How do tanning bed bulbs work?
Tanning bed bulbs essentially imitate the sun. The sun naturally emits three kinds of rays: UVA, UVB and UVC. Of the three, UVC has the shortest, most harmful wavelength. Fortunately, this type of light is absorbed by the ozone layer and pollution, and even tanning bed bulbs have been engineered to filter out this type of light. What you have left are the UVB and UVA wavelengths, both of which help to produce a healthy tan. UVB light is the middle wavelength, and initially starts the tanning process by stimulating melanin development, but is also the one that will cause sun burning in the event of overexposure. UVA light has the longest wavelength, and although shows results at a slower pace, completes the tanning process.
