Benefits of UVB Sunbeds at a Glance

For a long period in history, fair skin represented high class and beauty. For example, upper class Victorians powdered their skin to appear fairer, and they associated tans with peasantry who were required to work outdoors. In today's modern times, a tan is viewed as attractive and desirable. There is no sign that this view will change anytime soon. Tan skin is indisputably more popular than pale skin. The best way to get a tan without natural sunlight is to use UVB Sunbeds.

All sunbeds will expose the skin to both UVA and UVB rays, but the UVB tanning beds will provide more UVB rays than an average one. The average sunbed will provide about 95% UVA rays and 5% UVB rays. However, sunbed bulbs can give off 6.5% to 8.5% or more UVB rays. More exposure to UVB rays will produce a darker tan faster, and will also not penetrate the skin as deeply as UVA rays. These are the two main benefits of the UVB Sunbeds.

Some people would refute the benefits of sunbeds with a greater percentage of UVB rays. They claim that a 50 watt sunbed bulb with only 2% UVB rays is better than a 5 watt sunbed bulb with 8% UVB rays. However, that is a tenfold increase in wattage. Whether the use of sunbed bulbs with that much or more wattage is desirable must be the decision of the sunbed user.

Some people would also refute the benefit of using UVB tanning beds to get a darker tan faster. It is said that it is UVA rays which are required to stimulate the production of melanin, the brown pigment required to create tan skin. However, UVB Sunbeds produce the most desirable combination of UVA and UVB rays for both the brownest and fastest tan.

There is also at least one health reason to maximize UVB exposure and minimize UVA exposure. While both UVA and UVB rays have been associated with cancer risk, UVA rays penetrate deeper and cause more extensive damage. UVA rays also cause the deadliest type of skin cancer, melanoma. UVA rays are also responsible for the destruction of collagen, causing skin dryness and wrinkles.

It is possible to use UVB Sunbeds to tan with minimal risk. First, make sure your skin is at least Type II (out of six types). Persons with Type I skin will not tan, whether in natural sunlight or a sunbed. Second, always spend no more than 20 to 30 minutes per day in the sunbed. Finally, once you achieve your desired shade of tan, use the sunbed every month to maintain your tan, but be sure to never over-tan.