2 Upgrade or not? That is the Question!

[Goldeneye]

Today I had my first experience in upgrading to a 160W "Mega" bed. It was an Ovation 154 as opposed to the Ovation 128 I have usually been using. Normally, I go 20 minutes (the max) in the 100W bed, so I thought I'd try the "better" bed because I thought it was supposed to give me a better tan with less chance of burning. I went the full 12 minutes allowed in the 154, but afterward saw no change in color at all. I see no reason to upgrade if I get more color from the other bed, even if I have less room to spread out on the smaller one.

What are the theoretical advantages of the 154 (or any other "upgrade" unit) besides just less UVB to burn me?

Anyone have a similar experience?

[Anya1976]

usually upgrade beds have more uva and uvb.there is more of a mixture.

[Goldeneye]

The general observation I have drawn from studying the differences in bulb specs is that the higher wattage bulbs have a higher UVA proportion in the mix. But it's hard to make a generalization that there's always more UVB output. Depends on the bulbs in the "base" bed. My conclusion is that the upgrade beds are designed to minimize burning by making UVA a higher percentage of the mix (since it takes both to trigger the chemical reaction of melanin production). So if I used the better bed exclusively, I'd probably lower my chances of burning (and would have probably built my base tan quicker). But until I get to the color I want to be, I'll probably stick to the base bed, then mix in the upgrade as part of a maintenance cycle. Some members here seem to think mixing things up from time to time is a good idea. I was just surprised that I didn't look as immediately dark right out of the VHR bed as with the base bed. It had me scratching my head.

[blue]

If you don't feel you are getting your money's worth out of the upgrade stick with the base beds....
that's what I would do anyway
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[ This Message was edited by: blue on 2003-08-12 12:50 ]

[BrownJen]

I mostly use the base beds. I think my skin looks healthier by doing this. When I need a boost in my color, I use an upgrade bed.

[NJDave]

You will have less immediate results with the upgrade bed, because of the lower amount of UVB. The lower pressure bed has more UVB, the "burning ray". This is why you will see quickier results with the bed. Wait a day or two. As long as they change their bulbs when they should, you will see a much bigger difference with the upgraded bed. This bed has much more UVA, the "browning ray". Not only will you be darker, but the tan is deeper and will last longer. Sometimes people make the mistake and judge a bed on the instant results. Don't do this when it comes to tanning. Though upgrade beds will cost you more to use, you will find they are a better investment. Your tan will be darker and last longer.

[Anya1976]

the base beds at my salon don't burn people at all. i have tanned in there and NEVER burned. they have very low uvb rays in those beds. they are 100 watt lamps i want to say they are phillips ones but i dont know. i know thatin some upgrade beds at the salon that i've used can burn you (i have gotten pink in the orbit when i go in there b4 i get a base tan)

[Tpsyduck]

I guess it's a Base Bed that I use at 20mins everytime, and I've never had a problem!