How Tanning Beds Work

Tanning is when your skin becomes darker after exposure to sunlight. The changes typically occur when you lie under the sun for a long duration. If you want a quicker and more comfortable way to darken your skin, try tanning beds. Here is how tanning beds work.

What Is a Tanning Bed?

A tanning bed has an artificial tan that generates UV rays as the sun does. The bed is also called a sunbed due to its ability to mimic the sun. Nearly all rays from the sunbed are UVA rays, but a tiny number of them might be UVB rays. Advancements in technology have produced tanning beds with filters that block nearly all UVB rays while allowing UVA rays to reach the skin.

How Does a Tanning Bed Work?

The tanning bed usually has UV lamps or bulbs to generate UV rays. The lamps are typically located underneath the bed and connect to an electric power source. An inductor inside the lamp or bulb controls the amount of electricity flowing through the lamp. When the bulb turns on, it produces huge amounts of UV rays, including UVB and UVA rays.

How Does the Skin Tan?

The tanning process occurs in your skin’s outermost layer (epidermis). This layer contains special cells called melanocytes that can produce melanin. When the UVA rays from the tanning bed come in contact with your skin, the melanocytes start to generate melanin. Other skin cells in the epidermis will then absorb the pinkish melanin, which oxidizes to create a tan appearance.
Every person has the same number of melanocyte cells in the epidermis. However, hereditary factors determine the amount of melanin production in your body. African-Americans produce a lot of melanin that makes their skin look brown or black in color. On the other hand, Caucasians have less melanin production, causing their skin to appear pale.

What Can You Expect?

When you go to a tanning spa, the staff will ask you to lie on the tanning bed. The parts of your skin that you want to become tanned will be exposed. Once you’re comfortable, the technician will turn on the lamps to generate UV rays. UVA rays will then penetrate the exposed parts of your body and enter the skin. If you want a darker tan, you will have to spend more time on the tanning bed.
Most people start the process slowly and then gradually increase their exposure time. For example, your initial session may be five minutes long. You will then wait for a few days before undergoing another session. Remember not to wait for too long between the sessions since that can cause the tanning to fade. Once the professionals understand how your skin responds to the tanning, they will create a fixed schedule for each week.

What Type of Tanning Bed Should You Choose?

Lower level tanning beds can either be vertical or horizontal. Horizontal tanning beds have lower intensity bulbs and take a longer time to complete the tanning process. Although there are higher intensity beds as well. In contrast, you can also choose vertical tanning beds that have higher intensity bulbs and can quickly complete the tanning process.
All tanning beds may have a timer to ensure the process completes on time. Additional features that make the tanning bed more effective include a high-quality acrylic shell that maintains favorable temperatures during operation to protect your skin.
Tan Your Hide is a locally-owned and operated tanning salon that uses the highest quality equipment for skin tanning. We offer various aesthetic services, such as hybrid tanning, slim spa, and red light services. Contact us to learn how we can help you.

< Older Post Newer Post >

Red light therapy machine for collagen therapy, glowing pink lights.

Stop Driving All Over Town: Get Tanning, Red Light Therapy, and Spa Services in One Place

February 25, 2026

Modern self-care often turns into a full-time job. One appointment for red light therapy, another for spa treatments, and yet another location for tanning — all on different days, across different parts of town. The result? Lost time, extra gas, and a routine that’s hard to maintain. Colorado Springs residents are discovering a simpler solution: Tan Your Hide, where everything is under one roof. The Problem with Multi-Stop Beauty Routines Many people don’t realize how much time and money they spend bouncing between businesses. Consider the hidden costs: Fuel and travel time between locations Scheduling conflicts across multiple providers Separate memberships or session fees Inconsistent service experiences What starts as self-care quickly becomes inconvenient. One Destination for Total Wellness Tan Your Hide was designed to eliminate that hassle. Instead of juggling appointments across town, members can access multiple services in a single visit, including: ✨ Red light therapy ✨ Luxury tanning options ✨ Spa-style wellness services This streamlined approach makes it easier to stay consistent — which is essential for seeing real results from treatments. Save Time, Money, and Stress Bundling services in one location doesn’t just simplify your schedule — it also reduces costs. A single membership can be far more affordable than paying separate businesses individually. Members often say they appreciate: ✔ Fewer errands and appointments ✔ Predictable monthly pricing ✔ A comfortable, familiar environment ✔ The ability to combine treatments in one trip Instead of planning your week around appointments, you can fit wellness into your routine effortlessly. A Smarter Way to Invest in Yourself Self-care should feel relaxing, not complicated. By choosing a full-service destination, you can spend less time driving and more time enjoying the benefits of your treatments. Whether your goal is glowing skin, relaxation, or year-round confidence, having everything available in one place makes consistency easy. Discover the Convenience of Tan Your Hide Tan Your Hide in Colorado Springs offers a modern approach to beauty and wellness — efficient, affordable, and results-focused. Clients love knowing they can handle multiple needs in a single visit without sacrificing quality. If you’re tired of running all over town for appointments, it may be time to simplify your routine. Experience how easy self-care can be when everything you need is in one location. Visit Tan Your Hide today.

Woman in towel opening illuminated spa capsule; lush plants in serene room.

Red Light Therapy Masks vs. Full-Body Red Light Therapy: Why Colorado Springs Residents Are Choosing the Smarter Option

February 25, 2026

Red light therapy has exploded in popularity, especially on social media where LED face masks are everywhere. Promising smoother skin, fewer wrinkles, and a youthful glow, these devices have become a go-to beauty investment. But while at-home masks are trending, many people don’t realize there’s a more powerful, more affordable way to get results — full-body red light therapy at Tan Your Hide in Colorado Springs. The Hidden Downsides of Red Light Therapy Masks At-home masks may seem convenient, but they come with limitations that often go unnoticed: High upfront cost: Many popular masks range from $300 to over $1,000. Face-only treatment: Your neck, chest, and body receive none of the benefits. Lower power output: Consumer devices typically use weaker light intensity than professional equipment. Time commitment: Consistent daily use is required to see modest results. For the same price — or less — you could access unlimited professional treatments that cover your entire body. Why Full-Body Red Light Therapy Delivers More Results Professional red light therapy beds provide significantly broader and deeper treatment than handheld devices. Instead of targeting just the face, full-body sessions support skin health, muscle recovery, inflammation reduction, and overall wellness. At Tan Your Hide, clients love that they can: ✔ Treat face, neck, and body simultaneously ✔ Experience stronger, more effective light exposure ✔ Relax during sessions rather than holding a device ✔ See improvements beyond skincare alone Many athletes and wellness enthusiasts use red light therapy for recovery and pain relief — benefits you simply won’t get from a small mask. Unlimited Access for One Simple Monthly Fee One of the biggest surprises for new clients is how affordable professional red light therapy can be. Rather than paying hundreds for a single device, Tan Your Hide offers unlimited sessions with a flat monthly membership. That means you can use red light therapy consistently — the key to real results — without worrying about per-visit costs. A Better Investment in Your Skin and Wellness When comparing options, it becomes clear: At-home mask: Expensive, limited, face-only Professional full-body therapy: Comprehensive, powerful, cost-effective If you’re researching red light therapy masks, consider whether you want a trendy gadget — or the best possible outcome. Experience the Difference at Tan Your Hide Located in Colorado Springs, Tan Your Hide provides advanced red light therapy along with premium tanning and spa services in one welcoming space. Clients appreciate the convenience, value, and visible results that come from professional equipment. Instead of settling for a small device at home, discover how full-body therapy can transform your skin and overall well-being. Ready to glow from head to toe? Visit Tan Your Hide and try unlimited red light therapy today.