Ever wanted that perfect sun-kissed glow but don’t have the time or weather to get it from the sun? Tanning beds are a reliable and controlled alternative.
With the ability to get a tan in a fraction of the time, they’ve become a must-have for those who want to be bronzed all year round. But what happens when you step into a tanning bed? How do these machines work to give you that glow?
In this guide we’ll break down the science of tanning beds, the components, UV radiation and the technology behind them. We’ll also give you practical tips on safety regulations so you’re ready for your next tanning session.
Tanning Beds
Tanning Bed Breakdown
UV Lamps: The heart of any tanning bed, UV tanning lamps are what emit the ultraviolet radiation that tans. These come in different sizes and intensities depending on the type of tanning bed and its use. The quality and maintenance of these lamps affects the efficiency and safety of indoor tanning.
Acrylic Shields: The transparent acrylic shields in a tanning bed serve multiple purposes. They protect the user from direct contact with the UV lamps and ensure the UV light is evenly distributed across the body. These shields are designed to withstand the heat from the lamps while allowing the optimal amount of UV radiation to pass through.
Reflective Surfaces: To maximise UV light exposure many tanning beds have reflective surfaces. These surfaces bounce the UV rays back to the user, ensuring the whole body gets an even dose of radiation. This not only improves the tanning experience but also gives a more even tan.
Cooling Systems: Tanning beds have cooling systems to keep the temperature inside the bed comfortable. These systems prevent overheating and allow the user to relax. Fans or air conditioning units are usually integrated to keep the air circulating and reduce heat build up.
Control Panels: Modern tanning beds have control panels that allow you to adjust settings like time, lamp intensity and fan speed. Some beds even have preset programs for different skin types so you can customise your tanning session.
Outdoor tanning is affected by the angle of the sun, weather and time of day, indoor tanning beds allow you to control these variables.
This gives you a consistent and predictable tanning experience so you can get and maintain the skin tone you want.
What are Tanning Beds For: Simulating Sunlight
With technology advancing many modern tanning beds come with additional features to enhance the tanning experience and safety, which most tanning salons have adopted:
Audio Systems: Some pieces of tanning equipment have built in audio systems so you can listen to music or relaxation tracks during your session. This feature makes the experience more enjoyable.
Aroma Therapy: To relax some tanning beds have aroma therapy options where pleasant scents are released during the tanning session. This makes the experience more indulgent.
Hydration Mists: To combat the drying effects of UV rays emitted some beds have hydration mists that spray a fine mist of moisture onto the skin during tanning. This keeps the skin hydrated and supple.
Smart Technology: The latest indoor tanning equipment incorporates smart technology so you can control the settings via a smartphone app. This includes adjusting lamp intensity, setting timers and even tracking your tanning sessions for optimal results.
UV Radiation: The Invisible Rays
UVA and UVB Rays
UV radiation is split into two types by wavelength: UVA and UVB. Each does something different:
UVA Rays: UVA rays have a longer wavelength (320-400 nm) and go deeper into the skin, into the dermis. These rays are responsible for the immediate darkening of the skin, immediate pigment darkening (IPD). This is when existing melanin in the skin is oxidised and becomes darker. UVA rays also contribute to the long term tanning process by stimulating melanocytes to produce more melanin which then migrates to the skin’s surface.
UVB Rays: UVB rays have a shorter wavelength (280-320 nm) and affect the outermost layer of the skin, the epidermis. These rays are responsible for the delayed tanning effect where new melanin is produced in response to UV exposure. UVB rays are also more likely to cause redness and sunburn if exposure is too intense or prolonged. But they are important for starting the tanning process and vitamin D production in the skin.
Penetration Depth: How UV Radiation Affects the Skin
The depth of UV radiation into the skin determines the effect on tanning:
UVA Penetration: Because UVA rays go deeper into the skin they reach the basal layer of the epidermis and the dermis. In the basal layer melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin, are stimulated. This produces new melanin which rises to the surface over time and creates a long term tan.
UVB Penetration: UVB rays on the other hand affect the epidermis, the outer layer of the skin. This exposure triggers melanin production as a response to the UV and over time a tan develops. The immediate effect of UVB exposure is erythema, or redness, commonly known as sunburn if exposure is too much.
Melanin Production: The Body’s Natural Defence
Melanin is a pigment produced by melanocytes and is the skin’s natural defence against UV radiation.
When the skin is exposed to UV rays the melanocytes produce melanin which absorbs and dissipates the UV energy.
This protects the deeper layers of the skin from UV damage and reduces the risk of DNA mutations from UV exposure.
Melanin production is not just a defence mechanism but also the tanning process. The more UV the skin gets (within safe limits) the more melanin is produced and the deeper the tan.
Melanin Synthesis and the Tanning Process: How You Get a Tan
The tanning process is a biological response that involves the activation of melanocytes, melanin production and the migration of this pigment to the skin’s surface. Let’s break it down:
Activation of Melanocytes: The Starting Point of Tanning
The journey to a great tan begins with the activation of melanocytes, the cells in the basal layer of the epidermis. When the skin is exposed to UV radiation these cells are stimulated to produce melanin, the pigment of skin colour.
Melanocytes respond to both UVA and UVB radiation but in slightly different ways:
UVA Exposure: UVA rays go deeper into the skin and reach the basal layer where the melanocytes are. The immediate darkening effect of UVA is due to the oxidation of existing melanin making it darker and giving the skin a bronzed appearance. Over time UVA rays also stimulate the production of new melanin which contributes to a long term tan.
UVB Exposure: UVB rays trigger a longer response by causing DNA damage in the skin cells which then send a signal to the melanocytes to produce more melanin. This leads to the delayed tanning effect where new melanin rises to the skin’s surface over the next few days and deepens the tan.
Tan Development: From UV to Sun-Kissed
Once the melanocytes produce melanin this pigment is transferred to the surrounding skin cells called keratinocytes. As these cells move upwards to the skin’s surface (which takes about 28 days) the melanin inside them becomes visible and you get a tan. The depth and intensity of the tan depends on how much melanin is produced, what type of UV exposure and your skin type.
Tan Development: From UV to Sun-Kissed
While tanning beds can get you bronzed, several factors affect how well and how quick your skin will tan:
Skin Type: Skin type plays a big role in how the skin responds to UV. The Fitzpatrick skin type classification system categorises skin types into 6 groups from very fair (Type I) to very dark (Type VI). People with fair skin (Types I and II) burn easily and may tan slow, those with darker skin (Types IV to VI) tan quick and don’t burn.
- Melanin Levels: The amount of melanin in your skin affects how quick you tan. People with higher baseline melanin levels (usually those with darker skin tones) tan more efficiently and maintain their tan longer than those with lower melanin levels.
UV Intensity: The intensity of the UV radiation in the tanning bed affects the speed and depth of tanning. High pressure tanning beds which emit more UVA radiation can get you a deeper tan quicker but require careful attention to exposure times to avoid overexposure.
Exposure Time: The length of tanning time you spend in the sunbed directly affects the tanning outcome. Shorter, more frequent indoor tanning sessions can help the skin build a tan gradually and reduce the risk of burning. Longer sessions increase the risk of overexposure but can get you a faster tan if managed properly.
Age: As we age our skin’s ability to produce melanin decreases making it harder to get a deep tan. Older skin is also more sensitive to UV radiation and requires more caution.
Hydration and Skincare: Well hydrated skin tans more evenly and retains the tan longer. Using moisturisers before and after tanning helps maintain skin hydration and exfoliating regularly ensures dead skin cells don’t block the even distribution of melanin.
Diet and Supplements: Certain nutrients like beta-carotene found in carrots and other vegetables can enhance the skin’s natural tanning process. Supplements like vitamin D can also support overall skin health and contribute to better tanning.
Tanning Bed Lamps: The Technology Behind the Glow
Tanning bed lamps are the technology behind the tanning process and emit the exact type of UV radiation needed to stimulate melanin production. Let’s break down the components of these lamps:
Mercury Vapour Lamps: The UV Source
Most tanning beds use mercury vapour lamps which are designed to emit a broad spectrum of UV radiation including UVA and UVB. These lamps work by passing an electric current through mercury vapour which then produces UV light. The balance of UVA and UVB radiation emitted by these lamps is carefully calibrated to get you tanned as efficiently as possible while minimising the risk of overexposure.
Phosphor Coatings: Boosting UV
To get more out of the UV radiation tanning bed lamps are often coated with phosphor materials. These phosphor coatings convert some of the UV light into visible light which adds to the tanning effect and makes the experience more pleasant by reducing the harshness of the UV light. The phosphor coating also helps extend the life of the lamp by reducing wear and tear on the internal components.
Filtering Systems: Safety vs Efficiency
Safety is a big consideration in the design of tanning bed lamps. To protect the user from excessive UVB exposure many lamps have filtering systems that block or reduce the amount of UVB radiation emitted. These filters allow enough UVB radiation to stimulate melanin production without causing sunburn or skin irritation. This balance is what makes tanning beds effective and safe when used as instructed.
Lamp Life and Maintenance: Consistency is Key
Tanning bed lamps degrade over time as the UV output decreases with use. Regular maintenance and timely replacement of lamps is crucial to keep the tanning bed performing at its best. Most tanning bed manufacturers recommend replacing lamps after a certain number of hours of use, usually between 500 to 1000 hours to get consistent tanning results.
Advanced Lamp Technology: New Innovations for Better Tanning
As the indoor tanning industry evolves new lamp technologies emerge to offer better performance and user experience. Some of the latest innovations in tanning bed lamps:
LED UV Lamps: Still in the development stage but promises to be more energy efficient and longer lasting tanning solutions. These lamps can be tuned to specific UV wavelengths to have more controlled and customisable tanning sessions.
Hybrid Lamps: Hybrid lamps combine traditional UV lamps with other light sources like red light therapy to give a more comprehensive skin treatment. Red light therapy is believed to promote collagen production and improve skin texture so hybrid lamps is a great option for those who wants tanning and skin rejuvenation benefits.
Tanning Bed Safety and Regulation: Tanning Safely
While tanning beds is a convenient way to get bronzed, you must use them responsibly to minimise the risks. Knowing the safety measures, regulatory guidelines and best practices will help you have a safe and effective tanning experience.
Advanced Lamp Technology: New Innovations for Better Tanning
Moderation is key when it comes to tanning. Overexposure to UV radiation whether from the sun or tanning bed can cause skin damage. To get a safe and lasting tan you must follow recommended exposure times and resist the temptation to overuse tanning beds for faster results. Here are some tips to tanning in moderation:
Start Slow: If you’re new to tanning beds or haven’t tanned in a while start with shorter sessions to let your skin build a base tan. This will reduce the risk of burning and allow your skin to adapt to UV exposure.
Know Your Skin Type: Knowing your skin type will help you determine the right exposure times and frequency of tanning sessions. Fair skin types should use tanning beds more carefully, darker skin types can tolerate longer sessions.
Monitor Your Skin: Watch how your skin reacts after each tanning session. If you see redness, irritation or discomfort it’s a sign you need to reduce your exposure time or take a break between sessions.
Take Breaks: Give your skin time to rest and recover between tanning sessions. This will not only prevent overexposure but also allow your tan to develop more evenly.
Regulatory Guidelines: Tanning Safely
Tanning bed safety is regulated by health authorities to ensure tanning salons operates in a way that protects the users. These regulations cover several aspects of tanning bed use:
Lamp Intensity Standards: Regulations specify the maximum UV radiation intensity for tanning bed lamps. These standards is designed to minimise overexposure and ensure tanning beds is a controlled environment for tanning.
Operational Standards: Tanning salons must follow specific operational guidelines including regular maintenance of tanning beds, staff training and adherence to recommended exposure times. These guidelines will ensure users have a safe and effective tanning experience.
Safety Equipment: Protective eyewear is a must when using tanning beds. Tanning salons must provide MHRA approved goggles that block UV radiation and protect the eyes from damage. You must wear these goggles during every tanning session to prevent eye injuries.
Age Restrictions: In many areas there are age restrictions for tanning bed use, minors often need parental consent or are not allowed to use tanning beds at all. These restrictions is to protect young and developing skin from the risks of UV exposure.
Tanning Beds for a Sun-Kissed Glow
By understanding the science behind tanning beds, UV radiation and the factors that affect tanning you can make informed decisions for a safe and enjoyable tanning experience. Whether you’re a tanning newbie or a pro follow the best practices and safety guidelines to get the benefits of tanning beds with minimal risks.
