Tanning Essentials

Do you have questions about tanning?  The below questions were taken from the ProSun website and should answer many of the frequently asked questions consumers have.  If you have further questions or need clarification, please feel free to contact us.

How does tanning work?

Tanning beds use ultraviolet light (UV) to tan people. There are three types of UV- UVA, UVB and UVC. Tanning beds are designed to concentrate optimal levels of UVA, in conjunction with very low percentages of UVB, on the outermost layers of the skin so as to stimulate the production of Melanic pigment, which is slightly pink in it's dormant state, and cause it to turn brown after excretion. The more melanin cells that are present in the skin determines the amount of pigment that will be excreted and distributed, and therefore the extent of the tan. Tanning beds are designed to filter out UVC as this is a harmful type of UV.

Is indoor tanning the same as tanning outdoors in the sun?

Yes and no. The process of tanning is the same- skin is tanned by ultraviolet (UV) light. The main difference, however, is that a person can not control the amount of UV light they are exposed to while outside due to changes in the earth's atmosphere. Also, the sun emits what is called UVC light which is the most harmful of all ultraviolet rays. Tanning beds filter this UVC light out.

How long does it take to get a tan?

This depends upon the skin type of each individual person as well as the tanning equipment that they are using to develop their tan. While some may notice significant results in just a few sessions, it can take others several weeks of tanning three times a week to get their "base" tan. The output of the tanning equipment and the tanning lamps is also a factor.

How often should I tan?

This is dependant upon each individual person's skin type. While some can tan once every 24 hours it is generally recommended that you wait at least 48 hours between tanning sessions

Why is it recommended that I wear eye protection when I tan?

This is because the human eye is susceptible to both temporary and permanent damage from UV exposure and is unable to protect itself from UV light- even when the eyes are closed.

What's this I keep hearing about "buckboosters"? Everyone tells me that I may need one. Is this just a way for tanning bed Manufacturers to sell me something else?

Buckboosters, or buck and boost transformers, are a very important component in the tanning industry. Having the right voltage being supplied to your tanning bed is CRITICAL. Most tanning beds are designed to operate at a certain range of voltage but in North America the voltage in a home or a tanning salon can fluctuate greatly from place to place. If your voltage is too low your bed will most likely not tan you- if it is supplied with enough voltage to light the lamps up at all. On the other hand, if your voltage is too high you will not only drastically shorten the life of your lamps but, more importantly, you will run the very real risk of "burning up" components of the bed which will need to be replaced and it can be costly to do so. Remember- just because your electrician told you that your voltage is 220 he really means that this is the electrical service that you have. Your true voltage could be as low as 205 or as high as 250. Voltage is rarely exactly 220 so be sure that you know what your exact, measured voltage is.

How can I tell if my voltage is adequate for my tanning bed?

Get the Manufacturer's recommended range of voltage (Prosun's is 218-230 for commercial beds and some home units) and then have an Electrician check your voltage using a voltage meter. Salon owners would be wise to invest in, and learn how to safely use, a volt meter (they can be purchased for as little as $15) to keep in their salon. I have discovered that I need a buckbooster. Will Prosun install mine for me? Prosun does not install buckboosters. You should contact a Certified Electrician to have this done.

When the trucking company delivers my tanning bed will they bring it inside and put it together for me?

In most cases the answer is no. Some trucking companies will do an inside delivery for an added charge. However, set up and field testing of your tanning bed is a separate issue and requires factory trained Prosun technicians to perform this work for you. Call your Sales Representative if either or both of the above is something you would like to have done for you.

How long should tanning lamps last before I change them?

While most tanning lamps last approximately 1000 hours, to ensure maximum tanning benefits, we recommend that lamps be changed at around 700-800 hours. Also, when you change lamps make sure that you change them ALL out at once. This will avoid having some lamps be stronger than others.

What should I do with my old lamps?

Do not just throw them out! Contact your local garbage disposal company or city authority to find the most environmentally sound manner of disposing of your old lamps.

Why does my tanning bed seem to be too hot when I am in it?

The most common cause of this is that the bed is not being cooled or ventilated properly. Proper cooling and ventilation are critical to the operation of your tanning bed. Make sure that the bed is far enough away from walls or other obstructions that could inhibit the bed from exhausting properly. Make sure that your bed's internal fans are operating and that they are clean. Regular cleaning of dust, dirt and debris from internal cooling fans is very important!

How long will my acrylics last?

This question is very difficult to answer because all acrylics are not the same. Some have different thicknesses and some are in beds that are used more often than others. There are also many other variables to consider: how gentle the tanner treats the acrylic when laying on it, what the acrylic is being cleaned with, how often it is being cleaned, what type of tanning lotions are being used on it (NEVER use outdoor tanning lotions or oilbased lotions in a tanning bed! Use only indoor tanning approved tanning lotions), etc. In any case, acrylics should be changed between 1200 and 1500 hours of operation. If not, UV transmission could be greatly reduced.