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Tanning Beds
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Published: October 23, 2006
There are two different kinds of tanning beds: horizontal beds resembling a capsule, designed for the tanner to lie down, and vertical beds in which the tanner stands up during the session. Although vertical tanning beds typically omit greater UV exposure (resulting in a shorter maximum exposure time) the principle behind how each operates is basically the same.
Technically speaking, tanning beds contain bulbs shaped like long fluorescent tubes. Electricity ignites inert gases, traces of mercury and a phosphorous coating, which collectively work to release energy in the form of UV radiation. Furthermore, adjustments in the levels of these components create tanning beds with various UV outages, concentrations of light in specific target areas of the body and varying maximum exposure times.
The tanning process occurs in the outermost layer of the skin (called the epidermis). In this layer of skin, UVB light triggers the release of the pigment melanin in cells called melanocytes, located in the epidermis. As melanin travels through the epidermis, it also is absorbed by surrounding skin cells. The darkened skin pigment associated with a tan occurs when UVA light oxidizes the melanin, thus darkening the melanin pigment. Since the tanning process requires both the production of melanin (by means of UVB rays) and the oxidation of these cells (by means of UVA rays), this accounts for why these two different types of UV radiation light are necessary.
Since the tanning process is limited to the outermost layer of the skin, the effects of tanning beds are short-lived. Since the epidermis also sheds dead skin cells, many of which have absorbed the darkened melanin pigment, a tan will gradually be lost as a new epidermis is formed each month. So, then, why tan?
The advantage of using tanning beds opposed to natural light tanning is the controlled level of UV radiation in tanning beds. This allows tanning beds to not only remain the safer alternative to outdoor tanning, but also enables tanners to better control their exposure to UV rays, making it easier for tanners to form base tans and reduces their susceptibility to sunburns.
Base tans, which provide protection from further UV exposure, are advantageous because they are the skin's natural SPF shield. Although they alone will not provide sufficient protection against damaging UV light, the protection produced (creating an equivalent of SPF 3 or 4) will block some UV exposure. Therefore, SPF should still be applied to any skin when exposed to UV light (regardless of the pigment of a base tan.)
Although tanning beds are the safer alternative to natural light tanning, there still are risks involved. Skin burns can still be produced in tanning beds although the UV exposure time is controlled. Skin cancer can be formed due to these same factors.
Sources:
www.pinkfridge.com/hab_tanning/bed.htm (Date: 2006-10-23 09:24:05)
http://ezinearticles.com/?Tanning-Beds:-History- and-Advice (Date: 2006-10-23 09:22:45)
Technically speaking, tanning beds contain bulbs shaped like long fluorescent tubes. Electricity ignites inert gases, traces of mercury and a phosphorous coating, which collectively work to release energy in the form of UV radiation. Furthermore, adjustments in the levels of these components create tanning beds with various UV outages, concentrations of light in specific target areas of the body and varying maximum exposure times.
The tanning process occurs in the outermost layer of the skin (called the epidermis). In this layer of skin, UVB light triggers the release of the pigment melanin in cells called melanocytes, located in the epidermis. As melanin travels through the epidermis, it also is absorbed by surrounding skin cells. The darkened skin pigment associated with a tan occurs when UVA light oxidizes the melanin, thus darkening the melanin pigment. Since the tanning process requires both the production of melanin (by means of UVB rays) and the oxidation of these cells (by means of UVA rays), this accounts for why these two different types of UV radiation light are necessary.
Since the tanning process is limited to the outermost layer of the skin, the effects of tanning beds are short-lived. Since the epidermis also sheds dead skin cells, many of which have absorbed the darkened melanin pigment, a tan will gradually be lost as a new epidermis is formed each month. So, then, why tan?
The advantage of using tanning beds opposed to natural light tanning is the controlled level of UV radiation in tanning beds. This allows tanning beds to not only remain the safer alternative to outdoor tanning, but also enables tanners to better control their exposure to UV rays, making it easier for tanners to form base tans and reduces their susceptibility to sunburns.
Base tans, which provide protection from further UV exposure, are advantageous because they are the skin's natural SPF shield. Although they alone will not provide sufficient protection against damaging UV light, the protection produced (creating an equivalent of SPF 3 or 4) will block some UV exposure. Therefore, SPF should still be applied to any skin when exposed to UV light (regardless of the pigment of a base tan.)
Although tanning beds are the safer alternative to natural light tanning, there still are risks involved. Skin burns can still be produced in tanning beds although the UV exposure time is controlled. Skin cancer can be formed due to these same factors.
Sources:
www.pinkfridge.com/hab_tanning/bed.htm (Date: 2006-10-23 09:24:05)
http://ezinearticles.com/?Tanning-Beds:-History- and-Advice (Date: 2006-10-23 09:22:45)
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