The History and Economics of Sunbeds: When Was the First Sunbed Invented?

Sunbeds have long been a preferred method for getting tanned. However, few individuals are aware of the development of sunbeds over time and their history. German physicist Friedrich Wolff created the first sunbed in the 1920s. The device was first created for medicinal use, primarily to cure people who had osteoporosis and rickets. Sunbeds, on the other hand, didn’t start to gain popularity for aesthetic purposes until the 1970s.

Fluorescent tubes that released a combination of UVA and UVB rays were first employed in sunbeds. Modern sunbeds, on the other hand, only emit UVA rays, even though research has since proven that UVB rays are the most damaging to human skin. As a result, using sunbeds has greatly decreased the risk of skin cancer and skin damage.

With numerous salons now providing tanning services, sunbeds have grown to be a lucrative industry. Depending on the salon and region, a single session may cost between $10 and $50. Salons that rent out sunbeds can generate a sizable profit, particularly in the summer when clients are anxious to get tanned.

However, because sunbed salons use a lot of electricity, operating one can be costly. The number of sunbeds in the salon and the length of each session determine how much power is utilized. An average salon with 10 sunbeds can use up to 15 kilowatts of electricity per hour, compared to the 1.5 kilowatts used by a regular sunbed. High electricity bills can arise from this quick accumulative effect.

A sunbed’s tubes must be replaced, which is expensive. Every 600 to 800 hours of use, or as frequently as every six months in a busy salon, the tubes need to be replaced. Depending on the brand and model, retubing a sunbed might cost anywhere from $100 to $500 per bed.

There are numerous solutions available for individuals who want a tan that looks more natural. A fake tan that has been professionally done by a spray tanner will appear the most natural. This makes it possible to get a personalized tan that is catered to the person’s skin tone and preferred amount of darkness. A natural-looking tan without streaks or unevenness can be difficult to obtain with self-tanning solutions.

Finally, despite the fact that the first sunbed was created in the 1920s for medicinal use, it wasn’t until the 1970s that they started to be used for cosmetic purposes. Although sunbed salons can be profitable, they also have significant electricity costs and sunbed retubing expenses. The greatest choice for people who want a tan that looks more natural is professional spray tanning.