2-minute tan anyone?

DUBAI: If you think getting a tan is all about spending hours under the scorching desert sun, think again. An automatic tanning booth at an upscale salon in Dubai can give you that perfect bronze from within its cool confines in just two minutes. And if its claims are to be believed, the tanning spray is "100 per cent natural and safe".

With summer setting in, the Versa Spa tanning booth from the US-based Sunless Inc at Omeriya Salon in Dubai Festival City has become the talk of the town. "A majority of our customers are Europeans and also Emiratis — both men and women," said Diana M. Dragusin, president of Sunless MENA.

The tanning process is simple as the booth works on a combination of spa technologies. All you have to do is undress, remove your jewellery and make-up and step into the booth. Once inside, you stand with your toes on a coloured line, press a button and begin your treatment. A voice automation guides you through every stage.

The treatment comprises three formulations - pre-tan, spray with bronzer and post-moisturising - which are applied through two nozzles that move up and down the booth in two to four passes.

Dragusin said the pre-tan treatment ensures hydration, balances skin Ph levels, enhances colour and disperses natural skin oils while the spray with bronzer lends instant colour. "The product is made from natural ingredients like sugarcane and aloe vera and is very safe. It only works on the first layer of the skin and does not enter the blood stream," she said, adding, "It is safer than the sun and UV beds."

Customers can choose from three shades of bronze - light, medium and dark, depending on the extent of tan they want. Different coverage options are also available such as full body, only face, only legs or full body without face. These basic requirements are fed into the select menu before the process begins. Once the tanning and the post-moisturising are done, you get an automatic blow dry treatment. Two minutes later, you are good to go, with your tan lasting for seven-ten days.

"This is very convenient especially during summer. Moreover, when people with white skin sit for two-three hours under the sun, they turn red and don't get the tan they want," said Maher Al Mahem, owner of Omeriya.

The prices range from Dh100 for a light face-only tan to Dh270 for a dark full body tan.

Customers are also advised about the restrictions before and after the tanning process. While deodorants and make-up are not to be used before entering the booth, there are restrictions on swimming and use of water for four-five hours after the automatic tan.