The electric beach, fake-bake, the tanning bed -- whatever it might be called, getting a tan is an essential for many spring breakers.

Although exposure to UV rays from tanning comes with risks such as skin cancer and wrinkles, many people still choose to tan before heading off to warm destination.

"I didn't want to burn," said Lindsey Alexander (sophomore-crime law and justice), who wanted a base tan before heading off to San Diego for the break.

Alexander, who went tanning for her first time this year, said that even though it is expensive, it's worth it because she notices the results.

"It's fun to be tan," she said. "I want to be able to compete with all the Cali girls."

Alexander, who tans at Hollywood Tans, 111 W. Beaver Ave., said even though she is concerned about the risks of tanning, she tries to put it out of her mind because everyone does it.

Kelly Carlucci (junior-telecommuications) and Melissa Tannenbaum (junior-marketing), both employees of Hollywood Tans, said that even with their salon's recent opening, they have seen an increase in business.

"This was a good time to open because people are trying to get ready for spring break," Tannenbaum said.

The salon offers three different types of stand-up tanning booths.

"The HT 42 [booth] is the most popular with spring breakers because it tans like the sun and gives them a base tan," said Carlucci. She also said the HT 42 contains 8 percent UV rays.

The HT 54 and HT 60 are more powerful and give a golden-brown tan while using only 2 percent UV rays, she said.

Carlucci said the booths are two to three times stronger than regular beds and the average tanning time is six to seven minutes per session. Packages range in price from $44-90 for eight sessions.

Carlucci said just as many men as women are tanning.

"It's a vanity thing," she said. "I'm not going anywhere, but I look like I did."

Hollywood Tans also offers an instant tan for those who want the look without the UV exposure.

The six-second tan works like a shower and then dries to leave a golden color that lasts for five to seven days.

Spring breakers can also apply their own tan with various products found at the drug store or makeup counter.

Brands such as Coppertone, Neutrogena and Clinique all make self-tanners.

Vicki Forni, a Clinique spokeswoman from Nittany Mall, said she sees an increase in sales around spring break.

"The products have really come around and are no longer orange or streaky," Forni said.

Clinque offers both a quick bronzer and sunless self-tanner priced around $15.

Forni suggests applying the tanner a few weeks before going away on break and maintaining the applications every two to three days.

For some this may seem time consuming but Forni said it is a much better alternative to the harmful UV rays.

"I preach sun safety at my counter," she said. "The self-tanners do not protect against he sun -- people still need to wear sunblock with them."