Frequently Asked Questions About Tanning Beds
How often will the bulbs need to be changed in a tanning bed?
As a general rule, tanning bed lamps are the most effective at tanning during the first 25% of their rated lifetime, then drop in effective up until 50% of their rated lifetime. After that time, tanning bulbs virtually produce no tanning rays. So if a tanning lamp is rated for 1,000 hours of life, you should replace it after 500 hours. Facial tanning lamps should be replaced twice as often as the high-output (HO) body tanning lamps.
Will I get a better tan in a tanning bed than outdoors?
Not really, since tanning bed lamps produce the same UV rays as the sun. If you burn easily or don't tan well in the sun, you won't fare any better with a tanning bed.
Can I use a tanning lotion in a tanning bed?
You should avoid using tanning lotions that use outdoors in the sun. These oils will make the plastic dirty and prevent you from tanning as quickly. Use a tanning lotion specially formulated for use in tanning beds and you will be OK.
How does one tan in a tanning bed?
Pretty much the same way you get tan outdoors in the sun. All tanning beds have lamps that produce ultraviolet rays - both UVA and UVB rays. UVB rays start the tanning process by causing melanin to form under the skin. UVA rays cause the the melanin to oxidize to create the golden brown color. Lamps that produce too much UVB can cause burning.
What does the UVB rating for a tanning lamp mean?
The UVB rating for a tanning lamp does not tell you the total UVB output for the lamp. Instead, it is the ratio of UVB to UVA rays produced. For example, a 5.0% UVB rating means that the lamp put out 5% UVB and 95% UVA rays. Keep in mind that a higher UVB ratio means more burning and less tanning so stick a bulb with a low UVB ratio.
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