Special filters are used to remove unwanted wavelengths of UVR, primarily UVB and shorter wavelengths of UVA (320-340 nm), leaving most of the longer wavelengths of UVA (340-400 nm) intact. This allows the high-pressure spectrum to produce a deeper, darker, longer-lasting tan.
Research supports the fact that high-pressure systems do provide a deeper, darker and longer-lasting tan when compared to low-pressure systems. This occurs because longer wavelengths of UVA penetrate deeper into the skin that do shorter wavelengths of UVA and UVB wavelengths and, therefore, are able to oxidize melanin granules farther away from the surface of the skin. These deeper oxidized granules take longer to reach surface of the skin and allow for a deeper tan with longer life.
It must be mentioned that greater care should be exercised when tanning anyone who is most sensitive to UVR (that goes for high-pressure as well as low-pressure tanning). All tanners who frequent a tanning salon will have a pre-established level of sensitivity to UVR. Therefore, if they are overexposed to UVR, whether on a high-or low-pressure system, they will burn.
Manufacturers are taking design and engineering to the next level by offering stylish-looking equipment featuring the latest technological advancements. Keeping luxury in the forefront of the tanning experience, high-pressure units continue to offer comfortable and large tanning surfaces. Some units feature bells and whistles, including mattresses that feature massage options and aromatherapy, to provide tanners with a more enjoyable and relaxing session.
Today's equipment choices feature brightly colored, full body wraparound canopies, high-powered adjustable cooling fans, easy-to-replace snap-in lamps, digital bed controls positioned at eye level, and voice prompting. High-pressure manufactures are focusing on lamp placement and output on the UV spectrum rather than bombarding the tanner with increased wattage and heat. In addition to providing great tanning results, it reduces the amount of heat output, which in turn saves the salon in energy costs.
High-pressure equipment is available in traditional beds or standup versions, which offers myriad choices when it comes to planning space. Tanning salon owners are continuing to purchase high-pressure units so as to offer a more diverse mix of tanning options for their customers. A tanner in this type of mix often is encouraged to rotate between the high-pressure and low-pressure units in order t maintain a deeper, darker tan, as well as maintain optimal levels of vitamin D.
Since little or no vitamin D is produced by wavelengths higher than 315 nanometers, high-pressure alone is not an effective system fro producing this important vitamin. This is one reason some salons have clients who alternate between high-pressure and low-pressure systems. Tanning in both systems gives the tanner the best benefits and features of both lamp types. As we get ready for the 2003 season, there is no doubt that high-pressure tanning will continue to grow because of its unique features and benefits. Salons that feature a mix of low-, medium- and high-pressure tanning will continue to benefit from customers upgrading for the added value of high-pressure tanning. The key is to properly educate customers on the benefits of high-pressure tanning and how it add s to their overall tanning experience.

Technical Aspects Of High-Pressure Tanning

High-pressure tanning systems utilize lamps filled with mercury vapor (under high pressure, hence the name) that can develop very high UVR intensity levels. Special blue glass filters are used to remove unwanted wavelengths of UVR, primarily UVB (280-320 nm) and UVA2 (320-340 nm), leaving most of the UVA1 (340-400 nm) wavelengths intact. Keep in mind that UVB at 305 nm has 1,000 to 1,200 times more sunburning power than does UVA1 at 365 nm. This is why high-pressure systems are much less likely to cause sunburn when compared to tube type tanning systems. However, that does not mean high-pressure systems cannot cause sunburn-they can and do if used unwisely. Obviously, great care must be exercised when tanning the most UVR sensi tive individuals with both high-pressure and tube type tanning systems. It is generally accepted that a high-pressure tanning system can produce a deeper, darker and longer-lasting tan than does tube type system. This is because the UVA1 wavelengths penetrates more deeply into the skin than do UVB and UVA2 wavelengths and, therefore, are able to oxidize melanin granules farther away from the surface of the skin. Since these oxidized granules will take longer to reach the surface of the skin, the tan produced by a high-pressure system will be deeper, darker and longer-lasting. Some anti-tanning individuals have stated that the fact that UVA1 wavelengths penetrate more deeply into the skin that there is the potential for collagen damage. First of all, there is no evidence to support this contention and it must be remembered that the wavelengths penetrating the deepest into the skin are the visible (400-700 nm) and the near-infrared (700-1,000 nm) and the infrared (1,000-4,000 nm). Therefore, if UVA1 wavelengths are harmful, then visible and infrared photons also must be harmful and, once again, there is no credible medical evidence to support his contention. Moreover, since recent research shows that there is enough UVB present in the typical high-pressure system to stimulate the production of both melanin and vitamin D, this fact will also stimulate the acceptance of high-pressure tanning systems by both tanning salon owners and clients alike.

The Future

Despite the advantages of stand-up unit, the traditional tanning bed remains the industry standard, mainly because people enjoy unwinding while they tan. Many consider it as much an escape as a cosmetic treatment.

Another benefit of beds lies in the initial cost of the unit. A quality tanning bed can be bought new for about $4,000 and there are a wide variety of units in the $4,000-$40,000 price range. Standups, on the other hand, start at about $8,000 and prices go up from there, jumping considerably for extra bells and whistles. But looking at it another way, standups can tan customers more quickly, permitting a salon to serve more clients, ideally generating enough extra income to make up for the difference in cost. Some salons choose to reap the benefits of both formats. Increasingly, tanning salons are offering both beds and standups and leaving the choice up to their clients. At one time, the standups used in salons were frequently equipped with lamps that emitted 100-percent UVB rays. Salon owners today should bear in mind that units using lamps with high UVB output should be considered obsolete. Some in the industry express concern over whether even short doses of strong UVB are acceptable in the long run. The FDA has cut its maximum session time recommendation from 30 minutes to 15 minutes on some such units.

Tanning Unit Components

To an inexperienced tanning salon owner, a tanning unit can look intimidating, and when it is dismantled, it gets even more confusing. For this reason, a basic course on tanning unit components is essential for novices and makes a good review for the experienced equipment owner.

Acrylic

Have you ever noticed that the very word seems to have a permanent top question mark after it? For example, what is acrylic? How do I clean my acrylic? What disinfectant do I use on my acrylic? How do I know when to change my acrylic?
The following answers some commonly asked questions about the industry s most lonely and often forgotten component- the acrylic shield.

Cleaning Acrylics

Now that you have the acrylic, you need to keep it clean for a variety of reasons. The acrylic will degrade faster if a salon owner is not cleaning it properly. In addition to disinfecting the Acrylic acrylics after each and every tanning session with an EPA-registered and state-approved cleaner, the acrylics top and bottom should be taken out at least once a month and thoroughly cleaned. The consensus is to clean every nook and cranny, including the bulbs. And everyone agrees on the importance of NOT using products that contain any alcohol or ammonia.
Acrylic that is properly cared for will enhance your ability to tan your customer. Not only should an approved cleaner be used, but salon owners also should prevent scratching as well as help absorb and clean. Scratches on acrylic can be a problem; however, they can be prevented. Customers should be instructed to remove jewelry before they lie down on the bed to avoid acrylic damage. Additionally, remind your customers to use indoor tanning sessions. Remember, once you get that first nick or scratch it will continue to get bigger, just like a crack in a car windshield.
Again, daily cleaning and a thorough once-a-month cleaning with the appropriate cleansers will go a long way in preserving your acrylic shields. However, if your acrylic shield cracks, replace it immediately.

Acrylic Guidelines

 DO NOT allow your customers to clean the beds themselves
 DO NOT disinfect the acrylic shield after each session. This is required by both the EPA and state regulations.
 DO use a disinfectant that is registered with the EPA and the state where the salon is located.
 DO NOT put anything on the acrylic that has an alcohol or ammonia base as it will break down the acrylic
 DO take the acrylics off the bed and thoroughly clean the shields and the other bed components at least once a month. This will help maintain the longevity of your equipment.
 DO NOT allow you customers to use oils of any kind or lotions that are specifically made for outdoor use because these products will break down acrylic.
 DO clean the acrylic on the top of the bed on a regular basis because it tends to accumulate more dust buildup than the bottom shield.
 DO use a cotton cloth or towel when cleaning the acrylic. They are less abrasive than paper towels.
 DO polish the acrylic shield regularly to extend the life of the shield.
 DO ask your customers to remove their jewelry while tanning to help keep the shield from being scratched.


Minimum Erythemal Dose And Minimum Melanogenic Dose

MED is the Minimal Erythemal Dose and is defined as the threshold dose that may produce MMD, on the sunburn. MMD, on other hand, is the Minimal Melanogenic Dose and is equal to the lowest dose required to develop a visible suntan. Even though the terms MED and MMD seem to be self-explanatory at first glance, the translation of these values in the daily practice of indoor tanning often leads to misunderstandings of wrong interpretations, especially when it comes to determining exposure times based on MED and MMD values.
Determining Threshold Dosages Assume that unprotected skin has been exposed to UV radiation for the first time. In order to determine the MED, the reaction of the skin will be recorded 24 hours after exposure. The minimal dose that induces any visible skin reddening at that point of time is defined as one MED. Redness that occurs immediately after exposure and disappears during the following three to five hours is caused mainly heat and is not comparable with real UV erythema. This is the reason why the reading is not taken until 24 hours later.
For users of tanning units, the MED provides important information about the sunburning effect of the equipment, since an even perceptible reddening is the first sign of a sunburn reaction. In order to prevent possible acute or long-term risks due to indoor tanning, the MED should not be exceeded during a session.
The MMD is determined in a very similar manner. In contrast to the MED examination, the readings are performed seven days after exposure instead of 24 hours. The minimal dose required to produce an even noticeable tan, which can still be observed seven days later, is defined as one MMD. The interval between exposure and reading is necessary to permit the occurrence of new melanin biosynthesis (melanogenesis), which only becomes evident after several days of UV application. To better understand MED and MMD, it should be said that both are individual values. The lowest effective dose developing a sunburn as well as the value producing a suntan depend distinctly on the skin sensitivity of the person. In order to eliminate these individually influencing factors, MED and MMD have been standardized. With standardized MED and standardized MMD values, sunlamp products can be characterized and specified and become comparable with respect to their biological capabilities. Such information based on these standard values are of higher ranking meaning than are statements about the physical data such as UVB/UVA ratio or UVB percentage.
Comparing Standard MED And MMD. By comparing MED and MMD values of tanning units, it may be surprising that the required exposure time for reaching one MMD is usually longer than the corresponding time for reaching one MED. This seems to indicate that it is
impossible to tan without first developing skin redness. At the same time, the question comes up: How can we achieve tanning slowly, progressively, and safely without producing sunburn? To shed some light on this question, consider the following:
MED and MMD are standardized values and valid for unprotected and untanned Skin Type II. This means that such given values are basically only valid before undergoing the first exposure. The effect on the skin of a melanogenic dosage will become evident only three to five days after exposure, at the earliest. Further, melanogenesis is a long-lasting process, therefore, consecutive single dosages work cumulatively. In other words, the skin does not forget the induced pigment effects and accumulates these single pigment-producing dosages over time. Besides melanogenesis, there exists the IPD, an immediate pigment darkening effect which is a rather superficially effective tanning mechanism. IPD is a transient reaction induced by the photochemical oxidation of preformed melanin pigments by long-wave UV, darkening the skin during exposure. By use of a tanning unit, for example, which is characterized by an exposure time of 20 minutes for one ME D and 45 minutes for one MMD, melanogenesis can be induced in two different ways.
MED/MMD-Based Schedule Consider the given MMD exposure time of 45 minutes. Although the applied melanogenic dose is high enough to produce new pigments, an exposure of this duration cannot be recommended because the MED would be exceeded more than twice during such a session. The better way to get a tan will be by starting an exposure schedule consisting of three applications of 15 minutes each during one week. The advantage of such procedure is twofold. The applied dose per session does not reach the limit of one MED, however, at the same time the skin has received a total melanogenic dose of one MMD. This means the process of new pigment formation will remain healthier. Furthermore, at the beginning of each tanning session series, this exposure schedule is in agreement with FDA regulations.
In addition to melanogenesis, even during the first exposure session the skin will be tanned immediately if the horny layer contains some weakly colored, pre-formed pigments which then can be darkened by IPD. Generally, human skin has some pigment prestages available (except Skin Type I). In this context, it may be helpful to know that with most of the commonly used sunlamps, the threshold dose to initiate IPD will be reached quicker than 1 MED.
Depending on the amount of available pigment pre-stages (and on Skin Types) the effect of IPD usually remains only for hours-at the most a few days. With an increasing number of sessions, the amount of pre-stage pigment will be enhanced.
Talking about indoor tanning as well as outdoor tanning, the mechanisms of "immediate pigment darkening" and of "pigment formation" (melanogenesis) interact so that a clear differentiation between both is often impossible. As a rule, it can be established that IPD is more important during the first sessions while melanogenesis comes more and more into play during the following exposures.
By using tanning units, both mechanisms are utilized. At the beginning, the tanning results are caused mainly by IPD. With increasing sessions the obtained suntan becomes darker and deeper due to further melanin synthesis.
Further, with a well-tanned skin, the required exposure time to develop an erythema will be prolonged, and provide an effective sun protection.

SPF Calculation

In order to calculate the SPF of a sunscreen, two terms must be understood. SPF-Ratio of the amount of energy required to produce a minimal sunburn through a sunscreen product film to the amount of energy required to produce the same minimal sunburn without any sunscreen protection. MED-"Minimal erythema dose" is the amount of energy needed to produce a just-perceptible sunburn.
In calculation, the following formula is used: SPF = MED protected skin/MED unprotected skin.
Factors That Affect SPF And Tanning
There are a number of factors that determine the effect of SPFs on the tanning process.
(1) Formula-Oils are generally less effective than creams.
(2) Amount applied-It is important to apply a thick, even film of sunscreen and to re-apply it after swimming or exercise.
(3) Skin type-It determines your amount of natural protection. Fair skin burns easily and produces little tan because it has little natural protection. Dark skin tans easier and burns less because it has more natural protection.
(4) Location-Affects how much UV gets through the atmosphere. There is more UV exposure at high altitudes and more near the Equator than at the Poles.
(5) Time of day and season of the year-These factors determine the tilt and rotation of the earth, and this affects how much UV gets through the atmosphere. Sun energy is most intense between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. and more intense in summer than winter.
(6) Reflection and transmission of light-Light reflects off sand, water, cement, etc. Glass transmits UVA light.
After Tan Odor Many tanners complain about an unusual smell after completing your tanning session. Put their questions to rest by educating them that it is a natural physical occurrence.
Aside from producing a cosmetic tan, indoor tanning units produce heat and generally cause many indoor tanners to perspire. During perspiration, a protein is secreted. Bacteria that live in and on our skin eat away at this protein, which produces an odor. In addition, every person has a unique body chemistry that can be influenced by diet and hormones. A combination of personal hygiene habits, perfumes and lotions also may play a role in producing the "after-tan" smell. Perspiration also may have an ammonia-like smell.
Many indoor tanners have been concerned that they might "wash off" their tans. But in reality, it takes at least eight to 24 hours to visualize the result of a tanning exposure. It is important to note that tanning tends to rob the skin of moisture, so it is essential to moisturize the skin in order to maintain the tan.
In the tanning process, melanin is stimulated, migrates to the epidermis and is oxidized-resulting in a tan. These skin cells slough off every 28-30 days. So for those individuals desiring a tan, a maintenance schedule with subsequent tanning sessions in moderation is often desirable.
Before tanning, the skin should be clean and free of cosmetics that may block UV absorption in order to obtain the best results. Whether to shower before or after a tanning session isn't really the question-it's a question of personal hygiene.

Tanning and Heredity

Melanin is the leading factor that determines a person s skin color, and its presence is determined by heredity factors. This is based on the regions of the world from which a person s ancestors came and is referred to as constitutional skin color. But not all skin color is based on constitutional skin color. Facultative skin color, referred to as tanning, is the result of deliberate exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Here, hormonal factors determine the shade of a tan one will develop.
Each skin type reacts in its own way to UV radiation. The reaction is dependent upon the amount of pigment already in the skin naturally, the capability to build up additional protection (facultative pigmentation) and the degree of thickening of the uppermost horny skin layer (acanthosis).
All of these factors are determined genetically. In the initial stage of tanning, the skin has what are called pre-pigment grains that appear gray-brown in color. The visible result of these grains is immediate tanning, seen in people who tan easily. However, this color can disappear very quickly, in as few as 24 hours. In the lowest layer of the outer skin, the melanocytes (melanin-producing cells) begin to generate new pigment grains called melanosomes. Because this is a slower process than the immediate tanning of pre-pigment grains, it is known as indirect pigmentation. With the presence of UVB, melanocytes are stimulated to divide, creating more pigment cells. During this time, the epidermis thickens to form additional protection, again a condition referred to as acanthosis.
The actual production of melanin occurs deep within the outer skin where melanocytes are situated.
Melanocytes are capable of growing between the surrounding keratinocyte cells and forming offshoots called dendrites. It is at this point that melanocytes have the ability to be stimulated by UV rays to achieve their purpose of producing melanin. Eventually, the pigment grains change from their initial pink color to their final stage of reddish brown or a tan. The peak color that can be achieved is dependent upon an individual's tanning schedule and individual factors such as skin type, hormonal influences and recent UV history. Melanin can compensate for only so much UV light. It's not difficult to spot a tanner who has had too much UV exposure. Photo-induced inflammation, better know as a sunburn, is the result of an overdose of UVB rays. Longer wave UVA produces a reddening of the skin only when sufficient photosensitizing effects are taking place, due to an excess dosage or a high concentra tion of photosensitizing substances, such as certain medications, perfumes or lotions. A sunburn resulting from too much UVB causes cell damage on only the top germ layer where cells eventually flake off. A sunburn from UVA, however, reaches deep into the connective tissues, permanently damaging the delicate elastic fibers of the skin.
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