Is Natural Sunlight The Same As Indoor Tanning?

Is Natural Sunlight The Same As Indoor Tanning?

Q: “A customers asked me to explain how much time spent in natural sunlight equals how much time spent in a tanning unit. I know they should not tan indoors and outdoors in the same day, but what else do they need to know?”

A: First and foremost, it is essential to avoid tanning indoors and outdoors in the same day because double exposure certainly increases the risk of overexposure and sunburn.

The subject of natural sunlight versus indoor tanning is a bit detailed. For those of us around during the formative years of the indoor tanning industry, it was very common to claim that an indoor tanning session is “like a day at the beach.” Recently, I have even seen comments that “indoor tanning rays are two to six times stronger than standard sunlight” or “there is no difference between ultraviolet exposure from an indoor tanning session or the sun.”

These types of comments only further confuse the distinctions between indoor tanning and sunlight. It is to our benefit to make sure that the public is aware of the differences and ultimately the advantages of indoor tanning.

Let’s start with the term “standard” sunlight. Can anyone explain where standard sunlight comes from? Is it Boston, the Bahamas or Juneau, Alaska? At what time of day and what time of year does it occur? On a cloudy or clear day? At sea level or on a mountain? Are there any pollutants screening the atmosphere at this location? All of these factors will determine just how much UV is coming through the atmosphere to a particular location. Are you sure that there is no difference between the sun and indoor tanning? This is one of the industry’s strongest advantages. Here are some others:

• Indoor tanning sessions are controlled by lamps that emit a precise amount of UVA and UVB. UVB is minimized to permit the stimulation of the melanocytes, yet minimize the risk of burning. UVA is included to oxidize the rising melanocytes, with the result being a cosmetic tan.
• The session itself is controlled by a timing system adapted to an exposure schedule that is adjusted to individual skin type.
• The tanning unit even has a warning label to advise against overexposure. The sun has no such controls.
• There are actually areas of the world where holes in the ozone layer allow amounts of dangerous UVC to penetrate our atmosphere. UVC is filtered and blocked from being delivered to an indoor tanner.

It’s up to indoor tanning professionals to remind the public about the differences in indoor tanning and natural sun exposure. Promote moderate, sensible and responsible tanning indoors and outdoors and you will gain the respect of your customers and be a voice for the industry.