Planet Beach heats Western Avenue
GUILDERLAND Although its cold outside, inside of Planet Beach tanning salon on Western Avenue is a different world.
The old jewelry store in the 1800 Western Ave. Cosmos Plaza has been transformed into the glitzy tanning and spa salon.
Customers are greeted by a warm orange-themed décor and the soft glow of specialty track lighting as they walk through the doors of Planet Beach. Everything in sight is immaculate; the equipment is immediately sanitized by the friendly staff who work there.
Ten sleek rooms are named after various planets and celestial objects; each contains a different tanning or spa treatment apparatus.
Owner Frank Dessingue says the tanning industry has evolved over the past couple of decades; he invites former tanning salon connoisseurs to take another look.
"People will come in and say they used to tan 20 years ago," said Dessingue. "They’ll stop by and ask, ‘So, what’s changed since then"’"
"Everything," Dessingue answers.
As a result of better science and better technology, said Dessingue, tanning and spa salons have become not only safer, but more effective and efficient.
The golden rule to smart tanning, he said, is never to burn. A "base tan" is your best protection against harmful ultraviolet overexposure that leads to sunburns, he said.
He also cited the advantages of ultraviolet light when used at safe-exposure levels, such as the healthful physiological and psychological benefits like vitamin D intake and increased serotonin production in the brain.
"Business has been good so far," Dessingue said about opening in early January.
For the shy customer who doesnt like the gym-like atmosphere of some spas, Planet Beach offers spa-quality treatments in private rooms without the need of an attendant, Dessingue said.
Most of his customers are working professionals quite a few are men who not only use the tanning booths, but use the spa treatments, too.
Dessingues salon has two expensive machines which are part of the spa treatment program at Planet Beach, with more machines on the way.
The Hydration Station, is a large machine that resembles a space shuttle; it combines infrared heat, dense steam, enhancing LED (light-emitting diode) color spectrum lights, oxygen science concentrates, and a relaxing massage.
The concentrates are lotions made of pharmaceutical-grade botanicals; mineral extracts; and vitamins A, E, and C.
"Your pores are going to open up and exfoliate that outer layer of skin and then this stuff gets infused into your skin," Dessingue said of the 20-minute process.
The Lumiére, uses an LED redlight therapy, not ultraviolet, and a topical skin-care application to repair damaged skin and help remove scarring.
"It is specifically designated for your skin, particularly your face," said Dessingue. "It’s the new alternative to Botox treatments or skin peals,"
The light therapy clears the users skin and repairs blemishes, according to Dessingue.
"The intensity of the light activates the topical solutions. It then creates new cells and boost the collagen production," Dessingue said. "It is the same technology that is used medically for burn victims."
Dessingue runs the salon with his wife, Randi. Planet Beach was founded by Stephen Smith in 1995 in the uptown district of New Orleans.
Planet Beach in Guilderland also offers non-ultraviolet tanning and a variety of skin-care lotions and products in addition to tanning beds and spa treatments.
The Dessingues say they are planing a grand opening at their store, which will include introductory deals and packages, later this month.
Prices vary for individual treatments but reduced prices are available for package deals. The Hydration Station and Lumiére treatments start at $40 a session, but go as low as $20 a session with certain packages.
Tanning packages go from $8 to $12 and are good for three tans a piece.
They do have monthly memberships, Dessingue said, which start at $20 and go up to the complete $149 package, which gives access to all of Planet Beachs equipment for the month.
Memberships and package deals are good at any Planet Beach location in the world, said Dessignue, which is good for out-of-state students.
"The one thing you’re responsible for by being a national franchise is that you have to abide by stricter guidelines," said Dessingue. "It really makes the difference in the experience."
