Sunless tanning beds are devices that depend on ultraviolet radiation to produce tan-like skin reactions in the skin. Regular sunless tanning beds include a varying number of phosphor bulbs that emit ultraviolet rays. Depending on the complexity of the gear, the number of lamps is matched on smaller or larger devices. Highly professional sunless tanning beds incorporate quartz lamps instead of phosphor lamps, but they also require supplementary filters and reflectors for proper functioning.
As the name suggests, sunless tanning beds make the user assume a lying position, as opposed to tanning booths where one has to stand. Another distinct difference between sunless tanning beds and booths is the higher power output specific to the latter.
Sunless tanning beds are currently the topic of heated debate, as the World Health Organization warns against the use of such devices for cosmetic purposes. As a form of illustrating the level of damage that sunless tanning beds can cause it is enough to say that eye protection is absolutely necessary because of the risk of going blind. Negligence in following this safety procedure could lead to very serious health problems.
Statistics show that the use of sunless tanning beds varies in different parts of the world, and the gap comes from the technical specifications of the devices. Americans seem to like indoor tanning more than Europeans, and the sunless tanning beds in American salons usually emit more UVB light than those present in Europe.
Sunless tanning beds should not be used in combination with regular sun exposure given the high risk of developing sunburn. The risk comes from the fact that sunless tanning beds do not create a deep base tan, and once you get on the beach, the deepest skin layers would be defenseless against the harmful action of the sun rays. Outdoor and indoor tanning could be alternated but not in the same day.
Moreover, the application of protective lotions and sunscreens remains compulsory; the element that could make the difference is the ultraviolet protection factor.