Tannnig Bulbs

In choosing tanning lamps for your units, the operator must use lamps that are compatible or equivalent according to FDA regulations or the lamps certified for the unit.

The FDA created a policy which states that compatible lamps must be as effective, within +/- 10%, in causing erythema (redness of the skin) and melanogenesis (the formation of melanin) as the lamps for which the unit was certified and noted on the unit certification label.

The replacement lamp may not alter the exposure time of the equiptment, which
must be certified before the equiptment can be marketed in the U.S.. This
certification verifies the minimal erythemal dose (MED) which is the amount of
UV exposure a person can receive without burning, while generating
pigmentation.

It should be noted that compatibility is based on tanning time and not spectrum curve. This is an advantage to the consumer, as a salon owner is able to purchase any of an array of products which will be safe and in compliance, and yet may improve performance for the market the salon owner serves.

Fluorescent tanning lamps contain a number of UVA and UVB phosphor combinations. Depending on which phosphor combination is used, the tanning results will be significantly different. Hence, while the Te and Tm might both be within ten percent of other, the amount of redness and the color of the tan can vary with different combinations of UVA and UVB phosphors giving you either
a deeper bronze tan or a reddish brown tan.

For further information, call one of our knowledgeable salespeople for information on determining the best lamp for your market.