Tanning Bed Central

Kinds of Tanning Beds

Tanning beds are often seen as better alternatives to traditional tanning, and it is easy to see why. Tanning under the sun exposes you to greater risks of developing skin allergies, premature aging, and even skin cancer. Tanning beds, on the other hand, provide ‘controlled' environments that not only make tanning a lot safer, but also a lot faster and much more efficient.

Tanning beds have a lot of brands and models, but in general, there are really only two kinds – the one that requires you to lay flat on a Plexiglas sheet throughout the duration of the tanning session, and the ‘booth' type that requires you to stand as you tan.

Both kinds of tanning beds work using bulbs which mimic the effects of the sun on your skin while minimizing harmful ultraviolet effects. Newer tanning bed models are equipped with bulbs that emit UVA rays, which are proven to be less destructive than the regular rays of the sun. What's more, UVA rays are able to better penetrate your skin's deep layers to give you a better, longer-lasting tan while keeping your skin's top layers healthy and younger-looking.

Still, skin experts are quick to warn that overexposure to the UVA rays emitted by tanning beds is still harmful to your skin. Use the bed regularly but in decent intervals so as to prevent skin burns, skin cancer, and immune system damage. Just because tanning beds are a better alternative to traditional tanning does not mean you can overdo it. Talk to professional tanning salon consultants or a dermatologist is you are unsure about how often you should use a tanning bed. If you have very sensitive skin, freckly skin, or a very fair skin tone, it is probably a good idea to stay away from tanning beds (and the sun) for good. You can go for spray tans instead.

Should you buy your own tanning bed?

If you are a regular tanner, then yes. Tanning beds are investments to people who give value to tanning and have to have the procedure done regularly. In the long run, a mid-range residential tanning bed will cost much less than your regular visits to the tanning salon all added up (plus the price of the gas you consume going there). Contrary to popular belief, most tanning beds do not really consume a lot of electricity. In fact, the electricity used by most beds in a 20-minute session costs only 12 cents.

You will save a lot of money – as mush as 60 to 80 percent – doing your own tan at home for as long as you get an energy-efficient tanning bed with inexpensive replacement parts. You will also save a lot of time – you never have to drive through traffic only to wait for your turn for another 45 minutes once you get to the salon. Many people who own tanning beds also say that tanning in your own equipment is a lot more sanitary than sharing with strangers. This is why many experts advice regular tanners to invest in tanning beds. Do the math – it really does make sense.