Use of the term solarium in the context of tanning is relatively new. Tanning devices were earlier called tanning beds or sun beds. It seems that the manufacturers and operators of these devices thought that the term solarium provides their services more distinction and class. The tanning process involves lying in an enclosure that surrounds you with UV light. However, overexposure to UV light also causes skin cancer. Some experts recommend exposure to a certain amount of UV for therapeutic purposes, for skin conditions such as acne. UV exposure can promote the formation and release of the body's own endorphins, similar in effect to morphine. It is quite possible that using solarium tanning beds might be addictive.

The device emits ultraviolet radiation (95% UVA and 5% UVB) to generate a cosmetic tanning effect. The maximum exposure time in most tanning beds used in solariums is 20 minutes, but it varies from bed to bed. A person usually starts with much shorter session time and work their way to the maximum exposure time in about 4 weeks. Session times can range from 5 minutes to 45 minutes, depending on many factors. Because of several alleged adverse effects on human health, the World Health Organization does not recommend the use of UV tanning in solariums for cosmetic reasons.

While the primary reason to use a tanning bed is the cosmetic, there are many other reasons for their use. It is common for people to tan simply because it makes them feel good. Also, most tanning beds in solariums generate great amount of heat, including infrared radiation, which has deep penetrating action that can relieve minor muscle aches. People who use solariums for these reasons will often tan all year long, typically once or twice a week. Most salon patrons visit the solarium every 1 to 3 days.

The tan produced by solarium is not as deep as a tan produced in the sun. This is because solariums have higher overall levels of UV than the sun on a typical day. This could cause someone with a dark indoor tan to go outside and get bad sunburn quickly because the deeper levels of their skin have not been exposed previously, and have no natural protection above what white skin would have. It is advisable that a person does not tan indoor and outdoors on the same day, due to the likely chance that they will get overexposed. Because overexposure actually destroys melanin, getting sunburn will result in less tanning and greatly increases your chances for skin cancer later in life.
UV radiation is the most prominent and universal cancer causing agent present in our environment. UV radiation and use of solariums are known to be a human carcinogen.

Research has revealed the implications for tanning beds present in the solariums. There is persuasive evidence that each of the three main types of skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and melanoma, is caused by sun exposure. Women who visit a solarium at least once a month are 55% more likely to later develop melanoma than women who didn't artificially suntan.

Exposure to UV radiation has a harmful effect on our immune system. Also, the activity of natural killer cells and T cells is reduced. Cytokine regulation is disrupted by UV exposure. Ultraviolet radiation exposure may ease the growth of skin neoplasm and the spreading of skin-associated infections due to stimulation of suppressor T cells.

While the dangers of UVB are widely recognized, it has been convenient to regard UVA as 'safe'. UVA is less likely to burn the skin, and it has been called the "bronzing light." However, it is clearly associated with inducing, aging changes in the skin and in promoting the development of skin cancer. Excessive exposure to UVA radiation will cause premature aging, including wrinkles, sunspots, and loss of skin elasticity.

Exposure to UVB light leads to production of vitamin D in the skin. It is believed that solariums are useful for the treatment of Seasonal Affective Disorder though this is disputed at present. One of the most commonly mentioned benefits of tanning in a solarium is, time savings. After a desired level of tan has been achieved, a person can maintain that level of color with typically 1 to 2 sessions per week, which can often be accomplished in a lunch hour.