Battling The Sunburning Myth
It never fails. As I travel around the country conducting indoor tanning staff certification, the same question pops up, "Why do my indoor tanners think they have to sunburn before they tan?"
This myth unfortunately is ingrained into many tanners' minds; however, with education from indoor tanning staff, this may be one tanning myth we eventually can overcome.
First Things First
A suntan occurs when the melanocytes in the epidermis of the skin produce melanin pigment in response to ultraviolet (UV) exposure. Melanin then is darkened by additional levels of UV. Melanin production takes a bit of time to develop--that is why most people cannot develop a tan in just one day.
A sunburn is a totally different process. A sunburn results when the amount of UV exposure exceeds the body's natural tanning capability, sending an increase in blood flow to the affected skin in an attempt to repair the damage. In extreme cases, or with individuals that are extremely sensitive to UV, sunburn can occur in less than 15 minutes.
Unlike a thermal burn, sunburn is not immediately apparent. By the time the skin starts to become painful and red, the damage has been done. In severe sunburns, blistering of the skin may occur; edema of the skin--especially in the legs--is common.
The Great Outdoors?
The primary reason most tanners believe sunburning is the initial step in the tanning process is mainly the fault of the uncontrolled elements of the sun. Since the sun is the major source of ultraviolet exposure for most people, it is the sunburning results of this source that have clouded the minds of tanning customers.
Outdoor tanning and sunburns have gone hand-in-hand since the beginning of time. And, it's the uncontrollable elements such as latitude and altitude, ground reflection, time of day, clouds and haze that greatly influence the tanning challenges of the outdoors.
Latitude
Ultraviolet intensity at the earth's surface is related to the angle at
which the UV rays pass through the atmosphere. If a person is close to a
0-degree latitude, like that found in the tropics, solar UV will be more intense
because it has less distance to travel through the atmosphere to reach the
earth's surface.
Altitude
The higher the altitude, the higher the UV intensity. This is because at
higher altitudes there is less atmosphere to absorb UV rays, thus, allowing for
more UV to reach higher altitude locations.
Ground Reflection
The reflective properties of the ground can have a dramatic effect on
outdoor tanners. Most natural surfaces such as grass, soil and water reflect
less than 10 percent of incident UV. However, other elements like fresh snow can
increase UV intensity by as much as 80 percent. Sand also can increase UV
intensity by 10 percent to 25 percent.
Time Of Day
The intensity of solar UV depends on the height of the sun in the sky. UV
intensities are highest in the four-hour period around noon (or 10 a.m. to 2
p.m.). UVB intensity varies more with the time of day than does UVA. In summer
at noon, the intensity of UVB can be as much as two to four times higher than
during off hours.
Clouds And Haze
Typically, UV rays are highest under cloudless skies. Clouds generally
reduce UV intensity, but light or thin clouds have little to no effect and under
certain conditions can even enhance the UV intensity. Hazy days usually have
higher amounts of water vapor, causing UV to scatter in the atmosphere and
creating a higher intensity of UV.
Indoor Tanning Salons Offer Control
After reviewing all the elements that influence the tanning and burning potential of the sun, an indoor tanning professional should educate tanners as to the controllable factors of indoor tanning. In addition to in-store policies that promote the tanning process, like proper skincare and indoor tanning lotion use, tanning salon staff also should reinforce the "control factor" by explaining federally mandated regulations.
Indoor tanning consumers will find comfort in understanding federal guidelines that enhance the control and usefulness of tanning products found in professional tanning facilities. The current Performance Standards For Sunlamp Products have been in place since Sept. 8, 1986, and cover many areas including the following:
- User position in the booth
- Timer error
- Protective eyewear
- Temperature control
- Electrical safety
- Mechanical construction
- Protection from lamps
- Access and support
- The tanning process
Reviewing these regulations, local rules and salon policies with your staff and customers will help them become more aware of the strict control offered by professionally-operated indoor tanning salons. This control often means the difference between a painful sunburn and a beautiful golden tan.
