A tan occurs in the top layer of the skin (epidermis) which is compromised of pigment cells (keratinocytes and melanocytes). Melanocytes produce melanosomes, which containg the pigment melanin, which is the "tan" we get when exposed to natural (outdoor) sunlight or simulated (indoor) sunlight from tanning lamps
We cannot tan without ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) light, either from the sun or from indoor tanning lamps. UVB light is responsible for stimulating melanin (color) granule production and causing the granules to travel upward towards the skin. UVA light is responsible for oxidizing the granules. Once they are migrated to the skin's uppermost layer, turning them from a pinkish color to a darker, brownish color to create a golden brown tan.
Natural sunlight contains uncontrolled amount of UVB (burning) rays. The UVA/UVB ratio and your exposure time are controlled in an simulated sunlight environment, giving you the perfect balance for developing a dark, healthy-looking tan.
Measuring the equivalency of the UV light emitted by simulated tanning equipment to natural sunlight is very difficult. The sun's strength depends on factors as altitude, cloud coverage and pollution, just as simulated tanning equipment and lamps differ in strength. Therefore, it is very important to follow the manufacturer's exposure schedule when tanning indoors and to always wear sunscreen when outside.
The best measure to determine if you are tanning properly is common sense. Although some people may see a skin tone change after only one or two sessions, most people need 7 to 10 sessions to fully develop a tan. With a good base tan, 1 or 2 sessions a week will maintain a radiant, deep, dark tan throughout the year.
The application of light is absolutely essential to all life. There are various reasons, both biological and psychological, why exposure to light is beneficial. Most people also think they look better with a tan, which in return makes them feel better about themselves.
What is "High Pressure Tanning?"
The name "High Pressure" comes from the manufacturing process, which maintains gasses inside a quartz lamp above atmospheric pressure. In a standard bed, you have florescent tubes that emit ultra violet tanning waves when excited by the electricity passing through the tubes. They are limited by the power a tube can handle, usually a maximum of 160-220 watts.
An elaborate ultra violet filtering system blocks UVB rays and higher frequencies of the UVA rays, leaving only the safest part of the spectrum to provide a deep, dark lasting tan without the risk of burning. A second filtering system removes a large percentage of the infrared spectrum and the white light is toned down for a more relaxing environment.
There is an ongoing debate on the safety of UVA and High Pressure tanning. But hidden in the mass of normally negative press from the medical community, there have been good medical reports on tanning without the higher frequency UVB rays.
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