This month, our Salon of Distinction featured Michigan salon chain, J2 Tanning. During my interview with Co-owner Justin Carpenter, he lamented that the media has done quite a job planting the idea in the public’s mind that indoor tanning systems are stronger/more harmful than natural sunlight. If you’re a salon operator looking for factual insight that exposes the real difference between the two UV sources, the Sun is Life® Training & Certification program module called “Know Your UV ABCs” is a perfect resource.
UVA, UVB and UVC
There are three ultraviolet light wavelengths: UVA, UVB and UVC. Although invisible to the human eye, you can see the effects of ultraviolet light in such things as the growth of plants and the tanning of human skin. People who come to your salon expect you to be a tanning expert! Knowing the difference between UVA, UVB and UVC light is imperative for educating your salon guests about how your tanning systems work, and projecting the professionalism of your facility.
Let’s start with the tanning process. How does our skin tan indoors? Low-pressure lamps (long tubes) emit a combination of UVA and UVB energy. A minimal, yet effective amount of UVB is necessary to stimulate the melanin in your skin and begin the tanning process. These melanocyte cells are pink in color and when your skin is exposed to UVB, they begin to rise to the top layer of your skin. As they rise, the UVA energy in the sunlamps begins to oxidize (“tan”) the cells to induce a photo-reactive response: a cosmetic tan – which is what you are selling!
UVA: This is the longest ultraviolet light wavelength and is responsible for the actual darkening of the skin. Exposure to UV can cause severe skin reactions if combined with photosensitizing agents found in certain medicines, foods, cosmetics and toiletries. Almost all of the UV radiation that reaches the earth is UVA – as much as 97-99 percent. UVA rays are capable of penetrating the deepest into our skin; through the epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous layers.
UVB: The middle wavelength is UVB. Exposure to UVB is necessary to stimulate the production of melanin cells, which are the darkening pigment in the skin. However, overexposure can cause sunburn. Between 1 and 3 percent of the UV radiation that reaches the earth is UVB.
UVC: UVC is the shortest ultraviolet light wavelength, and practically 100 percent of this energy is blocked or filtered out by the Earth’s ozone layer. Although not used in indoor tanning systems, UVC has germicidal applications, such as sanitizing surgical instruments and water disinfection.
For many years, the mainstream media has driven the notion that indoor tanning systems emit UV rays that are many times stronger than those of the midday sun. Really? To what “midday” sun are they referring? The sunlight reaching the Earth in Portland, ME in January at 9am? Or would it be the sun that reaches the beaches of Cancun in July at noon? What tanning system are they using as an example, and how long is the exposure (session) time? Comparisons like this are flat-out incorrect! The intensity of sunlight depends upon time of day, time of year, proximity of the location to the equator, and altitude. Don’t forget that you can get quite sunburned skiing on the slopes above 10,000 feet in Aspen, CO – even though it’s January!
You can make this statement with confidence to your salon guests: Every day, millions of people weigh the risk and benefit of seeking a cosmetic tan by the controlled UV exposure offered in a professional tanning facility vs. the uncontrolled aspects of the natural sun exposure we receive outdoors. Indoor tanning offers UV exposures moderated according to one’s skin type and controlled by a precise timing system; this minimizes the risk of overexposure and sunburn. The keyword here is “professional” – are you offering your community the most educated staff at your salon? Visit sunislife.com today.[gap height=”10″]
For more factual info on UV, take the affordable learning opportunity offered 24/7 at sunislife.com.
