning.
On the Dark Side Tanning Salons offer monthly specials for their members, including the customer favourite: Free Tanning On Tuesdays. They are open Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
On the Dark Side proudly serves customers at two locations: 4756 Tecumseh Rd E. in Windsor and 13300 Tecumseh Rd E. in Green Valley Plaza, Tecumseh.