History Indoor tanning

sunlamp in netherlands, 1930

in 1890 danish physician niels ryberg finsen developed carbon arc lamp ( finsen s light or finsen lamp ) produced ultraviolet radiation use in skin therapy, including treat lupus vulgaris. won 1903 nobel prize in physiology or medicine work.

until late 19th century in europe , united states, pale skin symbol of high social class among white people. victorian women carry parasols , wear wide-brimmed hats , gloves; homes featured heavy curtains kept out sun. working classes moved country work city factories, , crowded, dark, unsanitary homes, pale skin became increasingly associated poverty , ill health. in 1923 coco chanel returned holiday in cannes tan, later telling vogue magazine: golden tan index of chic! tanned skin had become fashion accessory.

in parallel physicians began advising patients on benefits of sun cure , citing antiseptic properties. sunshine promoted treatment depression, diabetes, constipation, pneumonia, high , low blood pressure, , many other ailments. home-tanning equipment introduced in 1920s in form of sunlamps or health lamps , uv lamps emitted large percentage of uvb, leading burns. friedrich wolff, german scientist, began using uv light on athletes, , developed beds emitted 95% uva , 5% uvb, reduced likelihood of burning. in 1978 wolff s devices began selling in united states, , indoor tanning industry born. first tanning salons opened in europe , north america in late 1970s.