A - Z Guide

What is High Pressure Tanning?

Tans usually fade quite quickly, because the UVB accelerates our exfoliating cycle from 28 days to approximately 7-9 days. UVB also causes burning and so as a defence mechanism the outer layer of skin will thicken to protect the deeper layers. This causes skin drying and premature ageing and these rays do not tan the deep layers of the skin. High-pressure tanning contains virtually no UVB, leaving the gentler UVA rays to create a healthier looking tan in about three sessions. This lasts longer, because the exfoliation cycle is not shortened, leaving it at 28 days. Less thickening of the skin takes place, reducing the skin drying and premature ageing effect of tanning. UVA1 wavelengths penetrate more deeply into the skin than UVB and UVA2 wavelengths affect a slightly deeper layer of the skin. This creates a deeper, darker and longer-lasting tan. The cells affected are not as near the surface and subsequently take longer to be shed. High pressure tanners do not need to visit the salon two or three times each week, but no more than two or three times per month.There is also less chance of sunburning, as UVB has 1,000 to 1,200 times more sunburning power than does UVA1. UVB rays are also agents of certain skin cancers, whereas UVA is comparably safer.

The development of the high-pressure tanning system occurred in Germany. However, as these first systems were expensive and there was no developed indoor tanning industry (generally the early tanning units were home-made), only a handful of these early high-pressure systems were sold in the 1970s and 1980s in the U.S. market. High-pressure equipment hit the U.S. shores in the early 1980. However, its growth was hindered, as the equipment was expensive and the American tanning market was still in its infancy. By the 1990s, high pressure began to make a name for itself in the United States, and today it has becoming installed in UK salons.

A tanning session is just like a normal one, with either stand-up and lie-down high pressure sun beds. A five minute session can cost £10.00 and a ten minute one can cost £16.00. The price increases the longer the session, with sessions reaching a maximum of 15 minutes.

Remember overexposure to UV can lead to burning and skin cancers, such basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and malignant melanoma. Extra care should be taken by those who have blonde, red, or light brown hair; blue, green, or gray eyes;have freckle or moles; always burn before tanning; burn easily or don't tan easily. It should really be avoided by those who have previously been treated for skin cancer or who have a family history of skin cancer and under 16 year olds.

At some salons you can have a massage and tan at the same time. Some units are equipped with mattresses that feature massage options and aromatherapy, to provide tanners with a more enjoyable and relaxing session.