A tanning bed will have a series of fluorescent lamps inside. These aren’t ordinary fluorescent lamps however, since they are fitted with phosphor components that emit UV rays, essentially replicating the effects of the sun.
The tanning beds designed for home use tend to be smaller and typically home tanning beds have anywhere from 12 to 28 lamps generating a hundred watts of power. The commercial beds found in salons can have 24 to 60 lamps of up to 200 watts each.
Some of the newer “high pressure” bed models utilize special quartz lamps, in addition to reflectors and filters. These types of beds tend to be more expensive, and aren’t quite as common as the other types of beds. The tanning booth is actually similar in design and function to the tanning bed, although they have a higher output, and the person using it will have to stand instead of lie down of course.
A number of issues have been brought to the fore with regard to the use of sun tanning beds. Of particular concern are the risks of skin cancer, cataract, immune system conditions, and early skin aging, all of which can be caused by overexposure to UV rays. For this reason, the World Health Organization does not support the widespread use of beds for cosmetic purposes. People who use a bed without wearing protective goggles are also at risk for arc eye.
Depending on where in the world you live, your usage of a bed may vary greatly. Users in North America tend to use a bed as away to get a head start on the summer tan. This is why beds are commonly in demand beginning in January until June, when the arrival of summer causes the demand to taper off somewhat. The use of a bed in North America also usually goes hand in hand with the use of a sun tanning lotion.
Over in Europe, the bed enjoys a slightly different use. Since many parts of Europe can have a lot less sunshine than other parts of the world, many Europeans tend to use a bed all year ’round. In addition to cosmetic purposes, Europeans also tend to use a bed for its mood altering effects. Even in other parts of the world, the bed is used to ease the pain of sore or tired muscles. The infrared heat generated by a bed is apparently able to soothe minor aches and pains.
Keep in mind that the tan you will get from a tanningbed can be just as deep as a tan you would get from staying out in the sun. Most tanning-beds actually provide just as much UV than the sun on a hot summer day. In fact, you will actually tan a lot faster in a bed than you would at a beach, since you will be much closer to the UV source. In general, it would be best to limit your outdoor activity after you have used a tanning bed in order to avoid getting over exposed.
