Sometimes, when you are least expecting it, the sun shines down on us in a most unexpected way.
In recent months, there has been a revived pressure on our industry in Ireland, with politicians from the main political parties publicly calling for, or stating they would support, a tanning bed ban. You will, of course, not be surprised to learn that the claims being made to support the call are based upon the usual outdated and flawed research and subsequently inaccurate and misleading conclusions.
We have, however, been at this point before – indeed just a few years ago. As such, we have already put into action a consulted, effective and robust strategy, which we are confident will reposition the mindset and help deliver a change to the hitherto biassed narrative about responsible sunbed use in Ireland.
I expect you are wondering where a “ray of sunshine” fits into this scenario. So, let me explain. In the midst of our planning and strategising, the University of Edinburgh, which is internationally highly regarded for its research, published a new study that irrefutably verifies a fact we have all known for many a year: tanning bed use is good for you!
We certainly must all continue to advocate responsible exposure to UV, whether on a tanning bed or in the sunshine.”
According to this new study, UV exposure, most especially including tanning bed use, has health benefits including lower mortality rates for cancer and heart disease. This is, without exception, the best piece of news our industry has had for a very long time! Of course, the tanning bed industry globally should welcome this study, not least because it exemplifies the necessity for public health messaging about responsible UV exposure, and in particular responsible tanning bed use, to be urgently reviewed in the context of full-body health.
For far too long, outdated, flawed and inaccurate data has been repeatedly used in an attempt to vilify tanning bed use. Now the narrative must change. This new study provides compelling and significant evidence that people who use tanning beds are at a lower risk of cancer and heart disease mortality than those who do not use tanning beds. Heart disease is the biggest killer worldwide and anything that can reduce mortality and indeed is far cheaper to administer than bespoke medication, should in my opinion be implemented as a matter of urgency.
As members of the professional tanning bed industry, we are very aware of the various studies over the years that provided evidence to rebut the common anti-tanning bed mantras, yet these continued to be ignored. The publication of the University of Edinburgh study surely delivers a very clear signal that now is the time to change the narrative about responsible tanning bed use.
Of course, our industry is about delivering a cosmetic tan for those able to tan in a professional and responsible environment, and we certainly must all continue to advocate responsible exposure to UV, whether on a tanning bed or in the sunshine.
Interestingly, this study did not receive the media attention that it absolutely would have had if the outcome stated was the reverse. Disappointing, of course; but is further indication of the entrenched views that must be reset. And, yes – we do have our strategy for balancing the scales in this regard, as well.
A ray of sunshine, indeed! And one that we will ensure every stakeholder, policy maker and government official is aware of. How the anti-tanning bed lobby attempts to brush this study under the carpet, only time will tell; but one thing is for sure: our industry needs to use its media content wisely and constructively.
For anyone interested in reading the study, you can find it here.
