If you were going to create an indoor tanning salon operator training program, what would you call it? I can’t think of a more apropos name for our acclaimed “Sun is Life’’ Certification & Training program!
Globally, people have been enduring cave-like self-quarantine for over a year. Here in the U.S., we’ve had to deal with COVID restrictions on a state-to-state basis for the same period of time. My father, who resides in a nursing home, used to spend almost every day outside basking in the sun. Although he is in a wheelchair, his tanned legs made him look like a tennis player! With COVID lockdowns in place, he had not been outside. I could not see my father face-to-face for over 13 months. As these restrictions are beginning to be lifted, I did get to see him recently – albeit, I wore a mask, gloves and plastic gown. I’m hopeful that he will once again be able to get outdoors to enjoy the warmth of the sun on his aging body.
For those of us who live in the south, this past winter was not so bad in terms of extreme cold. Unfortunately, this opens the door for a robust insect season, but I digress. With the beginning of Daylight Saving Time, our weather began to get warmer and I noted the “extreme redness” on a lot of folks, obviously starved for sunlight, dubious on whether they were sunburned or not. Cars were getting washed, yards were being mowed and youth baseball games and tournaments returned. I umpire a lot of youth baseball and have had the chance to chat with many coaches. Almost all of them were simply glad to be back on the fields.
Watching these kids play and laugh certainly made me contemplate their state of mind as we seem to be slowly returning to some sense of normalcy. I’ve watched people choosing to sit outside on nice days to partake of a coffee or bite to eat, rather than staying inside, sheltered and protected from the sun.
Yes, it has really been nice to bask in the sunlight! And yet, the anti-UV exposure groups still warn us to avoid spending time in the sun and/or sunbeds. Look, we all have decisions to make and among them is whether or not to enjoy time in the sun or a sunbed session. So, as we start to emerge from our “caves,” remember the keys of responsibility and moderation when it comes to both indoor or outdoor UV exposure. When outside, remember to use and reapply the proper amounts and levels of SPF products. When interacting with salon guests, be sure to keep in mind and share this key phrase – the “mantra” if you will, of the Sun is Life Training program: Indoor tanning facilities provide a controlled environment for obtaining a cosmetic tan with UV sessions delivered according to individual skin type and with a precise timing system to reduce the risk of overexposure and sunburn.
As people begin to seek the relaxation and benefits of indoor tanning and your business begins to flourish again, remind your guests of this “pearl of wisdom” … perhaps post the statement prominently in your salon!
As we emerge from our “caves,” remember the keys of responsibility and moderation when it comes to both indoor and outdoor UV exposure.
