As a UV tanning professional, you are probably a skin care/overexposure/sunburn expert. The information provided by the Sun is Life® Certification program is excellent for helping equip salon staff with the knowledge they need to assure they minimize risk of UV overexposure at their professional facilities. It is recommended for all salon operators who want to understand the facts about tanning.
Alas, if it were only that simple.
Witness the information being provided to the public who live “Down Under.” I am certainly aware of Australia’s proximity to the equator, but Geez, Louise! How about using some common sense, people?
Find this report at augustafreepress.com/8-tips-to-prevent-skin-cancer-in-australia/ with “Tips for Preventing Skin Cancer in Australia.”
1. “Applying sunscreen is one of the most effective ways to prevent skin cancer. But you must be diligent about wearing sunscreen. You should apply sunscreen 20 minutes before going outside – even if you are only planning to stay out for a few minutes!”
OMG. Here’s my brain at work …
Wife: “Honey, we’re out of bread and it’s lunchtime. Can you run to the market and pick up a loaf?”
Me: “I’m watching the game and you shoulda told me 20 minutes ago. I gotta slather my SPF on first.”
Wife: “I’m past the point of being hangry! You’ll only be outside for a few minutes. Go! Now!”
Me, in my recliner: “Well, I’m reading these tips on suncare and I’m supposed to use SPF at least 20 minutes prior to sun exposure, even if it’s for just a few minutes. Kinda like not swimming for 20 minutes after eating.”
Wife: “Put on a $&@$%* hat and go get me some bread.”
Me: obliging and grabbing my hat and keys in the interest of marital bliss.
2. “Avoid tanning beds and sun lamps to prevent skin cancer. Use sunscreen when using these types of devices. Limit use to no more than 30 minutes per session.”
First, simply avoiding tanning beds does NOT prevent you from getting skin cancer. Moles on your skin, your skin type and heredity play huge roles in developing the disease and some folks are more predisposed to it than others. Sunbed use in a tanning salon limits UV exposure, as the session time is determined by individual skin type and controlled by a timer. If one intends to obtain a tan, I’m not sure why an SPF product would be appropriate; maybe some folks just want the warmth of the sunbed. Lastly: limit use to 30 minutes per session? Are there still 30-minute sunbeds out there? My advice: when using a modern-day sunbed, do not exceed the 20-minute (or less) exposure time, and certainly avoid the maximum session time until you’ve obtained a base tan!
3. “Stay out of the sun between 10am and 4pm.”
I’ve spent all the money I’ve saved this year to take my wife to Aruba for a vacation. (Honey, if you’re reading this, I’m being facetious to create a point.) We arrive at our tropical destination exhausted, get a good night’s rest and are ready to hit the beach the next morning after breakfast. Then, she tells me that on the flight, she read this particular “suncare tip’’ and says we can’t go to the beach until 4pm. Instead, we can go shopping indoors all day. (Insert here what you think I’d say to this suggestion.)
Okay, I’ve taken a few liberties to provide some illustration; but, the point is that when it comes to UV protection, let’s offer the public and our salon guests pragmatic suggestions – not tips or guidelines that are clearly ridiculous and probably will not be followed. Best bet: if you want you and your staff to know the facts, get on board with Sun is Life Training & Certification!
