Achieving an even, lasting tan in home or salon units fundamentally relies on the quality of its lamps; consequently, selecting the best tanning lamps is crucial for effective and consistent results.
These specialized fluorescent or high-pressure bulbs emit ultraviolet (UV) light, stimulating melanin production in the skin.
5 Best Tanning Lamps
1. CosmoLux VHR 160W F71 Tanning Lamps
- Features a Very High Reflective (VHR) design, consequently maximizing UV output and tanning efficiency for faster results.
- Designed with a balanced blend of UVA and UVB, actively promoting both immediate bronzing and long-lasting color development.
- Offers a high effective lifespan (typically 800-1000 hours), consequently providing consistent tanning results over many uses.
- Compatible with tanning units requiring F71 Bi-Pin 160W lamps, ensuring broad applicability in beds.
- Known for producing a deep, natural-looking tan with good color longevity.
- Provides excellent performance for a wide range of skin types.
- Helps to reduce session times due to its high efficiency.
- Features robust construction for reliable operation.
- Ideal for both commercial salons and home tanning bed owners seeking professional results.
- Represents a reliable and powerful choice for effective all-around tanning.
2. Wolff System Velocity Extreme Tanning Lamps (F71 Bi-Pin)
- Features an accelerated tanning formula, consequently delivering faster, darker results compared to standard lamps.
- Designed with a high UVA output and balanced UVB, actively promoting deep, long-lasting bronzing with minimal reddening.
- Offers a long effective lifespan (typically 800-1000 hours), consequently ensuring consistent performance over many sessions.
- Compatible with most tanning units requiring F71 Bi-Pin lamps, consequently offering broad applicability.
- Known for its strong bronzing capabilities, making it popular for achieving a rich, dark tan.
- Provides consistent UV output throughout its lifespan.
- Ideal for experienced tanners or those seeking rapid, deep bronzing results.
- Easy to install as a direct replacement for existing F71 lamps.
- Helps minimize overexposure to UV by reducing tanning session times.
- Represents a premium choice for advanced tanning performance.
3. Light Sources F71/T12 100W 800-Hour Reflector Tanning Lamps
- Features a built-in reflector coating, consequently directing more UV light towards the user for enhanced tanning efficiency.
- Designed with a balanced UV spectrum for optimal tanning results (UVA for bronzing, UVB for melanin activation).
- Offers a standard 800-hour effective lifespan, consequently providing consistent performance for numerous tanning sessions.
- Compatible with tanning units requiring F71 T12 100W Bi-Pin lamps, consequently ensuring broad applicability.
- Provides reliable and consistent UV output throughout its operational life.
- Known for producing a natural, even tan with good color development.
- Easy to install as a direct replacement for existing lamps.
- Ideal for general tanning purposes, offering a good balance of speed and bronzing.
- Helps maintain a desired base tan effectively.
- Represents a cost-effective and widely compatible choice for reliable tanning performance.
4. Sperti Fiji Sun Home Tanning Lamp (Facial/Spot Tanner)
- Features a compact design, consequently making it ideal for targeted facial tanning or spot tanning at home.
- Includes specialized fluorescent UV lamps, actively emitting a balanced spectrum of UVA and UVB rays for effective tanning.
- Designed for easy tabletop use, actively offering convenient operation in personal spaces.
- Provides a timer function, consequently allowing precise control over exposure times to prevent over-tanning.
- Offers UV blocking eyewear, actively safeguarding eyes during tanning sessions.
- Uses specific lamp types designed for its unit, ensuring optimal performance.
- Known for providing a natural tan without needing a full tanning bed.
- Easy to use and store, offering convenience.
- Provides focused UV exposure for desired areas.
- Represents a specialized choice for personal, targeted tanning needs.
5. Philips Tanning Lamps (e.g., F71 BL38 100W)
- Features renowned Philips quality and reliability, consequently ensuring consistent UV output for effective tanning.
- Designed with a balanced UV spectrum (BL38), actively promoting a golden-brown tan.
- Offers a standard lifespan for consistent performance over many tanning sessions.
- Compatible with tanning units requiring F71/T12 100W lamps, consequently offering broad applicability.
- Known for producing a smooth, even tan with good color development.
- Provides dependable UV light for melanin stimulation.
- Ideal for general tanning needs, from building a base tan to maintaining color.
- Easy to install as a direct replacement.
- Trusted by both commercial salons and home users.
- Represents a classic and dependable choice for consistent tanning results.
Buying Guide
Selecting the ideal tanning lamps genuinely requires thoughtful consideration of several crucial factors, consequently ensuring your chosen bulbs provide optimal UV spectrum, performance, and compatibility for effective and safe tanning.
UV Spectrum (UVA vs. UVB Ratio)
The UVA and UVB ratio is critical for tanning results and skin health.
UVA (Ultraviolet A) primarily oxidizes melanin, producing an immediate bronzing effect.
UVB (Ultraviolet B) stimulates new melanin production, leading to a deeper, more lasting tan, but also causes reddening and sunburn.
Lamps with higher UVA offer faster bronzing with less reddening.
Lamps with a balanced ratio provide a more comprehensive tan.
Choose a spectrum that matches your tanning goals and skin type, subsequently optimizing your tanning experience.
Lamp Type and Size (e.g., F71, F59, F73, Specialty)
Tanning lamps come in standard types and sizes, designated by codes like F71, F59, F73 (indicating length) and diameter (e.g., T12) for beds.
Facial tanners use specialty bulbs.
Ensure the lamp type and size precisely match the specifications of your tanning unit.
Using the wrong type can lead to poor performance or damage to the unit.
Compatibility is paramount for proper installation, subsequently ensuring safe and effective operation.
Wattage
Wattage (e.g., 100W, 160W) indicates the lamp’s power consumption and general UV output.
Higher wattage lamps typically deliver more intense UV light, potentially leading to faster tanning sessions.
However, always ensure the wattage of the replacement lamp precisely matches your tanning unit’s specifications.
Using lamps with incorrect wattage can damage your tanning unit or lead to inefficient tanning, subsequently impacting performance.
Effective Lifespan (Hours)
The effective lifespan of a tanning lamp indicates how many hours it can operate while delivering optimal UV output.
Most quality lamps last between 800 to 1000 hours.
As lamps age, their UV output diminishes, even if they still light up.
Replace lamps when they reach their recommended lifespan to ensure consistent and efficient tanning results, subsequently maximizing effectiveness.
Reflector vs. Non-Reflector
Some tanning lamps feature a built-in reflector coating on one side (e.g., “R” or “Reflector” in the name).
This coating directs more UV light towards the tanner, consequently enhancing tanning efficiency.
Non-reflector lamps emit light in all directions.
Reflector lamps are ideal for maximizing the intensity of UV light on the user, subsequently improving tanning speed.
Skin Type Suitability
Different lamps and UV spectra can suit different skin types.
Individuals with sensitive skin or those prone to burning may prefer lamps with a lower UVB output.
Experienced tanners seeking deeper bronzing might opt for higher UVA lamps.
Understand your skin type and tanning goals.
Consult with a tanning professional if unsure, subsequently ensuring safe and effective tanning.
Safety Certifications
Look for tanning lamps that have safety certifications from recognized bodies.
This ensures the lamps meet industry standards for UV output and electrical safety.
While certifications are less visible on the product itself, reputable brands adhere to them.
Always use lamps as directed by the tanning unit manufacturer and wear eye protection, subsequently ensuring safe operation.
Tips
Always Wear Eye Protection
- Always wear approved UV-blocking eye protection specifically designed for tanning, consequently safeguarding your eyes from harmful UV radiation.
- Never tan without eye protection; it is crucial for long-term eye health.
Follow Session Times
- Adhere strictly to the recommended tanning session times for your skin type and lamp strength, consequently preventing overexposure and sunburn.
- Gradual exposure is key to building a healthy tan safely.
Clean Unit Regularly
- Clean your tanning unit regularly with an approved acrylic-safe cleaner, consequently ensuring hygiene and proper UV light transmission.
- Dust and lotions on the acrylic can block UV rays.
Rotate Lamps (If Recommended)
- Some manufacturers recommend rotating lamps in your tanning unit periodically, consequently ensuring even wear and consistent UV output.
- This helps maintain uniform tanning results.
Proper Disposal
- Dispose of old fluorescent tanning lamps properly, following local regulations for fluorescent bulb disposal (they contain mercury), consequently protecting the environment.
- Do not simply throw them in household trash.
Comparison Table
| Product Name | Lamp Type | UV Spectrum (UVA/UVB) | Wattage (W) | Lifespan (Hours, Effective) | Reflector | Key Performance Feature |
| 1. CosmoLux VHR 160W | F71 Bi-Pin | Balanced | 160 | 800-1000 | Yes | Very High Reflective |
| 2. Wolff System Velocity Extreme | F71 Bi-Pin | High UVA | 100/160 | 800-1000 | No | Accelerated Bronzing |
| 3. Light Sources F71/T12 100W Reflector | F71 T12 | Balanced | 100 | 800 | Yes | Built-in Reflector |
| 4. Sperti Fiji Sun Home Tanning Lamp | Specialty | Balanced | (Unit Specific) | (Unit Specific) | No | Compact Facial Tanner |
| 5. Philips Tanning Lamps | F71/T12 | Balanced | 100 | Standard | No | Consistent UV Output |
Export to Sheets
FAQ
Q: What are tanning lamps?
A: Tanning lamps are bulbs that emit ultraviolet (UV) light. This light stimulates melanin production in your skin for tanning.
Q: How do tanning lamps work?
A: They produce UVA and UVB rays. UVA causes immediate bronzing. UVB stimulates new melanin for a deeper tan.
Q: How often should I replace tanning lamps?
A: Replace lamps when they reach their effective lifespan, typically 800-1000 hours. UV output decreases as they age.
Q: What is the difference between UVA and UVB in lamps?
A: UVA causes immediate tan. UVB produces deeper, longer-lasting tan but can cause sunburn. Lamps balance these for optimal results.
Q: Can I use regular fluorescent bulbs for tanning?
A: No, regular fluorescent bulbs are not suitable. Tanning lamps are specialized to emit specific UV wavelengths. Others are not safe or effective.
Q: What is an F71 tanning lamp?
A: F71 is a common standard size for tanning bed lamps. It refers to a specific length and bi-pin connection type.
Q: Do I need eye protection for tanning?
A: Yes, always wear approved UV-blocking eye protection. This is crucial to safeguard your eyes from harmful UV radiation during tanning.
Q: What happens if I use old tanning lamps?
A: Old lamps have reduced UV output. This means less effective tanning results and potentially longer exposure times, which is not ideal.
Q: Are higher wattage tanning lamps better?
A: Higher wattage lamps generally deliver more intense UV light. This may lead to faster tanning. Ensure the wattage matches your unit’s specifications.
Q: How do I dispose of old tanning lamps?
A: Dispose of them properly. They are fluorescent bulbs and contain mercury. Follow local regulations for hazardous waste or recycling.
Conclusion
Choosing the 5 best tanning lamps genuinely ensures effective and consistent tanning results.
These specialized bulbs provide crucial UV spectrum, appropriate wattage, and reliable compatibility for optimal performance.
By prioritizing UVA/UVB balance, lamp type, and effective lifespan, you select an ideal set.
Ultimately, a good set of lamps guarantees a golden, natural-looking tan and maximizes your tanning sessions.