What are Tanning Beds?

A tanning bed is a device which emits ultraviolet (UV) light to produce a cosmetic tan. Tanning beds use several fluorescent lamps that have phosphor blends designed to emit UV in a spectrum that is somewhat similar to the sun. "High pressure" tanning beds generate primarily UVA with some UVB by using highly specialized quartz lamps, reflector systems and filters. A tanning booth is similar to a tanning bed, but the person stands while tanning and the power output of booths is higher.

Benefits

The primary benefit of indoor tanning is that it allows for a cosmetic tan in control and moderation by skin type and a timer that minimize the risk for sunburn and overexposure. While a tan that is developed in a tanning bed does offer some protection from overexposure to the natural sun, an individual should not depend on it as their only protection. An indoor tan provides a natural SPF of between 2 and 4 (sun protective lotions are generally SPF 30 or higher). It is advisable to use the proper SPF's according to skin type and sun intensity, even if a base tan is present.

Tanning beds also offer time savings when compared to tanning outdoors. Tanning beds offer a maximum session time of 20 minutes and a person can maintain a tan with 1 to 2 sessions per week.

A frequently mentioned benefit of artificial tanning is the increased production of vitamin D. Your body can produce up to 10,000 IUs of vitamin D in 10 minutes, as it can with exposure to natural sunlight. This vitamin has many benefits, and many people with indoor lifestyles may not receive enough. Most tanning beds use bulbs with the same UVB relative to UVA rays as the Sun and produce the same levels of vitamin D.

How does tanning work?

Melanin is produced by cells called melanocytes in a process called melanogenesis. Melanocytes produce two types of melanin: pheomelanin (red) and eumelanin (very dark brown). Melanin protects the body by absorbing solar radiation. With the production of the melanin, the skin color darkens, but can also cause sunburn.

There are two different mechanisms involved. Firstly, the UVA-radiation creates oxidative stress, which in turn oxidises existing melanin and leads to rapid darkening of the melanin. Secondly, there is an increase in production of melanin (melanogenesis). Melanogenesis leads to delayed tanning and first becomes visible about 72 hours after exposure. The tan that is created by an increased melanogenesis lasts much longer than the one that is caused by oxidation of existing melanin.

The ultraviolet frequencies responsible for tanning are often divided into the UVA and UVB ranges:

UVA

Ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation is in the wavelength range 320 to 400 nm. It is present more uniformly throughout the day, and throughout the year, than UVB. UVA causes the release of existing melanin from the melanocytes to combine with oxygen (oxidize) to create the actual tan color in the skin. It is blocked less than UVB by many sunscreens but is blocked to some degree by clothing.

UVB

Ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation is in the wavelength range 280 to 320 nm. UVB:

• Triggers an increased melanin production
• Is more likely to cause a sunburn than UVA as a result of overexposure. The mechanism for sunburn and increased melanogenesis is identical.
• Produces Vitamin D in human skin
• Reduced by virtually all sunscreens in accordance with their SPF
• Stimulates the production of new melanin, which leads to a big increase in the dark-coloured pigment within a few days.

Indoor Tanning Attire

Our tanning beds are inside private rooms where you can disrobe and dress in private. You may wear a bathing suit or underwear and some prefer to be completely nude for a natural, all even tan.

Remember to remove things like watches or jewelry or any sort of clothing on places you want to tan. Band-Aids, if possible, should be removed to avoid white spots. To protect your eyes, remember to wear eye protection. You shouldn't look at the UV light and the direct light could hurt your eyes, even when with your eyes closed.

Cosmetics and Indoor Tanning

Perfumes and cosmetics have a photosensitizing effect on your skin that can cause unexpected tanning results which range from uneven tanning to rashes. Wash away cosmetics before tanning in a tanning bed or out in the sun. Perfumes worn in a tanning bed can cause rashes or burning sensations.