Some people wonder if tanning beds use “sunlight” or if the sun itself works the same way as a tanning bed. The answer is no — tanning beds do not use natural sunlight. Instead, they use artificial ultraviolet (UV) lamps designed to mimic certain parts of the sun’s radiation.
1. Sunlight vs. Tanning Bed Light
The Sun: Produces a natural mix of UVA, UVB, and visible light. UVB rays help the body produce vitamin D, while UVA rays penetrate deeply into the skin and cause tanning and aging.
Tanning Beds: Use high-intensity bulbs that emit mostly UVA rays (about 95%) and a small amount of UVB (about 5%). This combination is stronger and more concentrated than normal sunlight.