Author: Cheri Mullenix

Sunlight is absolutely essential to all life on earth. For humans, there are various reasons, both biological and psychological, why exposure to light is desirable. In addition, many people believe they look better with a tan. Thus, having a tan may provide a psychological uplift for some. Plus, numerous studies show that tanning is an…

  The following are some common terms relating to UV light and sunlamp characteristics. BP (Bi-pin): The two metal prongs extending from the lamp’s end. RDC (Recessed Double Contact): This lamp type has black end-caps; most common lengths are F72 and F73. T12: T = diameter of the glass in 1/8-inch increments. 12 x 1/8…

While traveling around the country to attend tanning distributor events, I’ll meet people who have recently taken ownership of a salon that had to close its doors. They have no idea where to begin and are so confused because every product distributor gives them a different answer concerning which sunlamps to purchase. Their assignment is…

Make sure your team is equipped with the knowledge needed to educate your salon guests. Here are a few basic tanning tips: UVB rays are the strongest between 10am and 2pm. In the northern hemisphere, UVB is most intense in summer months, but UVA is more consistent throughout the year. The power of the UVA…

This is a great question. Sunbed acrylic shields are made of a petroleum-based synthetic polymer often used to replace glass when you need a clear, shatter-resistant, robust material. Acrylic is used in tanning beds to shield the tanner from the lamps because of the risk of possible injury from heat and breakage that lying on…

Unfortunately, a lamp that will make everyone happy has not yet been created! The rate and level at which each person tans is based on their individual skin type. Some people develop a dark brown tone and some may experience a golden brown result – this is a function of a person’s physiology and skin…

Ed Ferreira from Forever Tan in Newton, MA asks: What is the difference between conventional glow-bottle starters and electronic starters? First, let’s talk about how a sunlamp works. On the inside of the glass tube is a thin phosphor coating and a small dose of mercury. When electrical power comes across the cathode, it sputters…

Is there a difference between pink and blue tanning lamps? Is one type better than the other? Good question! When it comes to colors, most people perceive pink tones as “warm”’ while blue is considered “cool.” One of the enduring reasons why people enjoy indoor tanning sessions is the feeling of relaxation and restfulness it…

Does a sunlamp depreciate over time or just with use? Do lamps have a “shelf life?” First, let’s talk about how a low-pressure sunlamp works. There is a thin phosphor coating on the inside of the lamp and a small amount of inert gas and mercury in the tube. When power is applied to the…

What is the difference between 10-minute, 20-minute and 30-minute lamps? What would happen if you install a 10-minute lamp in a 20-minute bed? Perhaps a better question is “What’s the difference between a 10-minute, 20-minute and 30-minute bed?” An indoor tanning lamp’s performance is directly related to the equipment in which it is installed. In…