Bronzing vs. Hotter Tanning Bed Bulbs

Tanning Bed Bulbs

There are two broad classifications for low pressure tanning bed bulbs: bronzing bulbs and hotter bulbs. Bronzing bulbs emit less UVB radiation and better mimic natural sunlight. The UVA to UVB ratio for bronzing bulbs is in the range of 97-94% UVA to 3-6% UVB. Hotter tanning bed bulbs emit much more UVB radiation. The UVA to UVB ratio for these bulbs is in the range 94-90.5% UVA to 6-9.5% UVB.

Tanning with bronzing bulbs takes longer because UVB is the light which stimulates the production of melanin, and UVA tans the skin. With bronzing tanning bed bulbs the tanner can achieve a much deeper, darker tan - it just takes longer.

Hotter bulbs won't allow the tanner to get as deep of a tan as can be achieved with bronzing bulbs, however they do tan the skin much faster. These tanning bed bulbs are faster because there's a higher percentage of UVB, which stimulates melanin production.

See our indoor tanning section for more on tanning.