Where and when were tanning beds first used? - tanTALK

HOT · 03-10-2002, 12:24 PM

Can someone tell me where and when the first tanning bed was used?[ This Message was edited by: HOT on 2002-03-14 15:45 ]

Rayztanning · 03-10-2002, 01:49 PM

From LOOKING FITS "Fact Book" online:

Quote:The Early Days

Before we examine the U.S. market, we must first take a look at indoor tanning's European beginnings. By all accounts, the concept of indoor tanning was a German innovation. A number of companies brought forth highly engineered tanning units to the European market which helped spur interest overseas.

Indoor tanning immigrated across the Atlantic to the United States in 1979. In fact, the first UVA tanning beds introduced in the United States were very basic and just the bottom of the beds.

[Friedrich Wolffe is credited with much of this early pioneering work {Bruce}]

Yet, UVA tanning was not the first form of tanning to interest the American market. During the late '60s and early '70s, UVB tanning booths had been the norm; however, by the late '70s they were falling from favor. Industry experts agree that one reason for its extinction was the fact that unless exposure was carefully controlled, the effect of UVB radiation was more often a sunburn than a tan. The primary problem was UVB tanning units could not deliver what was promised by those marketing them. In addition, UVB tanning also came under attack for safety reasons by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and often was too expensive for cost-effective cosmetic use.

Thus, the major task at hand during the late '70s was to educate the public about the differences between UVB and the newer UVA technology.

It is important to note that many equipment manufacturers have influenced or continue to influence the U.S. tanning market. Some of those companies include SUN Ergoline, SCA Wolff Systems, puretan® International, Klafsun, ETS, Montego Bay, International Tanning Equipment/HEX, CMC/Sun Capsule, SMI Sontegra, SonnenBräune, Dr. Müller/QDM Co., TanAmerica, UltraSun Professional, Ultrabronz America, MegaSun, Royal Sun, Sunbronze, Hapro, ProSun, Celsius, Simply Tan, Dr. Kern, Vitasun, Sol-America, Heartland Tanning Supplies, Sportarredo, Sunvitale and International Tanning Technologies.

Indoor tanning began to gain popularity between 1981 and 1982. During these years other manufacturing companies became involved in the industry which really helped to get the word out that tanning was not just a fad. By 1983, the industry saw an explosive growth to the point of where thousands of machines were being built.

Much of indoor tanning's initial growth resulted from its increasing popularity within the health and fitness industry, where existing facilities added a tanning unit or two to create a new profit center. It wasn't until 1982 or 1983 that free-standing tanning salons began to become widespread nationwide.

Then in 1984, the indoor tanning market literally exploded. Dozens of importers, distributors and manufacturers of equipment seemed to spring into existence overnight, but demand still outweighed supply. This period of rampant growth lasted well into the mid-'80s. In fact, by 1985, there were more than 70 manufacturers of tanning equipment in America or the U.S. offices of foreign companies or U.S importers of foreign tanning equipment. In addition, there were in excess of 500 distributors in the United States, he adds. The industry was very cosmopolitan and many people were making money.

According to industry veterans, the 1986 drop in the equipment market was attributed to the indoor tanning industry growing too quickly and too much profiteering from undesirables in the industry. As a result, competition became keener, forcing equipment manufacturers to become more progressive and updated.

Between mid-1985 and 1987, times were still profitable for the indoor tanning industry. Salons saw the typical slump in business during the summers, and some of the less stable manufacturers vanished as quickly as they had come into business one or two years before. Yet, the overall tenor was still strong.

But 1987 was a year met with mixed reviews from equipment manufacturers. After the previous few years, 1987's more moderate expansion was disappointing to many. However, one factor playing a role in the lower growth rate was an ongoing decrease in the overall price of new tanning equipment-a trend that had been in motion since the end of the so-called boom period.

Another area that affected the U.S. tanning market involved the influx of toning. During the late '80s toning facilities were popping up nationwide and adding tanning to their offerings. This phenomenon spurred increased equipment sales and made the industry even larger. However, when toning dropped off in 1988, it dropped hard, flooding the market with a huge surplus of used tanning equipment.

The next few years were lean ones for equipment manufacturers and contributed to the cleansing of the industry. As the opportunists were cleaned out, companies cut back on their overheads and consolidated their interests. Equipment manufacturers were not the only ones to feel the pinch. Many distributors and tanning salons closed shops because their owners did not know how to run a business or plan for their futures. Many other companies emerged, only to close shop because they expanded too quickly and were caught with a lot of overhead when the market dropped.

Interestingly, most of the companies that have survived have been very conservative. The adage of having to walk before you can run is quite true.

As the '90s approached, the industry experienced a rebirth. The companies that had survived the '80s now had their sights set on the future of tanning and began providing state-of-the-art tanning equipment and products.

Now, as stare the year 2000 in the face, we can look back and see the maturing of an industry. There are leaders who have weathered the storms of time and economics and set the standards by which other companies have learned to follow. Today, the indoor tanning industry is a viable business with suppliers working toward a common goal of responsible tanning.

In retrospect, the indoor tanning industry has been somewhat immune to economic adversity. Again, industry veterans agree that the indoor tanning industry has periodically experienced adversity within itself, however, that has seemed more related to weather problems, competitive actions, banking policies or other specific issues.

MJ · 03-10-2002, 01:49 PM

I know it started in Europe. Maybe in the late 60's early seventys..
Not in America until about 1975 I believe, correct me if I am wrong.
hmmmm I will have to check it out..
mj

Chippp · 03-10-2002, 02:30 PM

so called tanning lamps were available in the 1930s I remember seeing an ad in a paper from way back then selling them, it would have been a wide spectrum lamp uva uvb and prob uvc. It looked like a spot light in a clamp on lamp holder. these type of lamps are stll for sale today, they emit mosty uvb, they burn but not tan, too little uva/
The booths talked about were uvb booths as well, they did not tan they only burned, I remember going to a uvb salon way way back.

_________________
TanTalk Tanning Booth MODERATOR

Tanning Booths, for people that want only the very best.
Fast, Comfortable, Dark Tanning and Hygienic.[ This Message was edited by: Chippp on 2002-03-10 14:35 ]

Chippp · 03-10-2002, 02:34 PM

I find it odd that with the understanding of uva that made the tanning industry we know today, as well as the history of uvb tanning before that, that we are now going back to higher uvb out put lamps that burn easily amd do not tan well.
Everyone seems to have forgot the lessons learned and UVA.

_________________
TanTalk Tanning Booth MODERATOR

Tanning Booths, for people that want only the very best.
Fast, Comfortable, Dark Tanning and Hygienic.[ This Message was edited by: Chippp on 2002-03-10 14:36 ]

Meltdbutta · 03-10-2002, 02:39 PM

I know what you mean chippp.....just looking around online for tanning bulbs, and all I see is....."ooohhhh, the strongest bulb on the market!!!!" and these have like 10.5 % UVB......isnt that really bad for the skin? and the people wanna see "immediate results", so the light bulb manufacturers are just so happy to be making these nice "sunburn lamps"
And You told me in an earlier post that the bulbs with more uva and less uvb tan the best right?....can you suggest a good 100watt f71 bulb for me???
thanx
~`meltdbutta`~

MJ · 03-10-2002, 02:41 PM

wierd..rayz and I posted at the same time ..never seen this before..lol
anyway interesting info..
thanks.
mj

Tamar · 03-10-2002, 10:48 PM

My understanding is that tanning beds were originally invented to study the effect of UV light on behavior, in Northern Europe...Germany, I assume. Can anyone confirm this?

HOT · 03-14-2002, 03:47 PM

Thank you!!

Chippp · 03-14-2002, 05:04 PM

any 100 watt lamp in the 5% TO 6.5 % IN A TANNING BED WILL BE GREAT! 6.5 % is the high side, and will reduce session lenght by about 1/3.
I like the wolff lamps but any brand will be good. Call around your supplier will have what you want, just ask for it.
Tan don't burn.

_________________
TanTalk Tanning Booth MODERATOR

Tanning Booths, for people that want only the very best.
Fast, Comfortable, Dark Tanning and Hygienic.

[ This Message was edited by: Chippp on 2002-03-14 17:06 ][ This Message was edited by: Chippp on 2002-03-14 17:10 ]

03-10-2002, 12:24 PM	#1 (permalink)
HOT Join Date: Apr 11 2001 Posts: 202 Rep Power: 24	Can someone tell me where and when the first tanning bed was used?[ This Message was edited by: HOT on 2002-03-14 15:45 ]

03-10-2002, 01:49 PM	#2 (permalink)
Rayztanning Join Date: Jan 26 2000 Posts: 205 Rep Power: 0	From LOOKING FITS "Fact Book" online: Quote:The Early Days Before we examine the U.S. market, we must first take a look at indoor tanning's European beginnings. By all accounts, the concept of indoor tanning was a German innovation. A number of companies brought forth highly engineered tanning units to the European market which helped spur interest overseas. Indoor tanning immigrated across the Atlantic to the United States in 1979. In fact, the first UVA tanning beds introduced in the United States were very basic and just the bottom of the beds. [Friedrich Wolffe is credited with much of this early pioneering work {Bruce}] Yet, UVA tanning was not the first form of tanning to interest the American market. During the late '60s and early '70s, UVB tanning booths had been the norm; however, by the late '70s they were falling from favor. Industry experts agree that one reason for its extinction was the fact that unless exposure was carefully controlled, the effect of UVB radiation was more often a sunburn than a tan. The primary problem was UVB tanning units could not deliver what was promised by those marketing them. In addition, UVB tanning also came under attack for safety reasons by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and often was too expensive for cost-effective cosmetic use. Thus, the major task at hand during the late '70s was to educate the public about the differences between UVB and the newer UVA technology. It is important to note that many equipment manufacturers have influenced or continue to influence the U.S. tanning market. Some of those companies include SUN Ergoline, SCA Wolff Systems, puretan® International, Klafsun, ETS, Montego Bay, International Tanning Equipment/HEX, CMC/Sun Capsule, SMI Sontegra, SonnenBräune, Dr. Müller/QDM Co., TanAmerica, UltraSun Professional, Ultrabronz America, MegaSun, Royal Sun, Sunbronze, Hapro, ProSun, Celsius, Simply Tan, Dr. Kern, Vitasun, Sol-America, Heartland Tanning Supplies, Sportarredo, Sunvitale and International Tanning Technologies. Indoor tanning began to gain popularity between 1981 and 1982. During these years other manufacturing companies became involved in the industry which really helped to get the word out that tanning was not just a fad. By 1983, the industry saw an explosive growth to the point of where thousands of machines were being built. Much of indoor tanning's initial growth resulted from its increasing popularity within the health and fitness industry, where existing facilities added a tanning unit or two to create a new profit center. It wasn't until 1982 or 1983 that free-standing tanning salons began to become widespread nationwide. Then in 1984, the indoor tanning market literally exploded. Dozens of importers, distributors and manufacturers of equipment seemed to spring into existence overnight, but demand still outweighed supply. This period of rampant growth lasted well into the mid-'80s. In fact, by 1985, there were more than 70 manufacturers of tanning equipment in America or the U.S. offices of foreign companies or U.S importers of foreign tanning equipment. In addition, there were in excess of 500 distributors in the United States, he adds. The industry was very cosmopolitan and many people were making money. According to industry veterans, the 1986 drop in the equipment market was attributed to the indoor tanning industry growing too quickly and too much profiteering from undesirables in the industry. As a result, competition became keener, forcing equipment manufacturers to become more progressive and updated. Between mid-1985 and 1987, times were still profitable for the indoor tanning industry. Salons saw the typical slump in business during the summers, and some of the less stable manufacturers vanished as quickly as they had come into business one or two years before. Yet, the overall tenor was still strong. But 1987 was a year met with mixed reviews from equipment manufacturers. After the previous few years, 1987's more moderate expansion was disappointing to many. However, one factor playing a role in the lower growth rate was an ongoing decrease in the overall price of new tanning equipment-a trend that had been in motion since the end of the so-called boom period. Another area that affected the U.S. tanning market involved the influx of toning. During the late '80s toning facilities were popping up nationwide and adding tanning to their offerings. This phenomenon spurred increased equipment sales and made the industry even larger. However, when toning dropped off in 1988, it dropped hard, flooding the market with a huge surplus of used tanning equipment. The next few years were lean ones for equipment manufacturers and contributed to the cleansing of the industry. As the opportunists were cleaned out, companies cut back on their overheads and consolidated their interests. Equipment manufacturers were not the only ones to feel the pinch. Many distributors and tanning salons closed shops because their owners did not know how to run a business or plan for their futures. Many other companies emerged, only to close shop because they expanded too quickly and were caught with a lot of overhead when the market dropped. Interestingly, most of the companies that have survived have been very conservative. The adage of having to walk before you can run is quite true. As the '90s approached, the industry experienced a rebirth. The companies that had survived the '80s now had their sights set on the future of tanning and began providing state-of-the-art tanning equipment and products. Now, as stare the year 2000 in the face, we can look back and see the maturing of an industry. There are leaders who have weathered the storms of time and economics and set the standards by which other companies have learned to follow. Today, the indoor tanning industry is a viable business with suppliers working toward a common goal of responsible tanning. In retrospect, the indoor tanning industry has been somewhat immune to economic adversity. Again, industry veterans agree that the indoor tanning industry has periodically experienced adversity within itself, however, that has seemed more related to weather problems, competitive actions, banking policies or other specific issues.

03-10-2002, 01:49 PM	#3 (permalink)
MJ Join Date: Jan 21 2002 Posts: 2,709 Rep Power: 23	I know it started in Europe. Maybe in the late 60's early seventys.. Not in America until about 1975 I believe, correct me if I am wrong. hmmmm I will have to check it out.. mj

03-10-2002, 02:30 PM	#4 (permalink)
Chippp Join Date: Apr 19 2001 Posts: 2,262 Rep Power: 24	so called tanning lamps were available in the 1930s I remember seeing an ad in a paper from way back then selling them, it would have been a wide spectrum lamp uva uvb and prob uvc. It looked like a spot light in a clamp on lamp holder. these type of lamps are stll for sale today, they emit mosty uvb, they burn but not tan, too little uva/ The booths talked about were uvb booths as well, they did not tan they only burned, I remember going to a uvb salon way way back. _________________ TanTalk Tanning Booth MODERATOR Tanning Booths, for people that want only the very best. Fast, Comfortable, Dark Tanning and Hygienic.[ This Message was edited by: Chippp on 2002-03-10 14:35 ]

03-10-2002, 02:34 PM	#5 (permalink)
Chippp Join Date: Apr 19 2001 Posts: 2,262 Rep Power: 24	I find it odd that with the understanding of uva that made the tanning industry we know today, as well as the history of uvb tanning before that, that we are now going back to higher uvb out put lamps that burn easily amd do not tan well. Everyone seems to have forgot the lessons learned and UVA. _________________ TanTalk Tanning Booth MODERATOR Tanning Booths, for people that want only the very best. Fast, Comfortable, Dark Tanning and Hygienic.[ This Message was edited by: Chippp on 2002-03-10 14:36 ]

03-10-2002, 02:39 PM	#6 (permalink)
Meltdbutta Join Date: Feb 10 2002 Posts: 1,267 Rep Power: 23	I know what you mean chippp.....just looking around online for tanning bulbs, and all I see is....."ooohhhh, the strongest bulb on the market!!!!" and these have like 10.5 % UVB......isnt that really bad for the skin? and the people wanna see "immediate results", so the light bulb manufacturers are just so happy to be making these nice "sunburn lamps" And You told me in an earlier post that the bulbs with more uva and less uvb tan the best right?....can you suggest a good 100watt f71 bulb for me??? thanx ~`meltdbutta`~

03-10-2002, 02:41 PM	#7 (permalink)
MJ Join Date: Jan 21 2002 Posts: 2,709 Rep Power: 23	wierd..rayz and I posted at the same time ..never seen this before..lol anyway interesting info.. thanks. mj

03-10-2002, 10:48 PM	#8 (permalink)
Tamar Join Date: Aug 15 2001 Posts: 1,906 Rep Power: 23	My understanding is that tanning beds were originally invented to study the effect of UV light on behavior, in Northern Europe...Germany, I assume. Can anyone confirm this?

03-14-2002, 03:47 PM	#9 (permalink)
HOT Join Date: Apr 11 2001 Posts: 202 Rep Power: 24	Thank you!!

03-14-2002, 05:04 PM	#10 (permalink)
Chippp Join Date: Apr 19 2001 Posts: 2,262 Rep Power: 24	any 100 watt lamp in the 5% TO 6.5 % IN A TANNING BED WILL BE GREAT! 6.5 % is the high side, and will reduce session lenght by about 1/3. I like the wolff lamps but any brand will be good. Call around your supplier will have what you want, just ask for it. Tan don't burn. _________________ TanTalk Tanning Booth MODERATOR Tanning Booths, for people that want only the very best. Fast, Comfortable, Dark Tanning and Hygienic. [ This Message was edited by: Chippp on 2002-03-14 17:06 ][ This Message was edited by: Chippp on 2002-03-14 17:10 ]

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