What does the exposure schedule tell us?

What does the exposure schedule tell us?

The exposure schedule imprinted on a tanning unit or found in the unit's user information booklet indicates the appropriate length of a tanning session for each skin type. This schedule is derived as a result of testing performed on a unit equipped with a certain UV lamp product.

Testing generally is performed by the equipment manufacturer or at an independent laboratory at the manufacturer's request. The Food and Drug Administration requires such testing before a tanning unit can be marketed in the United States.

An exposure schedule is based on a person's Minimal Erythemal Dose. An MED is the least amount of UV exposure a person can receive and generate pigmentation while avoiding sunburn. Taking into account the spectral output of the bed and the tanning capabilities of a particular user, the dosage (in terms of length of session) is calculated and translated into the exposure schedule, which is on the label of all indoor tanning equipment.

In the United States, the exposure schedules reflect graduated exposure times--exposure starts slowly (.75 MED) and increases carefully.

How often is a person allowed to tan?

Since 1986, the Food and Drug Administration guidelines suggest that a 48-hour time interval should pass between tanning sessions. Pigmentation and/or erythema (sunburn) may not be fully visible for between 12 to 24 hours. Thus, two tanning sessions within this 24-hour period could cause an unintentional burn. In general, maximum pigmentation should be built up gradually without an erythema-contaminated tan, by following the exposure schedule during eight to 10 tanning sessions.

If there are specific topics that you would like to see reviewed, or if you have comments regarding the current one, please e-mail sales@wolffsys.com.

We look forward to your comments,
The Wolff Team