he Major Players in the Market for Suntan Beds
The tanning bed industry continues to grow despite the ongoing debate on whether the use of these indoor tanning devices is safe. More and more people are getting into the indoor tanning trend and purchasing suntan beds; making the industry a two-billion-dollar market in the United States alone.
Suntan beds come in various sizes and brands. Features also vary and so do the prices. Generally, tanning beds can be categorized by their price range; there are those that are priced below $2,600, models that range between $2,600 and $4,400 and those offered above $4,400. Some of the more popular brands offered commercially include Solar Storm, ProSun, Wolff System, NovaSolar and Del Sol.
These products can also be categorized based on whether they would be used in commercial salons or in private homes. Stores selling these indoor tanning supplies include Master Tanning Inc., Mercantila, Specialty Pool Products, Nova Companies, A1 Tanning Supply, The Tanning Bed Superstore and Hollywood Gadgets.
Each manufacturer of these beds offers several models in the market. Some of the models are manufactured for bigger size people while some are designed for those who have more sensitive skin. The problem with tanning is that not all types of skin react to UV rays by getting browner. Most people who have pale skin only get burned or freckled and never get tanned. For these individuals, manufacturers offer tanning beds that feature milder UV lamps.
Despite the warnings issued by medical associations about the danger of indoor tanning, people continue to use artificial tanning equipment. The consumer base for these devices is largely accounted for by teenage girls. This consumer group comprises the backbone of the indoor tanning industry. Most young people apparently believe that a tanned skin is the right thing to have.
Some studies have associated indoor tanning with melanoma or skin cancer, but the industry has argued that the pattern of sun exposure that causes skin cancer is not consistent with the process of indoor tanning. The industry further claimed that there is a difference between receiving the energy in many small doses leading to a tan as compared with a few big doses that harm the skin.
Whatever the eventual outcome of the debate concerning the risks of using suntan beds; for now, the industry is at its most profitable. Private users and tanning salon clients continue to grow in number and the market for these devices is showing no sign of abating.
