Legend has it that the first two high-pressure systems in the United States were sold in 1975 by Dr. Müller to the Playboy magazine organization. Others claim that the first system was developed by Dr. Maxim Mutzhas and that the first commercial high-pressure tanning system was installed in a tanning salon in New York City in 1976.
There is no way to resolve this debate as to what came first; however, there is no disagreement that the development of the high-pressure tanning system occurred in Germany.
High-pressure equipment hit the U.S. shores in the early 1980s; however, its growth was hindered by the equipment’s high cost and the fact that the American tanning market was still in its infancy. By the 1990s, high pressure began to make a name for itself in the United States, and today it has become a mainstay in a salon’s equipment mix.
High-pressure tanning systems utilize lamps filled with mercury vapors that produce very high UVR intensity levels. Special filters are used to remove unwanted wavelengths of UVR, primarily UVB and shorter wavelengths of UVA (320 nm-340 nm), leaving most of the longer wavelengths of UVA (340 nm-400 nm) intact. This allows the high-pressure spectrum to produce a deeper, darker, longer-lasting tan.
This occurs because longer wavelengths of UVA penetrate deeper into the skin than do shorter wavelengths of UVA and UVB wavelengths and, therefore, are able to oxidize melanin granules farther away from the surface of the skin. These deeper-oxidized granules take longer to reach the surface of the skin and allow for a deeper tan with a longer life.
It must be mentioned that greater care should be exercised when tanning anyone who is sensitive to UVR (that goes for high-pressure as well as low-pressure tanning). All tanners who frequent a tanning salon will have a pre-established level of sensitivity to UVR. Therefore, if they are overexposed to UVR, whether on a high- or low-pressure system, they will burn.
Manufacturers are taking design and engineering to the next level by offering stylish-looking equipment featuring the latest technological advancements. Keeping luxury in the forefront of the tanning experience, high-pressure units continue to offer comfortable and large tanning surfaces. Some units feature bells and whistles, including mattresses that feature massage options and aromatherapy, to provide tanners with a more enjoyable and relaxing session.
Modern equipment choices feature brightly colored, full-body wraparound canopies, high-powered adjustable cooling fans, easy-to-replace snap-in lamps, digital bed controls positioned at eye level, and voice prompting. High-pressure manufacturers are focusing on lamp placement and output on the UV spectrum rather than bombarding the tanner with increased wattage and heat. In addition to providing great tanning results, it reduces the amount of heat output, which in turn saves the salon in energy costs.
High-pressure equipment is available in traditional beds or standup versions, which offers myriad choices when it comes to planning space. Tanning salon owners are continuing to purchase high-pressure units so as to offer a more diverse mix of tanning options for their customers. A tanner in this type of mix often is encouraged to rotate between the high-pressure and low-pressure units in order to maintain a deeper, darker tan, as well as maintain optimal levels of vitamin D.
Since little or no vitamin D is produced by wavelengths higher than 315 nm, high-pressure alone is not an effective system for producing this important vitamin. This is one reason some salons have clients who alternate between high-pressure and low-pressure systems.
Industry insiders agree that high-pressure tanning will continue to grow because of its unique features and benefits. Salons that feature a mix of low-, medium- and high-pressure tanning will continue to benefit from customers upgrading for the added value of high-pressure tanning. The key is to properly educate customers regarding the benefits of high-pressure tanning and what it adds to their overall tanning experience.
Technical Aspects
Some anti-tanning individuals have stated that the fact that UVA1 wavelengths penetrate more deeply into the skin that there is the potential for collagen damage. First of all, there is no evidence to support this contention and it must be remembered that the wavelengths penetrating the deepest into the skin are the visible (400 nm-700 nm) and the near-infrared (700 nm-1,000 nm) and the infrared (1,000 nm-4,000 nm). Therefore, if UVA1 wavelengths are harmful, then visible and infrared photons also must be harmful and, once again, there is no credible medical evidence to support his contention.
Moreover, since recent research shows that there is enough UVB present in the typical high-pressure system to stimulate the production of both melanin and vitamin D, this fact will also stimulate the acceptance of high-pressure tanning systems by both tanning salon owners and clients alike.
