Understanding UV and how you tan
UVA Tanning Beds
UVA rays penetrate the skin’s epidermis more deeply than UVB rays, reaching the lower layers of the epidermis. These melanocytes produce melanin–a brown pigment that causes people to appear tan. The more melanin produced, the more tan a person appears.
UVB Tanning Beds
UVB rays are shorter than UVA rays. This means the rays penetrate less deeply into the skin, typically affecting the outer layers of the epidermis.
When the rays of a UVB tanning bed hit a person’s skin, they penetrate and cause the skin to produce melanocytes. These melanocytes produce melanin–a brown pigment that causes people to appear tan. The more melanin produced, the more tan a person appears.
When overexposed to UVB rays, a sunburn can occur. The likelihood of developing a sunburn in these beds contribute to the name “burning beds”. Most tanning beds, however, emit less UVB rays than the sun, according to Vanderbilt University.