First it's important to understand the typical configuration of a tanning salon. There are typically 4 types of equipment available in the tanning  industry:

Standard "Low Pressure" Beds.

"High-Performance" equipment
- Typically referred to as "Medium Pressure"
- Includes most stand-up booths as well.

"High Pressure" Beds
Spray Tanning Equipment
A brief explanation of each type of equipment:

"Low Pressure" Tanning
Low pressure tanning is what tanning salons typically refer to as base beds or standard beds. The bulbs emit a mixture of UVA and UVB.

Malibu By The Sea's Low Pressure Tanning Bed: Santa Barbara Low Pressure Tanning Bed

"High Performance" Tanning
This is typically also referred to as medium pressure tanning. Some salons incorrectly refer to this as "High Pressure" tanning. This is a higher powered version of low pressure tanning. Essentially the lamps are the same type with a higher output wattage for faster results.

Malibu By The Sea's "High Performance" Tanning Booths: Sun Up II Tanning Booth

"High Performance" Tanning

Malibu By The Sea exclusively features a class of tanning device which you are not likely to find in most other tanning salons. It's referred to as "High Performance". Our high performance class beds provide the ultimate tanning experience, while attending to the comfort of our clients. These are the optimal beds to use for clients who enjoy the results of conventional tanning, but do not enjoy the heat which can be generated by conventional tanning equipment.

These beds feature:
Adjustable body fans for additional cooling or for clients who simply enjoy a breeze.
High pressure facial lamps for a perfect facial tan. Shoulder bulbs to address the spots that aren't covered by most conventional tanning beds.

Malibu By The Sea's High Performance Tanning Bed: ISO Matrix L33

"High Pressure" Tanning

High Pressure tanning is a unique technology which is unlike conventional tanning. High pressure tanning consists of mainly UV-A wavelengths of light. Conventional tanning is a mixture of UVA and UVB, while high pressure tanning is 98% UVA and a minimal amount of UVB. Due to the small amount of UVB exposure, it is difficult, but not impossible, to burn under normal circumstances and cycle times in a high pressure bed.

The end result is a superior amount of color in a very short amount of time. Additionally, most high pressure beds on the market are 180 degree high pressure beds. This means they will have bulbs on the top only and require you to turn over mid session on a sticky mattress. Malibu By The Sea Bronzing Spa features 360 degree high pressure which emits rays over 360 degrees and doesn't require you to turn over for full exposure.

Spray Tanning

Malibu By The Sea Bronzing Spa features the latest in spray tanning with the California Tan Custom Bronzer. The tan from the Custom Bronzer is applied by a trained technician. It provides the best possible coverage and color available in a spray tanning application. While many salons claim to feature spray tanning, they typically carry the first generation version of the spray tan. This older style of spray, while effective in its time, has been greatly improved upon and has been realized as the Innovation Series.

Malibu By The Sea's UV-Free Spray Tanning Booths: California Tan Custom Bronzer

Comparing Indoor Tanning vs. Outdoor Tanning

Basically your skin tans the same indoors as out. Ultraviolet rays penetrate your skin causing different reactions. UVA and UVB are emitted by the sun as well as by our tanning lamps. UVB is commonly referred to as the burning ray because it is more intense than UVA and is responsible for sunburn if the skin is exposed to too much. Our tanning lamps emit more UVA or browning rays and much less UVB than the sun, which is the best tanning combination.

Although UVB is responsible for overexposure, it is necessary in acquiring a tan. UVB stimulates melanocyte (pigment cells) in your skin to produce melanin (pigment). The melanin absorbs UVA to keep it from reaching deeper, more sensitive layers, of the skin. UVA oxidizes, or darkens, the melanin forming a tan. This whole process is the body's own natural defense against a sunburn.

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For more information regarding our services or to schedule your appointment, please contact us at 831.643.9378.

Our salon is open Monday to Saturday for your convenience. 
Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 7:30 pm
Saturday 10:00 am - 6:00 pm

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