Sun lamps powered by 275 Watt UV bulbs are pretty much a thing of the past, having been replaced with more modern fluorescent UV bulbs that use far less power and generate less heat. The older lamps were popular in the 1960s and 1970s, and were promoted for everything from home tanning to giving children more vitamin D. The old lamps aren't difficult to use, but always wear protective eyeware and limit your exposure to the UV light to avoid skin damage.

Set the sun lamp on a table and sit far enough away from the lamp that the light will fall evenly on all areas you want to tan. Note your distance from the lamp.

Set the timer for 6 minutes if you are 30 inches from the lamp and have average skin. At a distance of 36 inches, set the timer for 9 minutes, at 48 inches set it at 15 minutes and at 60 inches for 24 minutes. If you have sensitive skin, reduce these times by one-third.

Put on the protective goggles and turn on the lamp. When the timer goes off, turn the lamp off.

Wait at least 12 hours for the UV exposure to have it's full effect and before deciding if you want additional sun lamp sessions.