Clearly, most folks in the indoor tanning business are fully aware of the risks of overexposure (not just EXPOSURE) and sunburn from UV rays, primarily from the sun. But then again, so is most of the general public.
The national media sources, as well as health-related media, inundate us continually with anti-tanning messages. Their narrative is focused on driving home the point that any UV exposure is risk laden – stay out of the sun between 10am-4pm and avoid using sunbeds. Apparently, these same media sources are unaware that every spring and summer, millions of people (including young children) flock to the beaches, where the sand reflects the sun which penetrates water up to about five feet below the surface. Then, consider the swimming pools, lakes, parks, tennis courts, golf courses and ball fields where families with their youngsters frolic, raising the risk of overexposure and sunburn. That can be a lot of UV and we know that people are “hit and miss” with applying SPF products. But you will not hear this variety of media sources telling us to stay away from those super-sunny locations.
Imagine taking a week of vacation from work, paying for a condo or hotel at the beach after a year of being pent up with COVID protective measures. Great, right? Then, imagine somebody dressed in a “Stay Out of the Sun!” T-shirt, long pants and a wide-brimmed hat, yelling at you and your family to stay off the beach between 10am-4pm. Some foul language would probably be involved or at the very least, a lot of disappointment! So, let’s move on.
Are you aware of the media reports indicating medications such as HCTZ (hydrochlorothiazide) that is prescribed to treat high blood pressure are linked to an increased risk of skin cancer? Well, they are. Interestingly, the Food & Drug Administration tells us that treatment for non-melanoma skin cancer is “typically local and successful, with very low rates of death.” On the other hand, high blood pressure can cause strokes and heart attacks. So, I guess the message is: take the meds, it’s worth the low risk. Read more at fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-approves-label-changes-hydrochlorothiazide-describe-small-risk-non-melanoma-skin-cancer.
The point here is that the media focuses so much on promoting sun avoidance and OMIT prudent messages which speak to other factors that increase skin cancer risk, such as having red hair, freckles, light-colored eyes, significant mole (nevi) coverage on the body and a hereditarial risk of skin cancer. Why, why, why?
Well, it’s much easier for them to focus on pounding our industry with their anti-tanning message that people should avoid sunbeds, as ANY UV exposure increases the risk of skin cancer. What about these nuggets of wisdom from the American Academy of Dermatology? “Tanning beds are NOT safer than the sun. Science tells us that there’s no such thing as a safe tanning bed, tanning booth, or sun lamp.” Well actually, it’s the FDA that prohibits using the word “safe” pertaining to sunbeds and booths. Regulated as a Class II medical device under 21CFR1040.20, these are cosmetic tanning devices that salons can NOT promote with health/safety claims or benefits.
So, enjoy the sun and sunbeds in moderation and responsibility, with awareness of the risk of overexposure and sunburn.
