Looking Fit 09/2004: The Truth About Tanning

In order to start to debunk the sunburning myth, indoor tanning professionals first must help the indoor tanner understand the difference between a sunburn and a suntan.

A suntan occurs when melanocytes in the epidermis of the skin produce melanin pigment in response to ultraviolet (UV) exposure. Additional levels of UVR then darken melanin. Melanin production takes a bit of time to develop—and that is why most people cannot develop a tan in just one day.

A sunburn is a completely 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 who 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 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 UV 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—latitude and altitude, ground reflection, time of day as well as clouds and haze—that greatly influence the tanning challenges of the outdoors.

Latitude: Ultraviolet intensity at the earth’s surface is related to the angel at which the UV rays pass through the atmosphere. If a person is close to a zero-degree latitude, such as that found in the tropics, solar UVR 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 light 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 UVR. However, other elements such as 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 UVR depends on the height of the sun in the sky. UV intensities are highest between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. UVB intensity varies more with the time of day than does UVA. In summer at noontime, 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 most abundant in cloudless skies. Clouds generally reduce UV intensity, but light or thin clouds have little to no blocking effect, and under certain conditions even can enhance the UV intensity.

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, such as 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 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 staff and customers will help everyone involved 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.