UVA (Ultra Violet Alpha) and UVB (Ultra Violet Beta) rays are emitted from the tanning bulbs in different proportions, depending on the type of bed and tanning level you choose.

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These rays are invisible and penetrate no more than the width of a piece of paper through your skin into your cells.

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The UVB rays (a.k.a. building rays) initiate the tanning process by stimulating those cells (melanocytes)  to start producing melanin. The amount of UVB rays emitted from the tanning bulbs is controlled by using different filters and exposure schedules. Overexposure to those rays can cause a sunburn. You never want to burn and the other theory that "a burn will turn to tan" is false.

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Depending on your skin type and genetics, building up the right amount of melanin can take time. Once you have build a base tan, you can start using UV tanning booths that emit more of the UVA rays (a.k.a. bronzing rays), which react with proteins in your skin and the melanin reservoir you have generated, to produce a dark pigment, known to us as a tan.

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Darkening of the skin occurs in two stages. The first one is immediate pigment darkening (IPD) that is apparent immediately after exposure to UVA rays. It is the immediate darkening you notice after you exit the booth or bed and it can last for a few hours or a few days, depending on your skin type or the amount of melanin already present on the surface of your skin. The second one is called Delayed tanning and is induced mostly by UVB rays; it involves the gradual melanin production process in the skin described above. It is the Delayed tanning that give you this gorgeous tan that lasts!

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Like most tanning salons, our "Silver Level" or level 1 emits the highest amount of UVB rays and is designed for you to use when maintaining a tan or if you can come very frequently to build the melanin in your skin.  Once you tan in the silver level for a few times, you will want to use a bronzing bed to see any color.