Sunless tanning sun care options are popular among an estimated 28 million people a year in the US alone. Tanning lamps are the mechanism that power a tanning bed and other tanning salon equipment. Tanning lamps utilize mainly 100-watt bulbs as a rule, and each bed offers a different amount of lamp units to provide more or less tanning capability.

Replacement bulbs for tanning lamps come in blends of UVA and UVB varieties. It is important to note that not all bulbs fit in all lamps because they are not interchangeable. Check your system's compatibility guide before replacing bulbs.

Harnessing the power of ultra violet light, UVA and UVB tanning lamps utilize this invisible light source to mimic the rays of the sun. Typically, exposure to either bulb should be limited, but some areas require more exposure for the same results. The face, for instance, has one-third less pigment than the rest of your body, so it is harder to tan. Face tanners often utilize 500-watt bulbs and up to work on the neck, shoulder and face areas.

Risk Factors
Sometimes referred to as sun lamps, these machines recreate the sun's rays, including their UV exposure. UVA radiation is touted as safer than UVB, but the fact is that any UV exposure can lead to premature aging and skin cancer. Sometimes, tanning lamps emit two to five times the UVA radiation of natural sunlight, so it is important to check with your tanning salon to find out the percentage they are using so you can limit your exposure. Also, you must protect your eyes during tanning at a salon. Overexposure can cause eye conditions like photokeratitis, photoconjunctivitis, and cataracts.