There are many fake and extremely low quality uvb lamps available on the market. And good quality ones for people are extremely expensive in my experience But there is a DIY alternative... There are a handful of brands specific to the zoological market for reptiles, which are dependable, because otherwise zoos, pet shops and pet owners will see animals die. The following is is a good example from one of the two good zoological brands. It screws into a standard e27 large screw bulb holder, and you can just put a mirror behind it to get your money's worth, as uvb reflects. It will need replacing every 9 to 12-months. This is 10% UVB, serious desert levels. Don't use it for more than a few minutes, because it is the same as a suntanning parlour bulb and will burn you or will give you cancer if you use it all the time!!!! Time it with a clock! Stop if your skin feels sore! Don't stare into it either! https://www.reptilecentre.com/zoo-med-reptisun-100-mini-compact-13w_p31019535.htm
Thank you - important context. I should have also said use a clock to not over do it. I do two to three minutes on hands or face usually. Many people don't get enough sunshine nowadays, due to social changes and/or geographic location. And then there are pwME... We're at the point were public health advice in the UK is even starting to warn parents not to suntan lotion their children at every opportunity outside peak seasons, not because they shouldn't take extreme care in summer sun, but because the pendulum risks swinging the other way now, depriving kids of sunshine. An impossible balancing act in terms of public health messaging, and I can see the risk management leaning towards catering towards assuming lowest common denominators.
previous thread which may be of interest https://www.s4me.info/threads/golden-hour-month.6603/page-5#post-146946
I have an SAD lamp. I bought it years ago & used it as recommended but no beneficial effect. Mind you I am very pale and never tan, just burn. Summer is my worst time of year. The lamp comes in handy when IM works from home. The room all his stuff is in is the darkest in the house with north facing window so he switches the lamp on and leaves it in a corner.
I think these are different though, UVA if I remember correctly... but definitely not UVB. SAD lights can be left on for a long time as a result. Strong UVB on all the time will change your colour then maybe kill you.... It must be dosed.
I'd probably best steer clear then. Ive been known to get burnt just staggering to the washing line and back. In England, in April.