Heather's Favorite Things: Sunlimited Tanning Salon & Day Spa

Despite the unmistakable chill in the air and the frosty forecast, warm weather really is almost here. With spring break in a couple of weeks and summer, or as I like to call it “pool season,” a few months away, it’s time to start thinking about your tan.

Getting that even, glowing tan is not an easy task. Whether you’re laying out in the harsh rays of the sun or going to a tanning salon, you run the risk of burning, harmful UV exposure and coming out patchy in the end. Most tanning salons treat the tanning process as a get-in, get-out scenario leaving you crispy or orange, and that’s not the look, people.

Sunlimited has allowed me to learn more about my skin type and what it needs to stay healthy while getting that summer glow.

Any natural redhead or blonde can attest to how difficult tanning can be, especially in a tanning bed. My skin is prone to being sensitive and turning red after a session, but Sunlimited took the time to understand my skin and put together a tanning session that wouldn’t leave me feeling fried and lobster-esque. After two sessions in the bronzing bed, I am several shades darker with no burns. I have a beach trip coming up and I plan to visit Sunlimited two more times so that I can walk around the beach without feeling like I’m blinding the fish.

Tanning is a science, and how to maintain healthy skin while tanning is something Becky Chrestman, owner of Sunlimited, has perfected.

“We do a skin type analysis on all clients and make recommendations for shorter tan times for all first-time UV tanners. It takes time to safely build a tan and using a quality indoor tanning lotion is critical to the process. UV light absorbs moisture from the skin so we want to protect the skin and keep it moisturized,” Becky says. “Also, all of our lotions contain melanin stimulators so the tanning process begins within 30 seconds of being exposed to UV light. Without this lotion, it can take 5-7 minutes for the melanin to be stimulated by the UV light wasting precious tanning time.

“Our most popular beds are included in our Legendary Level package. The KBL 7000 Extra Sunbed includes state-of-the-art technology with 3 levels of UV exposure, collagen and melanin boosting facial lamps, aqua misters, aroma, air conditioning and the ability to blue tooth your phone and listen to your choice of music or podcast. The Ergoline Open Sun 1050 Open Sun is the only unit of its kind offering 360-degree high-pressure tanning in an open environment.”

Spray tans might be the most nerve-wracking experience because if you go to the wrong place, you come out looking like you’re off to work at Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory. On top of Sunlimited’s four levels of UV tanning, the salon also offers a Mystic Kyss Spray booth, Norvell Auto Revolution booth and custom spray tans – all of which give a natural look to the skin without the dangers of the sun.

“For first-time spray tan clients, we usually recommend a custom spray so that we can walk them through the entire process,” Becky says. “If someone prefers the booth we will help them choose the perfect spray solution and walk them through step-by-step instructions.”

Vacations are swimming in fast, and Sunlimited provides any and every service you could want to be ready. From tanning to teeth whitening to esthetician services to body toning, Sunlimited does it all. For tanning in particular, however, just walk on in.

“No appointment is needed for UV tanning and sunless spray booth tans. Anyone planning a beach vacation that wants to build a base tan before traveling should start at least six to eight weeks in advance! It takes time to safely build a base tan and we do not want you to burn — slow and steady for the win!” Becky says. “We recommend calling as soon as possible to schedule appointments for custom spray tans, but we have three spray tan artists on staff and will always figure out a way to fit in those last-minute clients!”

There is not a cleaner and nicer facility that offers as many services as Sunlimited does. The customer service is incredible and the staff is so knowledgeable about the services they perform allowing clients to relax and enjoy the experience.

“[Sunlimited] is the only salon in Central Arkansas that offers a shared membership option, the only salon in Little Rock with a 100 percent high-pressure bronzing bed, the only salon in Little Rock approved to carry Mr. International tanning lotions, the only salon in Central Arkansas that offers and includes Red Light Therapy, Cocoon Wellness Pro Pod, booth spray tans and UV tanning with a membership,” Becky says. “[Sunlimited] is also the only salon in Central Arkansas that offers esthetic services, cosmetic laser services, sunless tanning (booth and custom sprays), UV tanning, teeth whitening and wellness option (Beauty Angel Red Light Booth, Cocoon Wellness Prop Pod and Poly Red Light) all under one roof.”

I am halfway through my tanning journey for this season and I cannot wait to show off my bronze skin at the beach. Check here for more information about Sunlimited’s Legendary Level Membership and contact Becky Chrestman to set up an appointment for any of her services through the Sunlimited website.

I’ll be sharing my experience with other Sunlimited services soon, so stay tuned!