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Team IST searches for erroneous, suspect or negative reporting by the media that adversely impacts the tanning industry. Reports such as these have plagued tanning businesses for decades. Although the media sources will seldom admit a falsehood and print a retraction, IST offers these well-crafted responses to the negative reports that can be shared with your customers and potential customers, alike.
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Well, it is if you believe recent news coming from station WIVB of Buffalo, NY. (see goo.gl/oP5V55.)
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That’s right, tanning and drugs. Not tanning and running, both of which produce endorphins, the “feel good” hormone. No, they wouldn’t make THAT comparison! Read more on tanning and endorphins at goo.gl/Jxki3A.
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In reporting this “news,” the TV station went with a kicker lead: “Indoor tanning addiction is real and it has a clear target demographic: Young women with a history of depression. “A new study from Georgetown University found that indoor tanning addiction is surprisingly similar to substance abuse, and depression may increase your risk of becoming UV-light dependent.”
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Wait a minute. Let’s pose this question first: After a cold winter (especially like in Buffalo), who doesn’t enjoy the warmth, brilliance and increased daylight hours that come with spring? Millions do! It’s why so many flock to Florida and other sunny climes to escape from a brutal winter. OR, choose the convenience and comfort of indoor tanning.
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But, Dr. Joseph Cronin, an internist from Buffalo, tells us different. “Climbing into an indoor tanning bed this time of year can seem like an appealing idea…” but “… addiction to tanning is possible. Anytime a person gets positive feedback. That can lead potentially to an addiction.”
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My goodness! Let’s list all the things that may give us positive feedback: going to church, loving your spouse or family, working out, reading a good book, taking a walk … beware! Those activities can lead to addiction!
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The story also goes with the oft-cited anti-sunbed quote: “Just one indoor tanning session before the age of 35 increases a person’s risk of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, by 75 percent.” Hmm, really? So, no matter what type of tanning system I use, no matter how old the lamps are, no matter if I only take a one-minute session, no matter what my skin type is, it will increase my risk by 75 percent? They may want to review that study again before quoting it.
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The report also claimed one study observing 63 women diagnosed with melanoma before age 30 found 97 percent had used tanning beds. Really? And 97 percent may also have consumed coffee or drove a Subaru! How often did they use tanning beds? What was the frequency and duration of the sessions? How many lifetime sunburns (a big factor)? What skin type (another factor)? Family history of skin cancer (another factor)? How many moles on their skin (another factor)? All these factors must be considered before making a blanket assumption.
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Then, for good measure, added: “The physical dependency on UV light exposure seems to completely override awareness of the risks, like getting cancer. According to a 2017 study, 20 percent of women who tan show signs of tanning dependency.” Interesting. Why didn’t the report state that in actuality, an overwhelming number (80 percent) showed absolutely NO sign of tanning dependency? It wouldn’t support their position, but it is correct.
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Unfortunately, replies to reports like this usually fall on deaf ears. However, as a tanning business operator, you should know the “other side” and IST encourages you to share this factual info with your salon guests.
