A Little Lesson in UVA and UVB Rays
Many people enjoy tanning year round but don't have the time nor do they have consistent access to natural sunlight to do so. The convenience of tanning beds has enabled people who want a tan to enjoy tanning with two types of UV light rays: ultraviolet-A (UVA - long wave) or ultraviolet-B (UVB - shortwave). The differences in UVA and UVB are evident in the impact each has on the skin.
UVA rays are much longer than UVB. UVA rays penetrate all 5 layers of the skin's epidermis more deeply than UVB, which typically only penetrates the uppermost layer of skin. Penetration of UVA (long waves) results in the body's production of melanin, a brown pigment that appears in many people to create a bronzed skin tone. The more often a person visits a tanning bed, the tanner a person becomes due to the consistent production of melanin. UVB rays also help with your tanning process, but since the rays are shorter, they don't penetrate the undermost layers of the epidermis; resulting in a short term tan. It is the UVB rays that can sometimes result in a sunburn which is the capillaries under the uppermost layer of skin actually "popping”.
Recent studies have shown that a combination of both UVA and UVB rays are the best for your skin. The commercial tanning industry has responded by creating technically sound tanning beds that use a combination of UVA and UVB rays. Couple both of these UV rays with filters and optional controls to protect your face and skin and you will achieve your optimal bronze tone. Radiance Tanning Studio provides brand new beds with the newest innovative bulbs to enhance your tanning experience.
Please be sure never to tan in a tanning bed more than once in a 24-hour period, and use a tanning lotion specifically formulated for tanning beds. Our staff is happy to help you decide which tanning lotion is best suited for your skin type. Please give us a call if you have any questions! 406-890-2056
