Tanning beds are cosmetic equipments that depend on ultraviolet radiation to produce tan.

Regular tanning beds include a varying number of phosphor bulbs that generate ultraviolets; depending on the complexity of the gear, the number of lamps is matched on smaller or larger devices. Very specialized tanning beds use quartz lamps instead of phosphor lamps, but they also require supplementary filters and reflecting devices for proper functioning. As the name suggests it, tanning beds make the user assume a lying position, at the opposite of tanning booths where one has to stand. One other major difference between tanning beds and booths is the higher power output specific to the latter.

Tanning beds are subject to heated debates at present, as the World Health Organization advises against the use of such devices for cosmetic purposes. As a form of illustrating level of damage tanning beds can inflict it is enough to say that one cannot use the device without goggles. Negligence to follow the line of this safety procedure could lead to very serious health problems. Statistics show that tanning beds are used differently in various parts of the globe, and the gap comes from the technical specificity of the devices. Americans seem to like indoor tanning more than Europeans, and the tanning beds they rely on usually emit more UVB light than those used in Europe.

Tanning beds should not be used in combination with open sun exposure given the high risk of getting severe burn. The risk comes from the fact that tanning beds do not produce a deep base tan, and once you get on the beach, the profound skin layers would be exposed to the aggressive action of the sun rays. Outdoor and indoor tanning could be alternated but not in the same day. Moreover, the application of protective lotions and sunscreens remains a must; the element that could vary under the circumstances is the ultraviolet protection factor.