What Kind of Lights are in Tanning Beds?

What kind of lights are in tanning beds?
Tanning beds use fluorescent bulbs that emit mostly UVA, with smaller doses of UVB. The UVA radiation is up to three times more intense than the UVA in natural sunlight, and even the UVB intensity may approach that of bright sunlight.
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Since many years ago, tanning beds have been a popular alternative to spending hours in the sun to get a sun-kissed glow. But when it comes to tanning bed lighting, have you ever wondered? What kind of tanning bed is most suitable for you? The various types of lights used in tanning beds, the ideal bed for your skin type, the strength of tanning beds, and the frequency of tanning will all be covered in this article.

UV-A and UV-B bulbs are the two major forms of lighting used in tanning beds. While UV-B lights produce a more noticeable color more quickly, UV-A bulbs are responsible for a longer-lasting tan. To produce the desired effect, tanning beds often utilize a combination of both kinds of bulbs. Depending on the style of bed and the person’s skin type, the bulbs themselves can come in a variety of strengths and sizes.

It’s crucial to take into account your skin’s sensitivity to UV radiation while choosing the appropriate kind of tanning bed for your skin type. Use a lower-powered bed with shorter exposure times if you have fair skin that is prone to burning. On the other side, you can use a higher-powered bed with longer exposure times if you have darker skin that tans easily. To prevent scorching or skin damage, it’s crucial to begin with a lower-powered bed and gradually increase exposure times.

The type of bed and the bulbs used can have a significant impact on the strength of tanning beds. A tanning bed’s power is determined by how much UV it emits, which is commonly expressed in watts per square meter (W/m2). Higher-powered tanning beds can produce up to 200 W/m2, whereas lower-powered ones can produce about 100 W/m2. It’s crucial to remember that the power of a tanning bed does not always correspond with the amount of time required to develop a tan, as this is mostly influenced by a person’s skin type and history of tanning.

While a tan from a tanning bed may appear natural, it’s crucial to keep in mind that it’s not the same as one from exposure to the sun. The UV radiation produced by tanning beds differs from that of the sun’s UV light, which may affect the skin’s color and texture. In addition, frequent use of tanning beds can speed up the aging process and increase the risk of skin cancer.

Finally, it’s crucial to remember that sunbathing in a tanning bed every day is not advised. Overexposure to UV rays can harm the skin and have negative health effects. It’s ideal to only use tanning beds once or twice a week, to use safety goggles whenever possible, and to use a high-quality tanning lotion on your skin.

To sum up, tanning beds use a mix of UV-A and UV-B bulbs to create a tan, and the kind of bed and bulbs used might vary based on a person’s skin type. To prevent skin damage, it’s crucial to start with a lower-powered bed and gradually increase exposure hours. Tanning bed use should also be kept to once or twice per week. To protect your skin, use a high-quality tanning lotion and always wear safety glasses.

FAQ
Do you get hot in tanning beds?

Yes, tanning beds can make you feel warm. UV radiation is emitted by tanning bed lamps, which can heat up the skin and make it sweat. A tanning bed’s enclosed environment can also trap heat, making everyone within feel more hotter. To prevent overheating or other health hazards, it’s critical to keep an eye on your body temperature and restrict the amount of UV radiation you receive in tanning beds.

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