Frequently Asked Questions

EXPLANATIONS OF HIGH PRESSURE
There are two main types of ultraviolet light, UVA and UVB. All tanning beds use a combination of these two rays, which contribute differently to the tanning process.

Tanning takes place in the skins outermost layer, the epidermis. When exposed to UVB light, melanocytes located within the epidermis produce melanin, which causes the skin to redden. When exposed to UVA light, the melanin oxidizes and causes the skin to darken to a deep golden brown.

Low-pressure beds are equipped with fluorescent type tubes, which emit high amounts of UVB rays. High-pressure bulbs are much smaller in size and can be used to tan the face or the full body. A unique filter system allows Ultrabronz beds to filter out most of the UVB rays, using just enough to stimulate the melanin leaving the UVA rays to darken the skin.

The skinny on high-pressure
Tanning is actually the body's natural defense mechanism for protecting against the sun's rays. Normally, the outer layer of skin exfoliates every 28 days but when exposed to high concentrations of UVB rays; the body is forced to exfoliate prematurely every 5-10 days. This is why low-pressure tanners must tan more frequently to keep the outer layer of their skin looking brown.

Because high-pressure filters out most of the UVB rays, your skin is able to maintain normal exfoliation, which in turn allows your skin to stay tan much longer!

High Pressure Light

What is light?
We normally refer to the visible part of the spectrum as light. Visible light is only a small portion of the range of energy used in tanning.

How is light measured?
Light is measured by the length of the wave. This is an extremely small distance and is referred to as a nanometer (nM). There are 1,000,000,000 in every 39 inches.

What is Ultra Violet light?
There are different types of light associated with the tanning process. Ultra Violet, which is comprised of UVA and UVB rays, as well as visible and infrared light. UVB light stimulates the tanning process. It is the most powerful form of UV light and is responsible for sunburn. It is vital to have UVB to initiate the tanning process, but not enough to cause overexposure. UVA light is responsible for the dark, golden color results. Visible light is the light you see in a rainbow, we use the violet color to see the rays and assist in the tanning process. Finally, there is infrared light, which is associated with heat and can cause discomfort while tanning.

What is UVA?
UVA is the portion of UV with wavelengths between 320nM and 400nM. It is primarily responsible for the oxidizing in the tanning process.

What is UVB?
UVB is the portion of UV with wavelengths between 280nM and 320nM. It is primarily responsible for stimulation of the tanning process.

What is Infrared?
Infrared is the light beyond the visible spectrum above 700nM. It is primarily associated with heat although near infrared, which is (-700 - 1500nM), is similar to the soothing warmth of the sun delivered early morning and late evening.

What Mix of light is contained in natural sunlight?
Natural sunlight varies considerably according to the time of day, season and proximity to the equator. UVB levels in the early morning are low as these wavelengths bounce of the earth's atmosphere, gradually increasing to a peak that can be as high as 10% by mid-day.

What light is used in tanning beds?
A mixture of light from different portions of the spectrum is required to effectively tan the skin. It is only through this mixture of wavelengths right across the spectrum that we can control the optimum tanning performance.

What characterizes a low-pressure bed?
Tanning beds, which deliver power from fluorescent type tubes, are referred to as low-pressure beds. The output of low-pressure beds tends to be rich in UVB and low in UVA.

What characterizes a medium-pressure bed?
When high-pressure facial lamps are added to a low-pressure bed it is referred to as a medium-pressure bed.

What characterizes a high-pressure bed?
High-pressure sunbeds use only Quartz lamps to deliver results. These lamps have a much lower content of UVB, thus reducing the risks of burning and allowing your skin to maintain a normal exfoliation process. Therefore results by high pressure tanning last much longer!

What is the difference between high pressure and low pressure?
Low-pressure beds are characterized by having high levels of UVB whereas high-pressure beds have increased levels of UVA and lower levels of UVB. Higher levels of UVA allow the tan to last longer and reduce the risk of UVB burning.

How do you explain high pressure tanning?
A simple explanation would be that Natural sunlight varies during the day from low UVB in the early morning to high UVB in the mid day sun. Low pressure tanning has the sunburn potential of the midday sun and the sun tanning potential of the early morning sun. High pressure offers the tanning potential of the mid-day sun and the burning potential of the early morning sun.

What would be the perfect tanning light?
The perfect tanning light has enough UVB to stimulate production of melanin, the tanning power delivered by UVA, production of vitamin D, and the warmth of near Infrared. This combination can only be found in Spectrum tanning.

Questions About Solarium Tan Spa

What are your hours?
We are open 7 days a week. Sunday 1pm - 5pm Monday - Thursday 9am - 9pm Friday 9am - 7pm Saturday 10am - 5pm *Last appointment taken 30 minutes before closing.

Is Solarium Tan Spa a chain?
No. Solarium Tan Spa is locally owned and operated.

Do I have to sign a contract?
No. Our unlimited packages are on a month to month basis, so there is no need for contracts or checking account information.

Solarium Tan Spa is a locally owned and operated family business, proud to be a part of the Goodlettsville and Greater Nashville Tennessee Communities.