The Concept of A Base Tan

The Concept of A Base Tan

Last month, we reviewed professionalism and education in our industry. This month we focus on the need to develop a base tan and how important this concept should be to your customers.

All of us in the indoor tanning industry should be aware of the fact that we are regulated at a federal level by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA's regulations cover such topics as labeling, exposure schedules, lamp compatibility, timers and health claims. Tanning systems are considered by the FDA to be Class I medical devices because the use of the product causes a structural change in the body. Health-related claims currently are prohibited, as these would constitute the misbranding or mislabeling of a medical device.

Although there is research that points to the positive effects of UV light, (Drs. Holick, Garland, Fleischer, et al), the FDA, as well as the Federal Trade Commission, monitors claims such as "safe," "safer than the sun," "cures psoriasis," "stimulates vitamin D production," etc. False representations regarding medical claims may be forwarded to either of these agencies.

However, we can say that indoor tanning provides a controlled climate in which to obtain a cosmetic tan. Each indoor tanning session is controlled with a timed exposure that correlates to skin type.

The next subject to address is scientific research. There is research that supports a high frequency of skin cancer induced by infrequent, but intense UV exposure. This typically is the type of exposure obtained during the summer months, and generally involves erythema or sunburn. This also is supported by research reports correlating significant amounts of sunburn experiences prior to 18 years of age with skin cancer.

Developing a moderate base tan no doubt will help to avoid sunburn. Of course, there are those that say avoiding UV exposure altogether would be the best thing to do. They contend that keeping out of the sun between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. is the best way to avoid skin cancer. But is this realistic?

There are millions of people who specifically try to tan or spend large amounts of time playing tennis, water skiing, swimming, jogging, golfing and other outdoor activities. What should the message be to them? Is the answer to stop all forms of outdoor recreation between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.? My wife and I have three young boys ages 3, 5 and 7, and it is virtually impossible to keep them inside for 15 minutes, let alone six hours during the day. However, we do use broadband UV sunscreens and baseball hats throughout the day; not just in the peak hours.

The key is to use correct amounts of sunscreen, tan in moderation and avoid sunburn. That should be our message. As individuals, we have choices. Let's provide the public with this direction, not the fastest, quickest, unlimited tanning, etc. types of marketing that seem to permeate our industry. Let them make a prudent choice regarding indoor tanning.

For help in obtaining factual information, the Wolff System FAQ book can be a great start. Please visit our Web site at www.wolffsystem.com or e-mail us at sales@wolffsys.com to obtain a copy.

As we approach the new millennium, we all must do more in providing the correct "message to the masses." A message that does not push the hype or conjecture that at times gets tangled in the marketing of our products and services. Everyone is responsible--from the manufacturing and distribution levels, to the salon owner who directly communicates to the user. Do the right thing; search for the right message and don't assume anything. Start with the concept tanning in moderation and with responsibility if you're not doing so already.

If there is a specific topic that you would like to see reviewed or comments regarding the current one e-mail me at jschuster@wolffsys.com. I look forward to your comments.

Stay tan,
Joe Schuster