Tanning Beds
History and Advice
Tanning beds were brought to North America by German scientist
Friedrich Wolff in 1978 and rose to popularity in the mid-1980s.
Since then, tanning beds have been a common way to tan without
having to spend hours and hours in the sun’s unpredictable
radiation.
Make no mistake: the ultraviolet light used in tanning beds is
almost exactly the same kind of ultraviolet light that comes
from the sun, and therefore comes with the same risks. But if
you understand how tanning beds work and how to use them without
abusing them, tanning beds can be a great way to get that
perfect olive or bronze hue you’ve been yearning for.
All conventional tanning beds have lamps that produce
ultraviolet radiation – both UVB and UVA rays. The UVB rays are
accountable for stimulating production of the naturally
occurring skin pigment melanin. However, minor overexposure to
UVB rays causes burn, while major overexposure is linked to skin
cancers. The UVA rays are the ones that oxidize the melanin,
producing the golden brown color. The UVA rays account for the
majority of rays originating in the lamps or bulbs in a tanning
bed.
If you are using a conventional bed, first develop a base tan by
tanning for twenty to thirty minutes, three to five times a
week, for about four weeks. Then, maintain the tan by tanning
two to three times a week thereafter.
High-pressure tanning beds are different, in that they utilize
only UVA rays and no UVB rays. The term “high-pressure” refers
to the atmosphere inside the lamps or bulbs, which are made out
of quartz. The higher air pressure is what allows the lamp or
bulb to filter out virtually all UVB rays - the rays that
produce burn. The result is a faster, deeper, longer-lasting tan.
If you are using a high-pressure tanning bed, develop a base tan
by tanning for ten to twelve minutes, three to five times total,
over a matter of ten to fourteen days. Maintain the tan with
only two or three visits per month.
Use a tanning bed lotion or “tan accelerator” to increase
tanning speed and quality. Apply tan accelerator all over your
body before and after your tanning session, since melanin
oxidization and production continues long after you’ve been
exposed to UV light. This will keep your skin cool, comfortable,
moisturized, and just generally healthier.
Always wear tanning goggles while inside the tanning bed. Simply
closing your eyes or wearing regular sunglasses is not enough
protection from UV light.
About the author:
Tanning Beds Info
provides detailed information about home, commercial, and
wholesale tanning beds for sale, as well as tanning bed lotion
and other products and accessories. Tanning Beds Info is the
sister site of Sunless
Tanning Web.