Raydiance studio keeps customers informed
By MARK PAVILONS Editor

Raydiance Tanning Studio in Bolton celebrated its third anniversary recently. The friendly staff includes (l to r) owner Dino Martinello, manager Alex Flaherty, assistant manager Daniela Argiro, and crew members Cristina Greco, Catherine Ciarallo and Julia Bellanza.

As the icy cold fingers of Old Man Winter slowly retreat, many seek refuge in a sun tanning salon. They're preparing for their spring break getaway and soaking up some needed vitamin D in the process.

Good customer service and a knowledgeable staff have been the keys to success for Bolton's Raydiance Tanning Studio. The outlet just marked its third anniversary, and more than 450 customers flocked to the salon recently to share in its success.

Owner Dino Martinello noted they've listened to their customers intently over the years, and give them what they ask for - the best in technology and a warm, clean and inviting atmosphere. Raydiance has grown to now boast 10 tanning beds, including the newest design - the German-made Ergoline 650.

Martinello explained it has air conditioning built in and UV filters around the facial area to minimize the risks of burning. It's intelligent and can even sense and adjust to body temperature.

Most of Raydiance's customers are adults, from 18 to 75. Their desire and interests in tanning are as diverse as they are. Martinello explained that while many enjoy maintaining a yearround sun-kissed look, others come to him for the health benefits associated with vitamin D (provided mostly by the sun. Foods that contain D include milk, fortified cereal, fish oils). In recent months, he's had many come in with notes from physicians who say an infusion of vitamin D can benefit seasonal disorders, excema and irritable bowel syndrome, to name a few. D has been referred to as the "miracle vitamin" and recent studies have stressed we've under-estimated our vitamin D requirements.

Medical professionals have warned that overexposure to the sun can lead to skin cancer and Martinello pointed out safety is paramount.

The skin, with roughly 800 million cells, is the body's largest organ, and is self-regulating.

Tanning beds, Martinello noted, were developed in Europe by dermatologists to help sunlight deprived patients.

According to American Dr. Michael Holick, professor of dermatology, brief exposure to sunshine or artificially produced UV light can help ward off diseases such as osteoporosis, hypertension, diabetes, MS, rheumatoid arthritis, depression and even some cancers. Researchers have identified more than a dozen types of cancer that are common among those who don't get enough vitamin D.

Dr. Gordon Ainsleigh advocates responsible UV exposure because its benefits for immune system stimulation far outweigh any risks.

Vitamin D is made in the skin when exposed to the UVB rays of the sun, as well as the long-wave UVA rays from tanning beds. Not actually a vitamin, D is transformed into a valuable hormone, used by almost every tissue in the body, helping our bones, regulating cell growth and preventing wild cell proliferation.

For customers unsure about the process, staff at Raydiance are trained, and upgraded regularly, to speak with confidence about the latest developments. Martinello said they are all regulated by Smart Tan Canada. Clients' times are moderated and Raydiance practises a skin care and not aesthetic approach.

Many current customers are building a base prior to spring break. It's important to take your time and do it properly, Martinello observes.Raydiance offers comfortable surroundings with efficient cooling systems, goggles, towels, hand sanitizer and deodorant in every room.

They change their tanning bed bulbs regularly, well before the recommended times. They have established a rapport with their clients and they are often greeted by first name when they visit.

Raydiance offers a points system which can be shared by others and even uses a biometric finger scanner to retrieve client records on their networked computers. They are competitively priced, offering tanning for as little at 25 cents per minute. Staff also offer a host of unique skin care products and sunscreen, many of which now contain vitamins, amino and fatty acids.

Martinello has travelled all over the world and noticed tourists and coworkers tended to burn too often. They weren't sun smart so he wanted to find a way to provide an alternative and also educate customers. He created Raydiance to offer a personal touch and instill a sun smart approach.

For more, call them at 905-857-8669, pay them a visit or check out their Web site at www.raydiancetan.com.