The history of UV lamps goes as far back as 1903 when Dr. Niels Ryberg Finsen received the Nobel Prize for his work with sunlight and the ways exposure to UV light positively affected humans. Even that long ago, the intention was to improve health through the beneficial effects of the sun provided by sunbathing or using artificial light baths. In fact, after the results of his research became known, doctors started to change their regimens for treatment of conditions and diseases such as tuberculosis. He advocated for bringing patients out into the sun (aka phototherapy or heliotherapy), rather than having them lie in a dark hospital room through the day. He also made a case for opening the curtains during the day to let in the sunlight.
In 1926, Dr. Ing. Felix Müller, who had been a keen student of Dr. Finsen founded Quarzlampenfabrik, a manufacturer of lighting fixtures, in Essen, Germany. Dr. Müller started building UV devices known as “light showers.” One of the first uses of his device was to help coal workers who spent all day in caves and never really saw or were exposed to sunlight. The devices were installed in the shower rooms, so that the men would get the health benefits of ultraviolet light.
In 1956, Dr. Müller laid the groundwork for the first tanning system for the consumer. The small, portable UV lamp was an instant success in this unexplored market, as people could buy it to use at home for light therapy while even developing a bit of a tan on their face and upper body. In 1974, the company took a huge step forward and produced the first commercial tanning system – a full-body tanning unit called Giant Sun. The machine consisted of a canopy fitted with 2,000-watt high-pressure lamps and a mattress. The user laid on the mattress then pressed a button that lowered the canopy top to cover their body. The introduction of this tanning system established what would become known as the solarium industry.
In the 80s, Dr. Müller produced an all high-pressure tanning unit, and along came the UltraBronz brand from England, as well. In the 90s, the Dr. Müller Omega with 2,000-watt lamps became very popular – since then, almost all equipment manufacturers have produced units that utilize only high-pressure lamps. Granted, there are not as many companies building tanning beds these days; however, many salons have older equipment that is still in very good working order.
Today, as the tanning salon business has matured, high-pressure units are a must for any facility. Some are still all high-pressure in the canopy with a mattress bed, while newer models have a combination of high-pressure in the canopy and fluorescent lamps in the bed. Having this level of equipment is not only necessary for a salon to be competitive in their market, but also because more and more tanners have become accustomed to the results created by high-pressure sessions.
