Learning about High Pressure Tanning Beds

Two types of indoor tanning beds are typically found in tanning salons. They are high pressure tanning beds and low pressure tanning beds. The differences in the high pressure and low pressure beds are in the bulbs they use. Low pressure tanning bed use typical low-pressure fluorescent tubes, whereas high pressure beds use high pressure quartz lamps.

The UVA-UVB ratio comprises the main difference between high pressure and low pressure indoor tanning beds. A higher percentage of UVA is emitted from high pressure tanning beds, so the skin is able to tan six to eight times faster than with the low pressure beds.

The high pressure tanning bulbs stimulate melanin production by emitting a very small amount of UVB and a great deal of UVA. This process stimulates oxidation of melanin which is what gives individuals the deep golden tan. Another advantage of high pressure tanning beds is that they decrease the risk of "sun-burning" because it is the UVB which causes the sunburns.

High pressure tanning beds may seem to be preferable over low pressure beds. However, they are not used exclusively because some tanning experts believe that the higher ratio of UVA to UVB that they emit is not safe. The skin may still be damaged and some forms of skin cancer could occur with UVA, plus it can damage the elasticity of the skin.

Another reason that high pressure beds may not be used does not have anything to do with the benefits of obtaining a suntan, but the fact that high pressure tanning will not help with Vitamin D production. This is the only major health benefit of tanning. A higher percentage of UVB is needed to for Vitamin D production, which is delivered with low pressure tanning beds.

 

 

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All rights reserved. All service marks and trademarks are properties of their respective owners. All articles are the opinion of the author and is not to be used as medical advice. Always consult with your doctor before using a tanning bed.