Looking Fit 12/2003: DETERMING WHO SHOULD TAN AND HOW OFTEN

DETERMING WHO SHOULD TAN AND HOW OFTEN

Sunlight is absolutely essential to all life on earth. There are various biological and psychological reasons why exposure to light is desirable. In addition, many people believe they look better with a tan. Thus, having a tan may provide a psychological uplift for some.

Normally, a person tans indoors only as well as he or she is able to tan outdoors. Yet, those fair-skinned people who generally cannot tolerate the uncontrollable rays of the sun often achieve some color when tanning indoors. This can be attributed to a different spectral output as well as carefully timed tanning sessions in a controlled tanning environment. Skin type, heredity and individual photosensitivities determine who will have success tanning indoors. If one burns rather than tanseven with short outdoor exposuresit is unlikely that he or she will be able to achieve a tan indoors. That is why it is important to realize that not all people should try to tan.

All exposure, whether indoors or outdoors, should be gradual and moderate. For the commercial tanning salon operator, it is necessary to determine each customers skin type and that the corresponding recommended exposure schedule be strictly followed. More information on the risks and benefits of UV exposure can be obtained from industry publications, seminars, trade associations and suppliers of indoor tanning equipment.

Currently, Food and Drug Administration guidelines suggest that a 48-hour time interval should pass between individual tanning sessions. Pigmentation and/or erythema (sunburn) may not be fully visible for between 12 to 24 hours. Thus, two tanning sessions within a 24-hour period could cause an unintentional burn. In general, maximum pigmentation can be built up gradually, following the exposure schedule, in eight to 10 tanning sessions.

Should an indoor tanner experience an adverse reaction after tanning, he or she should terminate all exposure until the condition disappears. Only then should one begin tanning again. If the condition does not disappear within a reasonable amount of time, the client should consult a physician.

Each indoor tanner must bear responsibility for his or her own tanning priorities. It is the responsibility of those in the retail business to provide enough information to customers to enable them to make an informed decision. When in doubt, the equipment operator should exercise prudence, caution and good judgment when giving advice on tanning practices.