When you visit a new indoor tanning salon for the first time, you may wonder about the effectiveness of their tanning bed bulbs. Will old tanning bed bulbs still give you a tan? Do new tanning bed light bulbs make you darker? Will new bulbs burn you? These are all valid questions that can be answered with the right foreknowledge.
Continue reading to learn how tanning lamps work, how effective they are, how long they last, and when they should be replaced. This information may help you understand the variations and effects of tanning bed bulb strength and how it links to tanning results.
How Indoor Tanning Bed Light Bulbs Work
Tanning lamps are the long, narrow bulbs found inside tanning beds. They contain specialized materials, such as inert gasses, mercury, and phosphorus coatings, which turn electricity into ultra-violet rays. The bulbs emit these ultra-violet rays, which mimic the sun’s natural rays, and in turn, allows your skin to tan at a more rapid rate. They give safe, but instance bronzing results that last up to a week.
Average Lifespan of Tanning Bed Light Bulbs
The lifespan of tanning bulbs depends on several factors, including type, brand, quality, extent of use, and more. But in general, the average tanning bulbs provide between 1,000 and 2,000 hours of tanning. Up to 50 hours of usage, tanning lamps are at their strongest and most effective. After 50 hours of usage, they begin to decrease in strength and effectiveness, and efficiency levels lower to 20 percent. Lamps remain at this efficiency level until they reach the 500 hour marker, at which time they decrease even more. Tanning salons often use UV readers that assess the level of bulb efficiency in their tanning beds.
Tanning Bed Light Bulb Replacement
Tanning bulbs are generally replaced all at one time. It is uncommon to replace just a select few out of a tanning bed. That is because uneven bulb efficiency can cause uneven tanning and skin coloring. It is important for tanning salons to use quality lamps to prevent defects and burnouts. Bulbs are usually replaced between 1,500 and 2,000 hours, depending on the type of bulb. A UV reader best assesses when tanning lamps need to be replaced. If a bed has more than one lamp out, they should all be replaced!
What You Need to Know About Older Light Bulbs
Tanning bulbs that are older and less efficient are not bad beds. In fact, they are perfect for those with light complexions who are just starting out with indoor tanning. Tanners with sensitive or fair skin may prefer a tanning bed that is not as strong as the others. So often, salons will have at least one bed that they know is a bit weaker in UV strength than the rest.
Are you looking for a luxury Indianapolis tanning salon with top-quality equipment and products? Contact Broad Ripple Tans at 317-257-8262 to get the best deals on tanning beds, spray tans, tanning products, and more!
Related Posts:
How to Boost the Effects of Your Tanning Bed Session
How to Tan According to Skin Type
Will Eating More Beta Carotene Give Me a Tan?