Tanning Beds and Indoor Tanning Continue to Gain Traction

Tanning beds are cosmetic devices that rely on ultraviolet flight to to produce a tan-like skin reaction, without the use of lotions or tanning bronzers. Non-commercial tanning beds include a varying amount of phosphor bulbs that generate ultraviolet light; depending on the size of the device, the number of lamps varies, with commercial beds having more lamps. Very professional tanning beds use quartz lamps instead of phosphor lamps, but they also need a combination of filters and reflectors for showing efficiency.

As the name implies, tanning beds call for the user to assume a lying position, as opposed to tanning booths where one has to stand. Another distinct feature between tanning beds and booths is the higher power output generated by the latter.

Indoor tanning is considered very controversial at present, as the World Health Organization warns against the use of such devices for cosmetic purposes. To give just an example of damage tanning beds can inflict it suffices to say that eye protection is absolutely necessary because of the risk of eye injury. Negligence to follow the line of this safety procedure could lead to very serious health problems. One of the more serious consequences of indoor tanning is skin cancer, as you might guess. Statistics show that tanning beds are used differently in various parts of the globe, and the gap comes from the technical specificity of the devices. Americans seem to like indoor tanning more than Europeans, and the tanning beds in American salons usually emit more UVB light than those used in Europe.

Tanning beds should not be alternated with open sun exposure given the high risk of developing sunburn. The risk results from the fact that tanning beds do not influence the formation a deep base tan, and once you get on the beach, the profound skin layers would be defenseless to the harmful action of the sun rays. Outdoor and indoor tanning could be alternated but with some time lapse in between. Moreover, the use of protective lotions and sunscreens remains a must; the element that could vary under the circumstances is the ultraviolet protection factor.