Your Choices in Tanning Beds
There are two main types of indoor tanning beds that are normally found in the tanning salons. These are the high pressure and the low pressure. The differences are due to the types of bulbs which are used. Low pressure fluorescent tubes are used in the low pressure beds; and high pressure quartz lamps are used in the high pressure beds.
The main difference between the high pressure and low pressure is the determination of the UVA-UVB ratio. The skin is able to tan six to eight times faster from high pressure because a higher percentage of UVA is emitted from those types of tanning beds.
The high pressure tanning bulbs also stimulate the melanin production. They do so by emitting a small amount of UVB and a much larger amount of UVA. Therefore, the oxidation of melanin is stimulated, thus providing people with that deep golden tan. High pressure also decrease the risk of sun-burning since it is the UVB rays that cause sunburns. This fact is a big advantage for the high pressure beds.
After reviewing the information, you may come to the conclusion that they are preferable over low pressure beds. This may not be the case since some experts believe that the higher ratio of UVA to UVB emitted by the high pressure beds is not safe. With UVA, the skin could still suffer some forms of skin cancer, and it may damage the skin’s elasticity. Another disadvantage is the fact that they will not assist in the production of Vitamin D. The one major health benefit of tanning is Vitamin D production. Low pressure beds will deliver this need for Vitamin D production because they emit a higher percentage of UVB.