Tanning Bed Bulb FAQ

How do tanning bed bulbs work?
Tanning bed bulbs essentially imitate the sun. The sun naturally emits three kinds of rays: UVA, UVB and UVC. Of the three, UVC has the shortest, most harmful wavelength. Fortunately, this type of light is absorbed by the ozone layer and pollution, and even tanning bed bulbs have been engineered to filter out this type of light. What you have left are the UVB and UVA wavelengths, both of which help to produce a healthy tan. UVB light is the middle wavelength, and initially starts the tanning process by stimulating melanin development, but is also the one that will cause sun burning in the event of overexposure. UVA light has the longest wavelength, and although shows results at a slower pace, completes the tanning process.

What is the UV Rating that I see in tanning bed bulbs?
Typically, you'll see a 5% or 6.5% rating when it comes to tanning bed bulbs. A misconception is that the higher the number, the better the tan. Actually, this number is simply the ratio between UVA and UVB wavelengths. A 5% rating means 5% UVB, and 95% UVA. Bulbs with a lower UVB rating will actually get you darker but it will take a little longer, whereas a higher UVB rating will tan you faster, but you won't get quite as dark.

What are bronzing bulbs? Are they the same as 'hot' tanning bed bulbs?
Bronzing bulbs have a lower level of UVB; they will tan you darker, but slower than normal bulbs. Bronzing bulbs are often confused with 'hot' bulbs, which are actually just the opposite. Hot tanning bed bulbs have a higher level of UVB and less UVA. The higher level of UVB in hot bulbs tans you much faster than bronzing bulbs, but you won't get as dark, and you're more likely to burn.

Will colored tanning bed bulbs tan me faster?
Actually, colored tanning bed bulbs are for cosmetic purposes only. The bulbs can come in a variety of hues, such as blue, purple, pink, yellow or green. They look great, and can make it a lot easier to differentiate between bed types in salons or to give a tanning parlor an overall aura, but they won't change the way you tan. Ultimately, UV is what tans you, not the colored bulbs.

What type of tanning bed bulb is best for me?
That depends on what your tanning goals are. If you want to tan quickly, and aren't as concerned about getting a deep, dark tan, then bulbs with a higher UVB rating are the best for you. If you aren't as concerned with getting a quick base tan, but want to be darker in general, then a lower UVB and higher UVA rating will get you the best results. Also, depending on your skin type, you'll want to be careful which bulbs you choose to tan under, and for how long. Ask your tanning salon specialist for recommendations regarding each bed and bulb type.

How often should tanning bed bulbs be changed?
Typically, most tanning bed bulbs are rated and approved for 1000 hours of use, but it's highly recommended that they're changed in the 600-800 hour range to achieve maximum results. 2100 tanning sessions at 20 full minutes apiece is approximately 700 hours of bulb usage.

Why do lamps still burn brightly after 1000 hours? Why do they have to be changed?
Tanning bed bulbs will actually produce light for up to 10,000 hours, but after 1000 hours they stop producing significant amounts of UV rays, which produce a tan. They can continue to be used after 1000 hours, but they are no longer useful for tanning.

What is the difference in "Bi-Pin" and "RDC" tanning bed bulbs?
There's no difference inside the bulb, however they do connect to tanning beds in very different ways. Bi-Pin bulbs have two pins that slide into the holder, and you then twist the bulb into place, whereas RDC (Recessed Dual Connector) bulbs spring in and out of the bulb holder. RDC bulb holders are much more expensive than B-Pin holders, and are therefore less common. Again, there's no difference in the bulbs themselves, and there are no advantages in tanning with either lamp.