Steven Smith meets Jurate Nikulina, the woman bringing a little sunshine to London Bridge
By Steven Smith
Goodness me, I’ve been writing about health and beauty for over twenty years now, and if there’s one thing I’ve learnt, it’s that the beauty industry never stands still.
Every season brings a new miracle treatment, or perhaps an old favourite reinvented with a glamorous new name. Collagen, peptides, NAD+, herbal remedies — you name it, I’ve probably written about it, researched it or, knowing me, tried it!
We are forever searching for that elusive fountain of youth. But sometimes the most interesting developments involve something that’s been around for billions of years: light.
Let’s face it, most of us feel better when the sun comes out. There’s something wonderfully uplifting about a bright summer’s day, and who doesn’t love the appearance of a healthy, golden glow?
Of course, we now understand far more about the dangers of ultraviolet radiation. A good broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher is essential, even on cloudy days when UV levels warrant protection. A tan caused by UV exposure is actually a sign of skin damage, and sunbeds carry risks of premature ageing and skin cancer.
However, natural daylight itself has genuine health benefits. It helps regulate our body clocks, supports sleep patterns and mood, and sunlight enables our bodies to produce vitamin D, essential for healthy bones and muscles.
But there’s a new star in the world of light-based beauty and wellness treatments.
Enter red light therapy.
Unlike traditional tanning beds, dedicated red light therapy uses red and sometimes near-infrared wavelengths without ultraviolet radiation. It doesn’t produce a suntan, and researchers are exploring its potential benefits for skin rejuvenation, collagen production, certain types of pain, wound healing and even hair growth.
Some applications have encouraging scientific evidence, while others need considerably more research. It certainly isn’t a miracle cure.
But you know me. Tell me there’s something potentially beneficial to health and beauty, and suddenly I’m reaching for my diary!
Which brings me to a rather extraordinary woman.
Meet the Sun Queen
Her name is Jurate Nikulina, and she runs The Tanning Shop in London Bridge. I affectionately call her the Sun Queen, because quite frankly, she’s a ray of sunshine herself.
What impresses me about Jurate isn’t simply her professionalism, but her knowledge, patience and genuine interest in the people walking through her door.
Whether you’re considering a spray tan, enquiring about a sunbed or exploring red light therapy, she takes time to listen, understand your skin type and explain what’s involved.
And believe me, that makes a refreshing change.
We’ve all encountered those beauty establishments where the person behind the counter is chewing gum, staring into space and looking as though they’d rather be anywhere else or sell you the most expensive course of treatment .
Not here!
The salon is beautifully maintained, spotlessly clean and welcoming. Jurate makes you feel like a valued client rather than another appointment.
I particularly appreciate her willingness to discuss the pros and cons of treatments rather than promise the impossible.
With UV tanning, of course, even expert supervision cannot remove the risks, which is why my personal preference remains a good spray tan.
My Red Light Experience
Having recently undergone hernia surgery, I found myself in an unfamiliar position.
No gym, limited movement and a rather uncomfortable recovery. For someone accustomed to being active, it was frustrating, to say the least.
A friend suggested looking into red light therapy.
When I discovered that The Tanning Shop offered it, I telephoned Jurate.
Straightaway, she was refreshingly honest. Everyone responds differently, she explained, and she could only speak from her own experience.
Jurate had undergone surgery herself and felt that red light therapy had helped her recovery.
That was enough to make me curious.
I booked five sessions.
Each treatment lasts approximately fifteen minutes, and packages are available at discounted rates.
Now, I won’t lie. It had been decades since I’d climbed into anything resembling a sunbed. Perhaps it’s my age, or perhaps I’ve watched Final Destination once too often, but initially I felt slightly claustrophobic!
Fortunately, that sensation disappeared after a few minutes.
You’re provided with eye protection, and once settled, the experience is surprisingly relaxing.
There’s something rather pleasant about escaping the outside world for fifteen minutes, particularly when you’ve spent weeks recovering from surgery.
Before I knew it, my first session was over.
Did I emerge looking twenty years younger, ready to run a marathon?
Sadly not!
The results weren’t immediate, although a few people subsequently commented on how nice my skin was looking.
By my third session, I personally felt that my skin looked fresher, and I noticed less discomfort around my surgical scar.
Now, I must emphasise that this was my own experience. Postoperative pain naturally improves over time, and I cannot say whether red light therapy contributed to that improvement.
Nevertheless, it certainly sparked my interest.
By the end of my five sessions, I found myself wishing I’d booked more.
Sunshine Without the Sun Damage?
For me, the attraction of red light therapy is that it offers a different approach to skin and wellness treatments without the ultraviolet exposure associated with tanning.
It isn’t a substitute for medical treatment, and anyone recovering from an operation should seek medical advice before trying it.
But the emerging research is fascinating, particularly in relation to certain skin conditions, cellular activity and tissue repair.
I’ll certainly be keeping an eye on developments.
As a natural redhead, I have always been particularly conscious of protecting my fair skin. My preferred route to a golden glow remains a professional spray tan, accompanied by sensible sun protection whenever I’m outdoors.
I’m also intrigued by some of the salon’s newer beauty treatments, including its body-firming and hydrating options.
Watch this space!
What I value most about my visits, however, is having someone knowledgeable and approachable to talk things through with.
Jurate doesn’t need to blind you with science or promise miracles. Her warmth, experience and genuine enthusiasm are more than enough.
So, while I won’t be abandoning my sunscreen or replacing conventional healthcare with a glowing bed, I am certainly adding red light therapy to my list of beauty treatments worth exploring.
And if you’re curious about what might be right for you, I can think of no better person to have a conversation with than Jurate Nikulina.
After all, a little sunshine can brighten anyone’s day.
And the Sun Queen of London Bridge has certainly brightened mine.
The Tanning Shop — London Bridge
134 Borough High Street, London SE1 1LB
Treatments: Red light therapy, spray tanning, UV tanning and skin treatments.
Website: https://thetanningshop.co.uk/location/london-bridge-borough-high-st/
