Get more than a tan at Tan Central

Winter has arrived with its cold wind and morning frost, but that doesn’t mean you can’t keep that summer glow.

Slip on a swimsuit and head over to one of the Tan Central salons owned by Blake and Rita Bartel. There you can benefit from four levels of UV tanning, three levels of spray tanning and three levels of custom airbrush tanning. The salon uses high-quality Norvell solutions for the spray and airbrush tanning that lasts a week or more.

“It bronzes instead of oranges,” Rita said, adding that Tan Central offers special spray and airbrush tanning packages for teens.

Tan Central has a variety of tanning beds, including an X2 bed that bronzes rather than tans, a stand-up tanning bed and a red light bed that uses no ultraviolet light and can reduce the look of wrinkles and scars. Tan Central also sells red light face lamps and handheld lamps for at-home use.

“Research suggests collagen lamps may improve skin tone and texture, control pigmentation spots, help reduce pore size, encourage vibrant  looking skin, and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and clears acne,” a statement on the business’ Website reads.

“We love the red light,” Rita said. “It’s just wonderful.”

Skin care is a top priority at Tan Central, where clients can also buy products in all price ranges to help them maintain healthy, sun-kissed looking skin. The salons also sell Hairmax, a hand-held device that looks like a hairbrush with lights. This laser treatment device promotes hair growth in men and women.

“This is actually FDA-approved,” Blake said. “It works.”

With hair and skin covered, it’s time to work on that smile. Tan Central can also help there with BleachBright. This professional teeth-whitening system combines a peroxide-based gel with bright blue light and in 20 minutes your teeth are whiter.

The salons also sells jewelry, gifts, clothing and swimwear.

Blake and Rita Bartel started their careers in retail and switched over to real estate. They got out of that business before the housing bubble burst and bought the three El Dorado County Tan Central locations in 2009.

“It seemed like fun,” Rita said of owning their own business. The couple oversees 15 employees.

“We have a well-trained, knowledgeable staff who can fit you into the proper service,” Blake said. “And we offer discounts, coupons and specials on Facebook and our Website.”

The job has its challenges, Blake added, but he said, “Having people look good and feel good is rewarding.”

Tan Central has three convenient locations: 4540 Post St. in El Dorado Hills, 916-939-8261; 3490 Palmer Drive, Suite 3L, Cameron Park, 530-672-2826; and 3964 Missouri Flat Road, Suite C, Placerville, 530-626-8264.

For hours and more information visit tancentral.com.