Tanning of the skin takes place in the epidermis, the skin's outer most layer. The epidermis contains special cells, called melanocytes, which produce melanin when exposed to UVB light. The melanin turns pink, and travels to the surface of the skin, where it is absorbed by the cells. If melanin is exposed to UVA light, then the melanin oxidizes and darkens to create a tan. A tan is your body's natural response of protecting itself from excessive exposure to ultraviolet light.

There are about 5 million melanocytes in the average human body, but your heredity tells your body how much melanin to release. Caucasian skin releases less melanin, so it is pale. On the other hand, African American skin creates enough melanin to maintain a deep brown color all year round.

UVC: (200-290 nanometers) These short rays do not reach the earth's surface, thanks to our ozone layer. UVC rays are so dangerous that if they reach the earth's surface much of our plant life would be unable to survive, thus affecting oxygen levels. This penetration of UVC is responsible for the scare associated with the depletion of our ozone layer. UVC rays are never used in indoor tanning.

UVB: (290-320 nanometers) These rays cause sunburn to occur faster, but a small, controlled amount of UVB is necessary in a conventional sun bed to initiate the tanning process. With high pressure tanning, all but trace amounts of UVB rays are filtered out so that only the lower frequency UVA rays reach the body.

UVA: (320-400 nanometers) These wavelengths are considered to be the best for indoor tanning because they are least likely to cause sun burning and provide a deeper, longer lasting tan. UVA rays are longer, softer rays that do not trigger the body's natural defenses, as do the UVB rays. Sunsport sunbeds filter out not only most of the UVB rays, but also some of the high frequency UVA rays-providing the perfect spectrum for the most efficient, longer lasting tan.

The skin cells on your top layer of skin (epidermis) are replaced every 28 to 30 days; this is the normal exfoliation rate. Your tan can only be maintained with additional exposure to UV light.

No, Tanning indoors actually helps you avoid burning. The tanning beds mostly allow UVA rays, which speeds up the tanning process without fear of burning. Timing devices also regulate tanning beds, so you tan just the right amount every session.

Most people tan the same indoors as they do outdoors, yet it is possible for those who can not tan outdoors to receive some color while tanning in the beds. This can occur because of the specific spectral output combined with the controlled exposure time. But your skin type and heredity usually determines how well you will tan under any circumstances.

TYPE I:	Always burns easily, severely, never tans. Very fair skin.
TYPE II:	Burns easily, tans minimally or lightly peels. Fair skin.
TYPE III:	Burns moderately and will eventually tan.
TYPE IV:	Burns minimally and will tan well.
TYPE V:	Always tans, rarely burns.
TYPE VI:	Always tans profusely. Never burns.

There is no conclusive evidence that the browning of the skin without causing burning (sun burn) is harmful. However, excessive overexposure (sun burn) to any UV light can be harmful, indoors or outdoors. The SAE recommends that all exposure to UV light be done in moderation and that if a person or his/her family has a history of skin cancer, all forms of tanning should be avoided. It is important to avoid sunburns under any condition.

It is required by law that each indoor tanner wear protective eye wear that blocks at least 99% of UVA light and 99.9% of UVB light, while still allowing the user to see clearly enough to reset the timer or react to an emergency.

* Due to FDA regulations, those in the indoor tanning industry may not make any medical representations or claims related to indoor tanning exposure. They can only refer to its cosmetic effect, the tan.

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