Coco Sunbeds: Sunbed Information

Sunbed Information

• What Is A Sunbed?
• What is UV or Ultra Violet Light?
• Do I Have To Wear Sunbed Goggles?
• How Old Do I Have To Be To Use A Sunbed?
• What Do I Wear?
• How Long Do I Go On the Sunbed?
• Should I Use Sunbed Tanning Creams?

What Is A Sunbed?

A sunbed is a mechanical tanning device that emits ultraviolet (UV) light or rays to make the body produce a tan. People often use a sunbed hire to obtain a quick and easy tan before a special occasion like a wedding or before going on holiday. Many people choose a sunbed hire at home and often use them on a regular basis to maintain a more tanned look.

The first sunbed to emit UV light was invented in 1906 by a German company and was used to help people increase their vitamin D levels. However, it wasn’t until the 1970s that sunbeds arrived to mainland Europe, after people realised that by using a sunbed hire they would get an even all over tan.

Tanning is achieved by exposing your skin to UVA and UVB light (either from the sun or from a home hire sunbed). The tanning process occurs when skin is exposed to UVB and UVA light. Cells underneath your skin called melanocyte cells produce a pigment called melanin which travels to the surface of your skin to produce a tan.

What Is UV Or Ultra Violet Lights?

As people we rely on four main elements for our wellbeing and lives. The four main elements are sunlight, air, water and earth. If we did not have any one of these elements we simply would not exist!. There would be no life without the sun and sunlight.

However as we all know too much of a good thing is also not a good thing and this applies to sunlight and ultraviolet light rays. UV or ultraviolet light (rays) are emitted by the sun and comprise of three different types: UVA, UVB and UVC.

UVC rays are the most dangerous to humans but fortunately, these are filtered out in the earth atmosphere.

UVB rays (the ones which cause sunburn) and UVA rays do reach the earth's surface. The exact strength of UVB and UVA varies dramatically depending upon where you live and the on the position of the sun.

UVB and UVA levels are always the highest between the hours of 11 am and 1 pm. In fact, UV levels can increase as much as 50% during this time!. Ultraviolet or UV light is actually invisible, this is one reason, people, sunburn as they are unaware of the intensity and the amount of time they are exposing themselves to the suns rays.

On average sunbathers expose themselves to sunlight around 3 to 3.5 hours per day. Unfortunately, this is too long and people don't realise they have burnt their skin until it is too late!.

Do I Have To Wear Sunbed Goggles?

When you hire a sunbed, you will be given a special pair of UV light sunbed goggles to wear when you are using one of our sunbeds.

You might think that you do not need to use them in fear of getting marks around your eyes!. Please be aware that our sunbed goggles are provided free of charge for a very important purpose. The sunbed goggles are necessary whilst using a home hire sunbed as they protect the eyes from damage whilst following the exposure times for your type of skin. type.

The sole purpose of the sunbed goggles is for the safety of your eyes. As it is important to wear decent sunglasses whilst sunbathing whilst on holiday it is good practice to protect your eyes from bright sunlight which contains the UVA and UVB light.

Simply closing both eyes whilst using a sunbed will not protect your eyes from the UVA and UVB light rays. Wearing goggles is not the same as keeping your eyes closed!. The eyelids that cover our eyes are too thin to protect against UV light rays.

Wearing eye protection is not only recommended for total eye safety whilst tanning on a sunbed indoors but it is also a requirement under UK law. However, eyelids do not tan and UV light can eventually damage the eyes. It may be misleading in that our sunbeds do not emit a harsh glare like the sun and that no sunbed goggles are needed, but you can develop damage to your eyesight over time.

In addition the non-use of sunbed goggles over time can speed up the creation of wrinkles!. Coco Sunbeds strongly advises all our clients to wear the sunbed goggles provided whilst using a home sunbed tanning unit.

How Old Do I Have To Be To Use A Sunbed?

It is very important to realise that people under the age of 18 are NOT permitted to buy, hire or use sunbeds.

The Sunbeds (Regulation) Act 2010 makes it an offence for anyone operating a sunbed hire business to hire a sunbed to anyone under the age 18. These regulations prevent anyone under the age of 18 from either hiring or using a sunbed unit at home.

The Sunbeds (Regulation) Act 2010 also make it an offence for anyone under the age of 18 to use a sunbed at any business premises, including tanning salons, beauty salons, leisure centres, gyms and hotels etc.

Our office staff and delivery staff ensure that the hirer is over the age of 18 (phot identification is always required!). The hirer will also be required to sign a sunbed hire agreement which confirms that you the hirer are over the age of 18.

Once the home hire sunbed is set up in a location in your home and the delivery driver has left the premises it will be the responsibility of the hirer to ensure that no one under the age of 18 uses the sunbed.

What Do I Wear?

As most women choose to wear a bikini on holiday (and men shorts!) it would seem natural to use the same clothing when using a home hire sunbed. If you do not mind having tan lines (as you would when you come back from holiday) then this seems to be the most common option.

Alternatively women can simply tan on the sunbed in their bra and knickers and men in their underpants or boxer shorts. Women often choose to pull down or loosen the bra straps so as not to leave straplines. This is a good option if you are planning a special occasion or evening out and you would be wearing a strapless or backless dress!.

Alternatively you can choose to tan on the sunbed completely in the nude. The convenience of using a sunbed hire tanning unit is that you are using the sunbed in the privacy of your own home. The only thing you need to remember if you are going to use the sunbed in the nude is to make sure you protect your most sensitive parts, as the skin is much more sensitive in these areas.

How Long Do I Go On the Sunbed?

Full tanning instructions and maximum tanning times advice will be provided with your sunbed when delivered.

Each sunbed is fitted with the very latest 0.3 technology sunbed tubes which fully conform to the latest UK Sunbed Legislation.

Typical tanning times vary from 3-10 minutes, depending upon your skin type. You can learn by visiting: Skin Types & Sunbed Exposure Times.

Should I Use Sunbed Tanning Creams?

Sunbed tanning lotion is a key part of the tanning process. Using a quality tanning lotion will help you to achieve a deep tan much more quickly - which will also minimise the length of sessions you require.

Sunbed tanning lotions are specially designed to speed up the skin's production of melanin. They are also highly moisturising, which helps to prevent dry skin and promotes the longevity of your tan.

Most good quality sunbed tanning lotions will also contain Vitamin E, which is known for its anti-ageing benefits. If you are looking to buy a tanning lotion, make sure you choose a product that is designed especially for indoor use and not for outdoor sun exposure.