"Do you think that indoor tanning will continue to prosper?"

"Do you think that indoor tanning will continue to prosper?"

"I just got back from the trade show in Las Vegas and have been thinking about getting involved in the indoor tanning industry with a tanning salon; however, I keep reading warnings in the paper regarding the negative aspects of tanning. Do you think that indoor tanning will continue to prosper?"

That's a great question. For my sake, and thousands of others, I certainly hope so! There certainly was excitement at the show, as well as an excellent turnout. This bodes well for the indoor tanning industry. Our industry has been around since the late '70s, found its boom years in the '80s, became a way of life for many in the '90s and continues as a highly viable and profitable business opportunity in the new millennium.

This growth has been achieved despite overwhelming negative media reports that have surrounded our industry. In 1995, the American Medical Association passed a resolution to ban the interstate commerce of indoor tanning equipment, and the American Association of Dermatologists continues to voice the opinion of sun abstinence between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., while others in the medical community promote the so-called "epidemic rise" in the amount of skin cancers. But, is the message of total sun avoidance a prudent one or one that we can all abide by? I think not!

Let me tell you why. Roughly 10 percent of the U.S. population enjoys tanning either indoors, outdoors or both. That's right, almost 30 million people. This amount does not include those that receive a tan without trying. Gardeners, landscapers, highway workers, golfers, tennis players, fisherman and others all can receive a tan without working at it. New research points out that those with a year-round tan and photoprotection actually have a lower rate of skin cancer than those with intermittent sun exposure.

What about sun abstinence? Certainly, this would help avoid potential sunburn; however, it is hardly reality. How would people go about this? Would we all shelter ourselves with umbrellas? Would we stay inside during those hours? How would we keep our children from going outside? One could envision a new generation of "couch potatoes" sitting around playing computer games. Current studies indicate a problem with adolescent obesity. Imagine if none of our children exercised outdoors.

Now, what about this epidemic rise in skin cancer? One thing that seems to be omitted in these articles is the radical advancements in the scientific methods of observation. How did those in the medical profession observe skin cancer in 1905? 1920? 1930? 1940? I would imagine that there have been advancements since just last year. With these advancements, certainly lies the potential for increase. The microscopic mole that may have been overlooked a few years ago now may show up as a "potential" skin cancer that could be suggested to be removed.

Is indoor tanning safer than the sun? This is probably the most frequently asked question regarding our industry. Unfortunately, there have been those that argue that point and claim that it is. As mentioned earlier, the FDA forbids medical claims regarding indoor tanning equipment, and the Federal Trade Commission monitors these types of claims.

However, this is what can be said: Indoor tanning provides a controlled environment to obtain a cosmetic tan. That is what we do. Providing the control for people that decide to tan, to do so in moderation and responsibly. Do people feel better with a tan? Do they have better self-esteem? Let me ask you this: Do people leave a salon following a session and claim that they feel rotten?

So where does this leave us? It leaves us with an industry that still suffers from growing pains, but nonetheless, one that has been and will continue to be profitable as long as we seek to cure the pains. Some can be cured immediately. I have said this many times and I will say it again: "Education is the key." It is critical to the continued development of our industry. If you own and/or operate a salon, you owe it to your patrons and the entire industry to receive accredited industry training. Make it happen.

Let me know what you think. If you have comments on this or any previous column, email to me at jschuster@wolffsys.com. Also, for further information visit the Wolff System Technology Web site www.wolffsystem.com.

Stay Tan!
Joe Schuster