Overview
Summer is here, and for some this means developing the most glowing, healthy-looking, attractive tan possible. However, not everyone has time to lie on the beach all day, and tanning in a salon can get very expensive. An at-home tanning lamp may be the ideal solution.
With a tanning lamp available in your home, you can get the color you crave easily, cheaply, and without having to travel to appointments. Our team of professionals evaluated the existing products on the market and came up with a list of the best tanning lamps available today.
In this article, we’ll provide you with all of the details about these at-home tanning lamps and related devices so you can make the best choice for you.
The Best Rated Tanning Lamps of 2023
![vital red light vital charge]()
Best For Overall HealthVital Red Light Vital ChargeGo to Review- At Offical Website
![sperti fiji sun home tanning lamp]()
Best Facial Tanning DeviceSperti Fiji Sun Tanning LampGo to Review- At Amazon.com
![circadian optics light therapy lamp]()
Best Light Therapy Lamp for BrightnessCircadian Optics Light Therapy LampGo to Review- At Amazon.com
![beurer infrared heat lamp]()
Best Infrared Heat LampBeurer Infrared Heat LampGo to Review- At Amazon.com
![sperti vitamin d lamp]()
Best Vitamin D LampSperti Vitamin D Lamp (Sperti KBD Sunlamp)Go to Review- At Amazon.com
How Do At-Home Tanning Lamps Work?
Most tanning lamps function by delivering 95% UVA rays to mimic the behavior of the sun, and 5% UVB rays. The rays emit from a UV lamp which is usually a fluorescent bulb.
The bulb contains mercury which vaporizes when you are using the lamp due to the presence of phosphor on the surface, and it then becomes UV rays.
The top layer of your skin has cells called melanocytes, which stimulate the production of the pigment melanin in response to the UV rays. An article published by Mirosława Cichorek, et al in Advances in Dermatology and Allergology discussed the biology and development of melanocytes [1].
This occurs because the melanin provides some protection from the rays. The more UV ray exposure you have, the more melanin you produce, for a darker tan. An article in Photochemistry and Photobiology by Michaela Brenner and Vincent J. Hearing explained the protective role of melanin in the human skin [2].
Another article by Nina G. Jablonski and George Chaplin published in PNAS discussed the role of human skin pigmentation as an adaptation to UV radiation [3].
Of course too much UV light can be harmful for your skin, leading to premature aging, skin hyperpigmentation, and increasing your risk of developing melanoma. To prevent this, use the lamps as directed and never overuse them.
Some of the lamps we have recommended do not have UV rays and do not offer tanning benefits directly. For the most part they use LED light to rejuvenate your skin and speed up cell turnover, which makes it easier for you to get a tan. It may also even out your skin tone and help fade hyperpigmentation.
Our Choices For the Best Tanning Lamps of 2023
Our team of experts conducted an exhaustive review of the available tanning lamps on the market according to a strict list of criteria and came up with the best 7 devices. These are our choices and the details of each product.
1. Vital Red Light Vital Charge
Best For: Best For Overall Health.
Features: 8 full-body benefits, 4-hour iron lithium battery, 30-day risk-free trial, 2 red light wavelengths, FDA cleared.
Price: $329.00
While it does not help you tan, it does reduce redness and inflammation, tighten the skin to smooth signs of premature aging wrinkles and lines, and fade hyperpigmentation. It can also promote cell turnover, which helps you to get a more even, vibrant tan.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- The device is lightweight and portable for use anywhere, anytime.
- The manufacturer offers fast, free shipping.
- Vital Red Light Vital Charge has a range of benefits for the skin and body.
Cons
- The results may vary for individual users.
- This is a popular device that could run low in stock at times.
More to Know
User Brooke Burke explains why she loves Vital Red Light Vital Charge:
My skin is always glowing now. Vital Red Light helps my skin’s natural production of collagen. I love how my skin looks and I feel amazing after using it. It makes me glow!
2. Sperti Fiji Sun Home Tanning Lamp
Best For: Best Facial Tanning Device.
Features: 4 UVA bulbs, 15 pounds, protective eyeglasses, adjustable stand, 60-day money-back guarantee, 7-year warranty.
Price: $450.77
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Sperti Fiji Sun Home Tanning Lamp is FDA-cleared for safety.
- It’s suitable as both a face and body tanning lamp.
- There are several positive customer reviews.
Cons
- There are less expensive tanning lamps on the market.
- It’s not as portable as some of the other models.
More to Know
Customer Brit on the official website raves about the effectiveness of the lamp:
Sperti Customer Service: just had to send in my review of your Fiji Sun lamp because we are so happy with it. My roommate and I went halfway to share the cost and we’re both very pleased with the tanning results. 😉
3. Circadian Optics Light Therapy Lamp
Best For: Best Light Therapy Lamp for Brightness.
Features: 10,000 lux, 3 levels of brightness, full-spectrum white light, UV filtered, LED lights have a 50,000-hour lifespan.
Price: $59.99 (Amazon)
Pros & Cons
Pros
- This lamp mimics natural sunlight very closely.
- Circadian Optics Light Therapy Lamp has a 1-year warranty.
- The device is also a sunlamp for depression.
Cons
- There’s no official website for this lamp.
- It has no UV light, so it will not give you a tan directly.
More to Know
This sunlight lamp can also boost mood and energy levels, and in particular, alleviate seasonal mood swings. Amazon customer Kim said:
Easy to use, compact and portable. Helpful for the winter months.
4. Beurer Infrared Heat Lamp
Best For: Infrared Heat Lamp.
Features: Infrared light, UV-free, overheat protection, adjustable tilt angle, AC adaptor.
Price: $89.99
Pros & Cons
Pros
- The price of the device is very reasonable for the market.
- This lamp is lightweight and portable.
- The Beurer Infrared Heat Lamp is suitable for both people and pets.
Cons
- The device does not directly give you a tan, as it is free of UV rays.
- The results may vary for different individuals.
More to Know
A customer who gave feedback on the official website raved about the device:
This is a very easy-to-use infrared heat lamp. Effective and we love it!
5. Sperti Vitamin D Lamp (Sperti KBD Sunlamp)
Best For: Vitamin D Lamp.
Features: 4 UVB bulbs, FDA cleared, safe electric ballasts, no assembly required, protective eyewear provided
Price: $549.00
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Clinical studies have shown the efficacy of the Sperti KBD Sunlamp.
- They offer a generous 60-day 100% money-back guarantee and a 7-year warranty.
- The company pays the shipping for all US orders.
Cons
- This sunlamp is costly for the market.
- At 14 pounds, it’s not very lightweight or portable.
More to Know
Customer Yvette from British Columbia, Canada raved about the sunlamp:
Your Vitamin D Lamp is the real deal. I did all my research and even read much of Dr. Holick’s Vitamin D research. One of the best purchases I’ve made for my health. Best regards to you all.
6. Carex Day Light Classic Plus
Best For: Overall Wellbeing
Features: FSA and HSA approved, 10,000 lux light, glare-free, no UV rays, large screen, 5 year warranty, 2 light settings, adjustable head
Price: $111.99
The LED light is UV-free so it won’t give you a tan, but it can rejuvenate your complexion so you get a tan more easily and balance your skin tone.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- The company offers a lengthy 90-day satisfaction guarantee.
- Carex Day Light Classic Plus got an award from the New York Times.
- They give free shipping on orders of $50 or more.
Cons
- It’s somewhat heavy, thus less portable than some of the other options.
- The results may differ for different users.
More to Know
User Paul VB on the official site explained that he enjoys the benefits of the device every morning:
Been using the light every morning. 30 minutes and it’s become a nice part of my morning routine. I can often feel the tingling in my brain as I awaken. So far so good, I’m pleased.
7. Wolff System DARK TAN II PLUS Tanning Lamps
Best For: Dark Tans
Features: Dark tan fast, life expectancy is 600 hours, minimum of 16 lamps per order
Price: $13.95
Pros & Cons
Pros
- The price for each lamp is very low.
- The lamps give you a deeper tan than some of the competitors.
- The manufacturer is well-regarded and reputable.
Cons
- There is little product information on the official website.
- These are separate lamps, but have to have somewhere to install them.
More to Know
These UV lamps are powerful, and can give you a deep, dark tan with regular treatments over time. Amazon users Kharistan explained,
Love these bulbs. We have paid a lot more for others and hated them. These tanning bulbs actually tan you with a bronze look. We don’t use lotion anymore.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do Tanning Lamps Work?
Q: Is It Safe to Use Facial Tanning Lamps?
A: Facial tanning lamps that emit TV rays have the same risks as lying in the sun, if you overdo your treatments. They could cause premature aging, dryness, or hyperpigmentation spots, and increase your chances of developing skin cancer.
However, using a facial tanning lamp for a few minutes daily as you do with these devices is fairly safe and should incur minimal risk.
Q: Are Tanning Lamps Worth It?
A: If you want to get a tan without lying in the sun for long periods of time an at-home lamp is far less expensive than making regular salon appointments, and you’ll also save on the travel time. So yes, a good quality tanning lamp is more than worth the cost.
Q: Is a UV Lamp the Same as a Tanning Bed?
A: Tanning beds are full devices for tanning the entire body, while lamps are smaller and are more for targeted treatment, such as facial or targeted body tans. Both emit UV rays, but they often differ in terms of the specific wavelengths they emit.
Q: Where Can I Buy an At-Home Tanning Lamp?
A: You can purchase at-home tanning lamps from numerous online retailers and in stores that sell health and fitness equipment or electronics. You can also find them in many department stores. The prices vary quite a bit depending on the features and quality of the device.
Quick Comparison Table
| Product Name | Vital Red Light Vital Charge | Sperti Fiji Sun Home Tanning Lamp | Beurer Infrared Heat Lamp | Sperti Vitamin D Lamp (Sperti KBD Sunlamp) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $329 | $450.77 | $89.99 | $549 |
| Purchasing Options | Official site, a couple of other online stores | Official Site, Amazon, Walmart | Official Site, Amazon, other online retailers and stores | Official Site, Amazon, Walmart |
| Safety | FDA Cleared | FDA Cleared | FDA Registered | Follows FDA Regulations |
| Guarantee/Warranty | 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee | 60-Day 100% Money Back Guarantee, 7 Year Warranty | 60-Day Return Policy, Limited Lifetime Warranty | 60-Day 100% Money Back Guarantee, 7 Year Warranty |
| Customer Reviews |  on official site |
 on Trustpilot |
 on Amazon |
on Trustpilot |
| Rating |  |
 |
 |
 |
Conclusion
If you want a glowing tan but don’t have the time to lie in the sun or the money for salon treatments, at-home tanning lamps may be an excellent solution. With short treatments you tan gradually and reduce your risk of skin damage or premature aging.
In this article we have presented our choices for the tanning lamps on the market as evaluated by our team of experts, and provided all of the key details about each. Some models are excellent for tanning, while others focus on skin rejuvenation and tone, general health benefits, and enhancing mood.
All of the devices we selected are excellent value for cost, and they all received outstanding feedback from customers. If you want to learn about LED light colors which are specifically designed for enhancing mood, see our article on the LED light therapy color and its benefits.
Discover the ultimate glow with the best tanning lamps on the market. Achieve a flawless, sun-kissed tan with advanced UV technology and adjustable intensity settings. Experience salon-quality results from the comfort of your own home with these top-rated tanning lamps.
**This is a subjective assessment based on the strength of the available information and our estimation of efficacy.
*Result may vary. The information contained in this website is provided for general informational purposes only. No medical claims are implied in this content, and the information herein is not intended be used for self diagnosis or self treatment of any condition.
Disclosure of Material connection: Some of the links in the post above are "associate sales links." This means if you click on the link and purchase an item, we will receive commission. Regardless, we only recommend products or services which we use personally and/or believe will add value to our readers. We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials."
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