Tanning Bed

A tanning bed allows you to get a tan without having to go outside in the sun. The proposed advantage of using a tanning bed vs. sun bathing outside is that a tanning bed allows you to control the amount of ultraviolet light (UV) exposure.

Tanning beds work by imitating the UV rays of the sun. There are three kinds of UV rays emitted by the sun: UV-A, UV-B and UV-C. UV-C is the most harmful to the skin. In theory, tanning beds uses a combination of UV-A and UV-B rays to best optimize a tan. However, some people have stated that tanning beds emit a disproportional amount of UV rays which can be penetrating and damaging to the skin.

There are tanning beds and tanning booths. Tanning beds allow you to lie down in a clam shaped device while a tanning booth allows you to stand. Both have similar effects. It really depends on your preference. There has been a lot of recent debate about the safety of tanning beds. Although we will not go into this discussion here, it is important that you thoroughly research before you decide to get a tan at a tanning salon or buy a tanning bed. You will notice that tanning bed manufactures and salons will advertise the benefits of tanning beds while consumer advocacy groups will usually talk about the dangers. Always use information you find online with caution and ask your doctor before you decide on getting a tan from a tanning bed.