Inside the capsule, the client lies down on a sheet of Plexiglas through which shines ultraviolet rays emitted by bright UVA and/or UVB bulbs.

The second kind of tanning bed is not a bed at all but more like a booth. It is the same idea, except a client steps into a vertical chamber. The intention of both these kinds of units is the same: to provide the client with an ultraviolet spectrum of rays that mimics the effects of the sun.

Tanning-beds come in two "strengths". A traditional or older tanning-bed boasts both UVA and UVB light bulbs. These are the same rays given by the sun. However, as research has been in the last decade has shown that UVA rays can be harmful, many tanning-bed owners have switched to offering beds that sport weaker UVB rays only.

UVB rays are thought to be less harmful as they only effect the outer layers of the skin. Prolonged exposure to UVA rays, penetrate deeper are thought to cause burns, cancer and damage to the immune system. Still the benefit of using a tanning-bed, as opposed to sunning yourself outdoors is sessions can be compared to a safe prescription for ultraviolet light.

It is not possible to control a dose of ultraviolet light when you sunbathe because of the weather, the time of day and seasonal conditions.

As tanning-beds emit the same rays as the sun, they aid the body in manufacturing vitamin D. Although most people associate a tanning-bed with a glamorous to-die-for tan, many individuals use a tanning bed to improve an maintain health. Sessions in a tanning-bed are particularly helpful for individuals suffering from psoriasis and osteoporosis.

Temperatures in tanning beds are often about 100 degrees Fahrenheit and as a rule, nobody stays in a tanning-bed more than twenty minutes. Certain tanning beds are manufactured with an in-built timing limit. For instance there is such a thing as a "ten-minute" tanning-bed. It is called a ten-minute tanning-bed for a reason: when your time is up leave the bed or put yourself at risk for damage to your eyes, skin or immune system.

Sessions in tanning salons are regulated by government agencies and state-of-the-art equipment helps salon employees determine the length of time you may lie in the bed or stand in the booth. They will also ask you how dark you want your tan to be and suggest the number of treatments needed to achieve and maintain the desired effect.

Reputable salons with tanning beds will always offer you protective eye-wear, a health assessment, a choice of achievable skin-tones, lotions to prepare your skin for the suntan and soothe it afterwards as well as prescribe a program of action for you.

Get more information on Tanning Bed Lotions and Tanning Beds.