Indoor Tanning (Tanning Bed) Information

Tanning: If You Must...
What Exactly is a High Pressure Bed?
Bulb Types & Exposure Times
The Body's Natural Exfoliation Process
Prices & Tanning Frequency
Tanning Lotions, Accelerating Creams & Gels
Saving & Protecting Your Skin
Know the Warning Signs!
Related Links

Tanning: If You Must...
First of all, I know and you know that tanning is not necessarily good for you. I also know that that fact doesn't stop some of you from tanning completely. It is my opinion that tan fat looks better than white fat. I have used the UVA-only beds extensively but then I stopped cold turkey and started using self-tanners. Too much sun (natural or by tanning bed) is bad for your skin, I hate to burst you bubble but it is true. Deal with it.

Regarding UVA-only beds... There is a need for some UVB exposure to stimulate the melanin production a wee bit. But not in the extreme amounts you receive in a conventional bed or even natural sunlight -- or even in UVA beds. Most conventional tanning beds, the ones with the long bulbs that look like fluorescent lights on both the top and bottom of the bed enclosure, are horrible for your skin (for the sake of argument WHEN USED EXCESSIVELY). Which in a hand basket means that when you start looking bronze, it's too much exposure. Not to mention the staff in some of these places hardly ever change the lamps. These beds are also extremely uncomfortable. Have you ever gotten those wretched pressure marks from tanning in a conventional bed from lying on that hard acrylic? That doesn't happen in a High Pressure bed. As you flip over for each side, you don't get the pressure marks on your shoulder blades and buttocks because you are not tanned from underneath. However, but over-usage of UVA beds can damage the skin as well. UVA penetrates deeper to affect the elastin fibers of your skin. There really is no safe tan except for a sunless one. I know it is higher maintenance and I know it doesn't look good, but if you want to have beautiful skin when you get in your late twenties and beyond, steer clear of the tanning beds.

What Exactly IS a High Pressure Bed Anyway?
High pressure tanning use quartz lamps that vary in length, usually tanning the body from above while the tanner rests comfortably on a contoured mattress. Approximately 12 minutes later, the tanner flips over to tan the rest of his/her body for the remaining 12 minutes. The term "high pressure" comes from the manufacturing process of the bed, which maintains the gasses inside the quartz lamp at a little above atmospheric pressure, while the gasses in the tanning tubes of conventional tanning beds are held below atmospheric pressure. Most high pressure tanning beds have an elaborate ultra-violet filtering system, which blocks the UVB rays almost entirely. Some of the more advanced systems even remove the higher frequencies of the UVA rays, leaving only what they call the safest, most effective part of the spectrum to provide a deep, dark & long lasting tan without a high risk of burning. Additionally, a second filtering system removes a large percentage of the infrared spectrum for a 'cooler' tan, and also the bright white light is toned down for a more relaxing and comforting environment. The difference, in a nutshell, is a higher quality, faster tan. BUT! UVA is what is responsible for a lot of the deeper photodamaging (elastin damage). So you may get a great deep dark tan that lasts but because UVA penetrates deeper you still risk photo-damage. Photo-damage is responsible for increased collagen and elastin break down and UVA can cause many forms of skin cancer. Unfortunately that tan looks great and healthy but in severe amounts it isn't. Severe usually covers the spectrum of "when it starts to look good, it's too much."

Bulb/Lamp Types and Exposure Times
According to manufacturers, the types of bulbs in conventional beds emit both the UVA (aging, tanning) & UVB (burning) rays. In these beds you are required to develop a base tan over a matter of approximately 4 weeks, at 3 to 5 times weekly for up to 30 minutes at a time (but more likely up to 20 min). Thereafter 2-3 times weekly to maintain the tan in the conventional beds. These conventional beds are readily available in all types of places, be it salons, indoor tanning facilities or back alley beauty shops. These UVA/UVB beds are normally what people can purchase for home use as well. Here is a little example: The UVA only* beds run about $10,000USD & up to $40,000USD whereas the conventional UVA/UVB beds run about $1,500USD and up to $6,000USD (Industrial beds, not home units). I know that quality isn't always excessive in price, but with the beds there are reasons.

With UVA only beds, you need only tan 3 to 5 times at moderate exposure within 10 to 14 days to develop a tan (it takes me 2 sessions in 3 days to develop a deep tan when I am not starting out pale as a ghost) and then only 2 to 3 sessions a month to maintain that tan. I tan about 1 to 2 times a month to maintain my tan. Now, all forms of UV light are damaging and prolonged exposure can age your skin and increase your chance of skin damage. But, if you're going to tan -- and most of you do like a nice bronze tan and will continue to expose yourself to these rays -- tan responsibly! Tan a little if you must, in the beds or in the sun, but SUPPLEMENT with a sunless tanner. Don't rely solely on the sun and beds. Excessive tanning can really increase your chances of skin cancer, in those who are prone, and also photo damage.

Regardless of what anyone says -- especially tanning bed owners -- by the time you get that deep dark beautiful tan EVERY YEAR, you are doing yourself a disservice. But I am not gonna preach (well not TOO much ) for you to stop because I have been guilty of it as well. You can and do burn in either bed if you do not develop a base tan -- period.

The Body's Natural Exfoliation Process
Your body naturally exfoliates its outer layer of skin about every 28 days. As a natural response to UVB rays' harmful effects our body is forced to exfoliate every 5-10 days. This is why you must tan so frequently in conventional beds. With UVA only beds (only meaning the majority of UVB rays are filtered out with the use of Cobalt lenses. With this in mind, realize, that your body can maintain its normal exfoliation rate of 28 days without the excessive UVB exposure. One session in a UVA only bed has the tanning equivalent of approximately 5 to 8 sessions in a conventional tanning bed.

Prices and Tanning Frequency
Now, here's the kicker...It isn't cheap. Of course you knew that, didn't you? It costs about $30USD a session -- $35USD if you're a 'walk in.' I have used the High Pressure beds in New Orleans, Louisiana, Las Vegas, Nevada and San Francisco, California and it has always been $30USD. They gotta pay off that 29-40K! Plus, a conventional tanning package for a month is approximately $45USD for unlimited; $599USD for the year. The UVA only beds are about $432USD for a 1 year package. Now let's compare sessions/trips: Conventional Tanning: 144 trips (12x/mo. for 12 mo.) UVA only: 24 trips (for the entire year is needed on average). That breaks down into an extreme amount of saved time. Besides the beds are comfortable! The UVA beds only have bulbs on the top with a contoured mattress that you lie on. You only tan for about 12 min. on each side. The alarm goes off and you turn over and tan your backside. So actually you are exposed even less to UV light than I previously described, if you consider you are only tanning half of your body for the 12 minutes and not both sides like in a conventional bed. And some tanning facilities even add a little HomeMedic full-body massaging pad for your convenience and pleasure. Plus, who doesn't like to listen to a favorite CD while you relax and tan? I know that these are all little extras but remember it is the quality of the bed that counts!

Tanning Lotions, Accelerating Creams and Gels
Now, I'd like to talk to you about tanning lotions, accelerating creams, after tan gels and other types of tanning products... Now, there is every feasible type of Tanning lotion an accelerator out there. I mean most of the names of these products sound AND smell like the most sinful of desserts. Like, Cappucino Mousse, Marshmallow, Kiwi Cream & Caramel Colada. Personally I use Bronzer E-3 by Fiesta Sun when I tan in a bed. It smells very nice and tropical and really works well! Now I haven't tried every lotion available much less even a quarter of what is available so don't count on me for a product report on this just yet. Besides I stopped tanning pretty much and have been reviewing sunless tanning lotions instead.

There are the major companies like:

John Abaté® Products
California Tan Products
Supre Products
VITATAN© and CuO2 technologies
Sunlight (fragrance free)
Body Drench Products
Emerald Bay
HP2000 Products
Bask
Swedish Beauty
Fiesta Sun
Tan Inc.
Black Gold
Powertan
Liquid Sun
Embrace

They range in price from $2.USD for a trial size to $90.USD for 8 oz. They have a wide list of ingredients -- but are all basically similar in make up. Some may include more exotic blends and the others, scientifically lab created formulations. Some even come with vitamin-like pills, like Unison Heliotherapy by California Tan. This particular special addition bottle I had bought (8 oz.) came with 18 tanning supplements. I have no idea what they contain-probably beta carotene or something and vitamin E. I was instructed to take a supplement and rub the accelerator on immediately before tanning. I never noticed a difference with or without the supplements. The lotions you buy at the salons or whatever are soooo expensive. I think they really rip you off. So, buy your lotions online if you can. There is a link to T. W. Tan at the bottom of the page. They are pretty average. The Tan Shop is pretty good too. I will let you know if I find really good deals on lotions now that summer is here.

Saving & Protecting Your Skin
Don't rely on your synthetic tan for too much protection from the real sun. The real sun is harsh, inconsistent and may be worse in some areas of the world or U.S. than others. Such as in New Orleans I find I don't burn near as badly as when I am in California or Nevada where there is lower humidity in the atmosphere. The tan obtained from cosmetic tanning equipment can give mild-medium protection from burning when you go into the sun, but it never gives complete protection. Nor does it provide much protection against the long-term health risks mentioned earlier. You should still protect yourself from the sun when going outdoors. Wear your sunblock; if you are fair skinned, cover with a wide brimmed hat. Definitely wear a sunblock on the lips (under your lipstick if wearing such). Men have a higher rate of lip cancers due to them not always applying products (lip stick) and sunblock to their lips. Your lips do not produce melanin therefore cannot produce a tan for ANY protection. The lips also lose their moisture much faster than the rest of your skin so apply Protection! Know your skin!

Know the Warning Signs!
It doesn't matter if you get your tan from the real sun or indoor tanning beds, learn to recognize the early warning signs of serious skin damage. The majority of the types of skin cancers are, in fact, curable if it is detected in the earlier stages. Look for moles, freckles or other skin discolorations and watch them closely for any change in texture, color or appearance. If you are not sure, consult a doctor trained in skin cancer detection. This is your life -- don't wait around for it to go away. It is better to be safe than sorry.

You are advised NOT to utilize indoor tanning equipment if:

you are under 16

you have fair or sensitive skin that burns easily or tans slowly, poorly or not at all

you have a history of severe sunburn, especially in childhood

you have a large number of freckles and/or red hair OR VERY LIGHT blonde hair

you have a large number of moles or lesions

you are taking medications or using creams which may sensitize the skin to sunlight, like Retinol, Retin-A & Renova; ask your doctor if unsure (*even some birth control meds cause light sensitivity)

you have a medical condition that is worsened by sunlight

your family has skin cancer in their medical history.

* Any other reasons that you may be unsure of -- ask a doctor qualified in skincare and cancer detection; like a dermatologist.)
** And don't OVER TAN either -- it is horrible for your skin and looks so overdone and cheap. If you think it looks good - it doesn't. People always say "hmmm...Fake bake!"

Sunless Tanning
Yesteryear's Sunless tanners were HORRIBLE. I have made my self downright ORANGE before, ICK! Today they are soooooooo much better, I personally use Jan Tana Fast Tan or Frankie Avalon and I can get a tan in about 30 minutes with the use of the bronzer which is a plus of Fast Tan. Within 3 to 4 hours I have great color and within 24 hours it reaches it's peak. Sunless tanning is a definite plus -- with great color and no sun damage! The downfall? Wow it takes a lot of work. It only lasts about 4 to 5 days and you have to reapply.

Please see our Sunless Tanning Section for more information including Sunless Tanning Booths!

Related Links: (links leading outside the site will launch a new window)
UV-A vs. UV-B By: Jacobus M. Veel M.D.
Typical Tanning Lotion Ingredients
The Suntan Site!
California Tan
Ultrabronz America - High Pressure Beds
ISCAN - Sunbed Hazards
MysticTan.com
Jan Tana - Sunless Tanning Specialists

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