The primary role of UV-B rays in the tanning process is to stimulate the production of melanin. Melanin production is your body's natural response to UV exposure and helps protect your skin from burning. UVB rays also initiate beneficial responses in the skin, such as the production of Vitamin D3, which we need to regulate calcium, magnesium and phosphorus absorption in our bodies. All of the beds at Body Rays contain a small portion of UV-B rays.

The primary role of UV-A rays, also known as the tanning ray, is to oxidize the pre-existing melanin, which turns your skin brown. All of the beds at Body Rays contain a high percentage of UV-A rays.

UV-C rays are dangerous and can cause damage to your skin. There are absolutely no UV-C rays at Body Rays.

*How your skin tans*
Tanning takes place when the pigment in your skin reacts to ultraviolet light. Tanning occurs in the skin's outermost layer, the epidermis. About 5% of the cells in your epidermis are special cells called melanocytes. When exposed to UV-B rays, melanocytes produce melanin - the pigment that is ultimately responsible for tanning your skin.

The pinkish melanin travels up through the epidermis and is absorbed by other skin cells. When exposed to UV-A rays, the melanin oxidizes or darkens. This darkening is your skin's way of protecting itself from too much UV light, which we call a tan.

Body Rays has the best possible mix of beds and lamps so that each client gets the appropriate amount of UV-A and UV-B rays to attain the best tan possible. Ask one of our SunExperts which bed would work best for your skin type.

*Your skin type*
It is important for you as an individual to know how sensitive your skin is to UV light. The more sensitive your skin is, the less sun exposure you should get. Always remember that you should avoid over-exposure. Taking precautions to tan at a proper rate will minimize your risk of sunburn.

There are 6 basic skin types: