Tanning beds come in a variety of shapes, sizes and "power". The effectiveness and strength of a given bed is driven by the number of bulbs and the wattage associated with them. A 26 bulb tanning bed presents a good option for both commercial operators as well as serious home tanning enthusiasts.
In today's culture, everyone seeks a healthy, glowing tan. Unfortunately, not all of us have the luxury of living where the sun always shines. Necessity being the mother of invention, science has addressed this gap by giving us indoor tanning. Today, the varieties of indoor tanning equipment are limited only by the human imagination.
Tanning beds and booths are differentiated by three main factors. The first if these is the strength of the bulbs it contains. The power of a given bulb is measured in terms of the wattage associated with it. Tanning bulbs generally are either 100 watts or 160 watts. All else being equal, a 160 watt bulb will give a quicker and deeper tan than a 100 watt bulb.
However, wattage is only the first metric. Whether the bulbs possess a built in reflector is the second critical point. Built in reflectors greatly improve the effectiveness of a bulb. A 100 watt bulb with a built in reflector (referred to as HOR in the industry) is arguably more effective than a 160 watt bulb without a reflectors (referred to as VHO).
Lastly, the efficacy of a given bed is also driven by the number of bulbs present. Small portable units can have as few as 4 bulbs. The largest commercial units can have in excess of 50 bulbs. Again, the number of bulbs is just one of three factors effecting the overall "power" of the machine. A bed with 26 bulbs of 160 watts with built in reflectors could produce much better results than a 42 bulb bed only having 100 watt non reflective bulbs.
Those seeking to acquire a tanning bed are best served to educate themselves on these various components of tanning bed effectiveness. The numbers and figures can prove to be deceptive without a good grounding in the basic science behind them. Strictly going by the number of bulbs present in a given bed can lead to disappointing results for you or your customers.
Maximization of UV output has the positive effect of a quicker, more noticeable tan. However, the downside is corresponding increased health risks. Many studies have been done pertaining to long term exposure to the type of rays which create suntans. This represents the final factor one needs to include within their analysis.
Tanning salons have become almost as pervasive as fast food restaurants. Along with their growth there has been a proliferation of new beds and configurations. It often can be confusing for the novice buyer. A 26 bulb tanning bed sometimes can be better than a 42 bulb bed. All factors need to be considered before one makes an investment in the world of tanning equipment.
Related Articles
Mimic the Sun With Stand Up Tanning Booths
By: Adam Hefner | 30/04/2008 | Skin Care
Today's tanning salons employ many different types of tanning environments. A quickly emerging trend is to utilize stand up tanning booths as opposed to traditional beds.
Annual Glow With Tanning Bronzers Indoor Use
By: Adam Hefner | 02/05/2008 | Cosmetics
Tanning bronzers indoor use is becoming increasingly popular. Not only do they help speed tanning in beds, but they offer additional tanning activity which occurs well after your tanning session has ended.
Quick Guide to Wholesale Tanning Supplies
By: Adam Hefner | 02/05/2008 | Cosmetics
Indoor tanning is rapidly growing in its popularity. Whether you're an avid tanner with a tanning bed at home, or an operator of a chain of successful salons, you can benefit from researching the best routes to obtain wholesale tanning supplies.
Used Tanning Beds - High Quality Tanning for Less Money
By: Adam Hefner | 10/04/2008 | Health
Why people are buying home tanning beds?? Tanning is very popular in today's society, despite recent fears of skin cancer. Our beauty image focuses heavily on skin color,
Airbrush Tanning Equipment Can Combat That Pasty Look
By: Adam Hefner | 11/05/2008 | Cosmetics
In the old days, a tan was a sign of a laborer and considered unattractive. However, times have changed and these days a tan is seen as an indicator of wealth, class and beauty.
Home Tanning Beds Bad Credit - Beautiful Look at Any Cost
By: Adam Hefner | 10/04/2008 | Health
Finding a loan for a residential tanning bed on bad credit is undoubtedly a difficult task, but not impossible. Here are some tips to help you get the best financing regardless of your credit rating.
Wolff Tanning Beds Financing Allows You to Buy it Now!
By: Adam Hefner | 11/05/2008 | Fashion
You might be a salon owner looking to invest in a new tanning bed. Or, you might be a retail consumer looking to fulfill a lifetime fantasy of having the luxury of a professional tanning bed right in your own home.
Tanning Beds: Safer Than Sunlight?
By: Adam Hefner | 11/04/2008 | Health
While many people covet the golden glow of suntanned skin, most people are too busy to spend long hours lying in the sun in order to accomplish this.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
I Have An Light Discoloration On My Pinky toe From ...
By: DeAnna0814 | 27-05-2008
I Have An Light Discoloration On My Pinky toe From A Corn Remover Is Thee Anyway I Can Get My Skin Color Back To Normal
HELP tanning
By: Rebecca | 23-05-2008
I don't tan, it's really strange. I've tried laying out in the sun, and using fake tanner. I haven't gone to the tanning bed because frankly those things scare the crap out of me. Does any one have any suggestions on how to achieve the perfect tan?
Is it safe to indoor tan while nursing or will it ...
By: hunter2007 | 23-05-2008
Is it safe to indoor tan while nursing or will it have an affect on my milk??? What about lotions too????
Te gusta demasiado alguien, tanto que sueñas ...
By: Laura Cortes | 10-04-2008
Te gusta demasiado alguien, tanto que sueñas dándole un beso en su boca, solamente es un conocido, muy bien conocido aunque no cruzan palabras relacionadas con sus aspectos personales. Cuando estas frente a esa persona te pone los nervios de punta, se te mueve el piso. ¿Qué harías?:1. Haces hasta lo imposible por tener una cita normal (bailar, cine, teatro, tarde de café o copas . . .) con la persona en cuestion y dejas que la situación desenvolver libremente la situación para saber hasta que tipo de relacion puedes llegar.2. Aprovechas un buen momento para decirle que te gusta. se lo dices:A. por internet en vivoB. por internet por mailC. en persona (como en una cita o estar totalmente solos) D. por teléfono3. Aprovechas un buen momento para decirle que quieres darle un beso. se lo dices:A. por internet en vivoB. por internet por mailC. en persona (como en una cita o estar totalmente solos) D. por teléfono4. Buscas tu beso en un buen momentoA. se lo robasB. se lo pides5. Dejas las cosas así y te "tragas" las ganas y sentimientos y no haces nadaTu, ¿qué harías?... puedes mezclar respuestas o.. dinos una que no esté!
I have a peacock tanning booth 1600, can I use any ...
By: wicked024 | 08-03-2008
I have a peacock tanning booth 1600, can I use any kind of bulbs or is there a certain type??
Sunscreen on Sunbeds
By: RobbieF | 01-03-2008
Can anyone please tell me whether using normal sunscreen when on a sunbed, gives the same protection? I can't seem to find any direct answers to this on the net.Thanks
Q&A Powered by:
Latest Cosmetics Articles
Decoding the Natural Skincare Myth
By: Heather Fields | 21/07/2008
It's like clockwork, when a good thing like organic living turns into a trend and every label you see starts touting all-natural, earthy goodness. In the case of cosmetics, the label might say all-natural, but how do you know it’s the real deal?
Fan Polli are Bold and Simple Design and Steel Earrings
By: m.jeya | 18/07/2008
Beautifully designed Fan polli earrings etched in fine detail from thin sheets of fine stainless steel. They are beautifully designed and very cheap and attractive products. Polli earrings are bold, simple designs, which play with form, pattern and color. The fan earrings are light weight and use sterling silver hooks so they are comfortable to wear.
Perfumes Enhance the Beauty and Style
By: Article Manager | 14/07/2008
Perfumes are the most sought-after fashionable items that add fragrance and beauty to everyone’s life. As a result, choosing the right kind of perfume requires skill and homework. Men and women, young and old, rich and poor all want perfumes of different designs and fragrances.
Discontinued Perfume: the Long-lost Scent
By: Article Manager | 14/07/2008
Today, the market is flooded with thousands of branded perfumes blending with gentle spray of rare expensive discontinued perfumes tailored to the contemporary society in terms of fashion and taste. Generally, discontinued perfumes are specifically created for each part of the body.
All You Need to Know About Perfumes
By: Roberto Sedycias | 13/07/2008
Perfume is something we all cherish and love to possess. However preparing a bottle of perfume is not a child`s play. It is a complicated and highly specialized job.
Save Money and Time When You Buy Fragrance Online
By: Andrew Roberts | 10/07/2008
The modern way of purchasing your favourite perfume is to buy fragrance online from one of the large number of websites that have sprung up, that offer one or more of the popular or specialist brands online.
Some Advices About Using a Hair Dryer
By: Endy | 10/07/2008
Were you be skeptical that whether the ionic hair dryers live up to their claim of drying hair faster, and healthier? Here are some advices you could take into account.
The Tips of Hair Straightening After the Shower
By: Endy | 10/07/2008
Were you puzzled with giving your hair straightened after the shower, you will find the suggestions about it here. Read the tips and follow the steps, you would get a perfect hair straightening.
More from Adam Hefner
Simple Home Remedies for Whitening Teeth
By: Adam Hefner | 25/07/2008 | Dental Care
There are many treatments to get whiter teeth. There are laser treatments, whitening strips, whitening toothpastes, gels, chewing gum, and even whitening markers just to name a few.
Finding the Right Lancaster Teeth Whitening System
By: Adam Hefner | 25/07/2008 | Dental Care
Everyone longs for healthy and white teeth. They enhance your natural beauty and increase your confidence. There are several ways to gain a brighter smile, but where does one even begin to start?
A Look at Home Teeth Whitening Kits and How You Save
By: Adam Hefner | 25/07/2008 | Dental Care
I would love to go in and have a quick one-hour laser whitening, but at this point in time I am too broke, so I turned to home teeth whitening kits for help. I am a college student and not surprisingly,
Creating Your Own Teeth Whitening Recipe for a Sparkling Smile
By: Adam Hefner | 24/07/2008 | Dental Care
There are many products out there that promise to whiten your teeth, but they often cost a pretty penny. While asking my friends and family for advice on what worked for them, I came up with my own home teeth whitening recipe. I wanted to share the concoctions I have made right in my kitchen that have given me the best results.
The Ultimate New York Teeth Whitening System
By: Adam Hefner | 24/07/2008 | Dental Care
Everyone aspires to have the perfect smile. We all want straight teeth and big white smiles. Not all of us are born with perfect smiles, but we sure can take steps in the right direction to get them.
At Home Teeth Whitening Products - Whats the Best Out There?
By: Adam Hefner | 24/07/2008 | Dental Care
Taking a trip to your local dentist to get pearly whites is a thing of the past. There are many types of at home teeth whitening products that vary in price and effectiveness.
Finding the Absolute Best Teeth Whitening Treatments From Dentists
By: Adam Hefner | 24/07/2008 | Dental Care
It seems like everywhere you look there are ads for teeth whitening products plastered all over billboards, on every other commercial on TV and conquering the airwaves on the radio. Stores have shelves full of whitening toothpastes and chewing gum that promises to give you a brighter smile anywhere from a few days to weeks.
Why You Should Consider Student Debt Consolidation Loans
By: Adam Hefner | 24/07/2008 | Loans
You're living in a small apartment, driving a used car, and working harder than you ever imagined possible. Despite all of your sacrifices, you're still struggling to meet your monthly payments for all of those student loans. The solution to regaining control is student debt consolidation loans.
Shopping 
