Though the sun is just beginning to show its face, many students have been finding their glow, even in the dead of winter.
Indoor tanning is a popular option for those who want to achieve a tan even in sub-zero temperatures. According to a survey by the American Academy of Dermatology, 28 million people tan indoors in the U.S. annually, and in 2010 nearly $2.6 billion was spent on the indoor tanning industry.
In Athens’ tanning salons, there are two different kinds of packages to choose from: sessions and minutes.
“We do sessions rather than minutes,” said Olivia Roberts, the manager at Attractions Tanning Salon, 19 N. Court St. “So, you can buy quantities of like a single, three, six, 12 or 20 and we also have what we called an unlimited package, which is 30 days for 30 sessions and after 30 days it will expire.”
Unlike Attractions, Outer Glow chooses to do minutes.
“We sell our packages by the minute,” said Maria Kamlowsky, who has been the manager at 14 S. Court St. for four years. “(It) is the most flexible options for students because our minutes never expire.”
The difference between sessions and minutes comes down to personal preferences and schedules.
“If I had to choose between sessions and minutes I wouldn’t hesitate,” said Lisa Cochran, a junior studying accounting. “I prefer sessions.”
Though many students have loans, rent and tuition to pay, they still are the majority that brings in revenue for these salons in Athens.
“I would definitely say that it’s probably not them paying for it it’s probably their parents,” Roberts said. “But, I don’t think they really care, maybe they have good jobs, but tanning should be the last thing on their mind when they have student loans to think about.”
Others, like Kamlowsky, feel that students tan for a different, less skin-deep, reason.
“People tan for a variety of reasons,” she said. “Not just for cosmetic purposes but even to combat things such as seasonal depression during this gloomy time of year.”
Some tan to raise their self-esteem and confidence, while others tan just to achieve a certain look.
“I go tanning just so I won’t be pale and white,” Cochran said. “Being pale and pasty sucks. When it comes to tanning, it doesn’t really give me confidence, I just like being tan because it reminds me of the beach.”
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