A Guide To Tanning Bed Bulbs And Lamps - written by Tyler Powers

Tanning bed lamps are the lamps used in every kind of tanning bed. When looking to purchase either a new or used tanning bed, it is important to look at the lamps. Some things to consider when are that they meet your tanning needs, along with FDA guidelines for safety. Another thing to consider is if the bulbs are easily accessible to perform routine maintenance more easily at your home.

Buying the right kind of bulb for the bed you own is also important, as there are differences in lamps used in both high pressure and conventional tanning beds. This is an important factor because these bulbs are not interchangeable, and checking the make and model will ensure you buy the right type of bulb for your bed.

High Pressure Tanning Bed Bulbs

High pressure beds use a variety of quartz bulbs, that hold gases with pressure that is slightly higher than that of the atmosphere. The bulbs are either above you and below you, or they are located at the top of the bed, so you only tan from above and have to turn over after about 3 to 12 minutes of tanning, to complete the full tanning session (the length of time depends on your skin type, and often you tan). As the bulbs are only on the top, the surface of high pressure beds is more comfortable than a conventional bed. Of course, you don't turn over if the lamps have 360 degree coverage.

The benefit of high pressure lamps is that you tan faster, thus spending less time in the tanning bed. With a few sessions, you can achieve the desired tan after about one or two weeks, as opposed to a conventional bed, which could take up to a month or two to achieve the desired look. Maintaining your tan is less of a hassle, and can be achieved with 2 to 3 sessions each month after your base tan is achieved. Compared to conventional beds where a session is needed each week to keep your tan. Another bonus is that high pressure tanning bed bulbs do not use UVB rays, which are responsible for painful burning. Instead, these bulbs make use of UVA rays only.

Conventional Tanning Bed Lamps

Conventional tanning beds use long, fluorescent tube like bulbs, that are on top and bottom of the bed. With conventional beds, there is no need to change positions, as both sides are tanned at the same time during the session.

These conventional beds use both UVA and UVB rays in varying degrees. Knowing which type your bed has is important, because when changing out the bulbs, you want to make sure you get the same kind. It is important to replace older bulbs with the same kind of bulb, and be sure their is a good balance between UVA and UVB. Ask your salon technician. Too much UVB is not good for you. You want more UVA.

Another point of consideration is the lotion you use, as different types of lotions work better with certain kinds of beds. Ask an associate at the tanning salon you frequent for the best lotion for your skin, as well as the types of beds they use. Despite the type of bed, using lotion is important because it keeps your skin moisturized during your tanning session, helps tan your skin faster, and can save you from some of the unsavory health risks involved with tanning for a long period of time.