The lack of sun in State College during the winter season has forced some Penn State students to catch some rays from tanning beds in preparation for spring break.

Anthony Concilio (senior-communication, arts and sciences), employee of Hollywood Tans, 111 W. Beaver Ave., said there are three different types of tanning beds at the downtown salon: HT42, HT54 and HT60. He said the HT42 bed has 8 percent UV rays.

"It's the most popular for people going on vacation because of the high UV rays," Concilio said.

The HT54 has 2 percent UV rays and high wattage bulbs and the HT60 is the highest power tanning bed you can get, Concilio said.

"It's like being in the sun for eight hours," he said.

Concilio said the HT54 and HT60 beds are the safest because they have lower UV rays.

"The HT42 bed isn't the safest but people going on vacation need to tan in a bed with higher UV rays," Concilio said. "Girls going on spring break usually get a membership in the low bed because they want faster protection."

Some Penn State students are taking advantage of the beds at Hollywood Tans before heading to the tropics for spring break.

"I'm going on a cruise around the Caribbean for spring break, and I'm here to get a base tan because I get very red. My roommates, who are frequent tanners, told me to go," Sarah Pangia (senior-criminal, law and justice) said.

Other students said they like to tan before they begin to wear spring fashions.

"I'm a regular tanner, but I usually start to tan this time of year because I start wearing shorts and everything," Shannon Yadsko (sophomore-biology) said.

Ellen Nagy, marketing manager at University Health Services, said students should try to avoid tanning salons and the sun all together.

"It's fun to get a tan now, but you'll pay later," Nagy said.

Nagy said there are many bad side effects to tanning.

"Too much sun exposure can lead to future health problems and wrinkles in your skin in the long run," she said. "Unfortunately, we see students frequently who have over done it."

Although tanning can be dangerous, Nagy offers some tips to prevent bad burning.

"If students must do it, they must be extremely careful," she said. "Try to avoid the sun during the worst parts of the day, which is from about 11 to 3 in the afternoon."

Yadsko said she is aware that there are some bad side effects of tanning, but she said she finds other benefits from tanning.

"I definitely tan quicker with a base tan. If you go out into the sun without a base, you'll peel, and your tan won't stay as long," she said.

Yadsko also said she feels good when she has a tan.

"I feel more confident when I'm tan," she said. "I think it's one of those individual things."

Marianna Grudziak (sophomore-marketing) said she tans this time of year due to the cold weather and lack of sun.

"I tan this time of year because I'm depressed. It's so dark outside. I tan once a week to feel better," she said.

Concilio said some people even tan to improve their health.

"I'm not sure of the specific medical reasons people tan, but some customers say doctors have told them to go tanning," he said. "Our beds provide a good source of Vitamin D that's essential to your health."

Since the known effects of tanning turn people away from doing it, self-tanner is a healthier way to add a little color to palskin.

"[Self-tanner] is a safe way to tan but some of the cheaper products make you look orange," Yadsko said.

The orange streaks that self-tanner can leave behind are a big concern for some students.

"I've never used self-tanner," Pangia said. "My skin is so pale, so I'm always afraid I'll turn orange."

Some products are available that help maintain tan skin.

"Jergen's Natural Glow lotion keeps your tan really well," Yadsko said. "Make sure you have a base tan before you use it or it'll turn you orange."

In six seconds Hollywood Tans can also give customers a natural looking spray tan for $25.

"It's a natural color tan and lasts for five to seven days," Concilio said. "It's much better and more natural looking than other self-tanners."