One of the biggest misunderstandings about the sunbed is that the light from the lamps is completely different from the sunlight outside. Just like the natural sun, modern tanning lamps provide a combination of UVA and UVB. Filters prevent UVC from coming out of the lamps, just as outside the ozone layer acts as a filter for the sun. The strength of the tanning beds can be compared with the strength of the midday sun in the Mediterranean. In contrast to the sun outside, with the tanning bed lamps it is always clear how much sunlight is reaching the skin. This allows you to enjoy the sun responsibly, without getting burned.

Both when sunbathing in the outdoor sun and when sunbathing under a sunbed, it is a good idea to build up the sessions slowly. Because sunbed lamps, just like the natural sun, provide both UVA light (direct pigmentation) and UVB light (indirect pigmentation and skin thickening), the sunbed can be used to prepare the skin for a sun holiday or the new outdoor season. By not suddenly exposing the skin to sunlight for a long time after months of little sunlight, you reduce the risk of severe reactions such as sunburn or a sun allergy. It is most ideal when the skin can get used to UV light. This is possible with a tanning bed, because the session time can be adjusted exactly to your own skin type and you can build up the sessions according to the tanning of your skin.

You will find a skin type table in the user manual of your device. Use this table to determine which skin type you have and stick to the corresponding session time.
Remove jewelry, cosmetics and perfume. Some medicines and beauty products contain substances that can cause unwanted reactions in combination with sunbathing. Other substances sometimes have a similar effect. In the user manual of your device you will find a list of a number of substances that can react with UV rays. Consult this list before sunbathing.

When sunbathing, your skin cells are stimulated to produce pigment. This is done to protect the tissue directly under the skin from the effects of UV radiation. Pigment cells produce the coloring melanin: a substance that protects the skin cells against burning. The top layer of the skin thickens and turns brown. The more naturally pigmented the skin is, the more resistant it is to the action of ultraviolet light. Your skin type, the extent to which your skin has already built up pigment and how long the skin has been able to get used to the UV light determine how long you can enjoy the sun without burning.