Tanning beds are cosmetic devices that depend on ultraviolet formation to produce tan.

Regular tanning beds include a varying number of phosphor bulbs that emit ultraviolets; depending on the size of the device, the number of lamps could be larger or smaller. Very professional tanning beds incorporate quartz lamps instead of phosphor lamps, but they also need supplementary filters and reflecting devices for showing efficiency. 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 considered very controversial at present, as the World Health Organization warns against the use of such devices for cosmetic purposes. As a form of illustrating level of damage tanning beds can cause it suffices to say that eye protection is absolutely necessary because of the risk to get blind. Negligence to follow the line of this safety procedure could trigger very serious health problems. Statistics show that the tanning beds applications vary in various parts of the globe, and the gap does exist even in the technical specificity of the devices. Americans seem to favor 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 developing sunburn. The risk comes from the fact that tanning beds do not influence the formation a deep base tan, and once you get on the beach, the deepest skin layers would be defenseless to the harmful action of the sun rays. Outdoor and indoor tanning could be alternated but with some time lapse in between. Moreover, the use of protective lotions and sunscreens remains a must; the element that could vary under the circumstances is the ultraviolet protection factor.