Indoor Tanning Association Promotes Responsible Tanning for Spring Breakers

[Ezliving_Jim]

Indoor Tanning Association Promotes Responsible Tanning for Spring Breakers

March 10th, 2008
Sarah Longwell

WASHINGTON - As spring break approaches The Indoor Tanning Association (ITA) is encouraging beach goers to tan responsibly.

While moderate exposure to UV light is necessary for good health, overexposure to UV light can be a dangerous byproduct of too much time in the sun.

In order for tanners to get all the benefits of UV light, such as Vitamin D, without the negative effects of overexposure, such as sunburn, the ITA recommends knowing the seven following tips:

- Get a base tan. Going to an indoor tanning salon before spending lots of time in the sun enables vacationers to gradually increase their exposure to ultraviolet light without burning.

- Tan moderately. Getting a tan can be healthy, b ut overexposure is not. It is important for tanners to be conscious of how much exposure they are getting.

- Know your skin type. If you are someone who burns easily, take extra caution before spending too much time in the sun. If you visit a tanning salon to get a base tan, be sure to start out spending only a few minutes in a sunbed and gradually work up to longer sessions. Ultraviolet light from a sunbed is just like ultraviolet light from the sun. If you don’t tan outdoors, you will not tan indoors.

- Indoor tanning is safer than outdoor. A good way to minimize the risk of contracting sunburn is to tan indoors where the beds are regulated by the FDA, professional staff can monitor how a particular skin-type responds to UV light, and your body can benefit from an even tan without overexposing any one part.

- Know the effects of medication. Some medicines make certain people’s skin more sensitive to sun and UV exposure. I f you are taking any medications do the necessary research to find out what, if any, side effects they might have on your skin.

- Use Sunscreen. After getting your daily dose of vitamin D, make sure to use the appropriate protection to avoid any risk of overexposure.

- Always Use Eyewear. You should wear protective eyewear any time your eyes are exposed to UV light — indoors or out.

“Everyone loves spring break, but no one loves sunburn,” said Sarah Longwell, Communications Director for the Indoor Tanning Association. “We’re urging vacationers to take the necessary precautions before spending time in the sun. Simple measures like knowing one’s skin type, using eyewear, and getting a base tan can go a long way to protecting people from overexposure. While both UV light from the sun and from a tanning bed is proven to have many health benefits, it’s important to always tan in moderation.”

[sunsally]

This is part of the ITA's decision to put themselves out there as the "Expert" on Tanning.

After all -- who knows about responsible tanning more than us?

I think it is an excellent, proactive, decision to stop letting everyone ELSE tell folks their opinions about tanning! WE are the experts - and we need to stand up and tell people what we know.

Very good step.

[sunsally]

P.S.

Very good article/news release to print out and put up in your salons! As well as to forward to your local papers - see if they pick it up!!

[EliteMike]

Very good article, but I need to be negative on this one. This needed to run in april to be effective. Early March when this article ran is when a large majority of spring breaks take place now

[aimeekat]

So Mike, are you suggesting putting this out AFTER spring break season? I have to go with the ITA's timing on this one.

[EliteMike]

No, it needed to be BEFORE.... what's the point of putting it out if people are already on the beach or even if they only have a week of "responsible" tanning. Timing is off on this one.

OHHH my bad, I said April, I lost track of months. I meant Feb

[solman]

Originally Posted by EliteMike

No, it needed to be BEFORE.... what's the point of putting it out if people are already on the beach or even if they only have a week of "responsible" tanning. Timing is off on this one.

OHHH my bad, I said April, I lost track of months. I meant Feb

Need another vacation Mike?

[Kathe]

I agree that something like this is great but would have been nice to have a month or so ago. Still going to use it as it has good info on it.

Kathe

[totaleclipse]

well as long as it keeps coming .. by this time next year we should be in a better position..

[sunsally]

A month ago was too early. Feb 10 most of the country was still blanketed in snow!

The colleges Spring Break March 1 - March 31 for the most part. The public schools (elem/jr high/high) go March 15 - April 15.

Those who do NOT get to "go away" for a vacation head to their SALONS for an "indoor Spring Break" look.

I think the timing was perfect. THIS is when people are thinking about tanning so THIS is when the article will be "salient" for them to see.

The "catch" is "Spring Break", but the subtle message (that apparently everyone is missing..........) is "tan indoors".


Sheesh - no matter what, it isn't enough........

[EliteMike]

Ann, is there any way to find out what papers, are running these ads?

[sunsally]

Originally Posted by EliteMike

Ann, is there any way to find out what papers, are running these ads?

I won't put it here prior to it running.

As I have stated, this is an open forum that any anti-tanning forces can google and access. It would be way too easy for them to exert influence and get the ad canceled.

When it runs, I'll publish the place and date.

And again - all ITA members will be mailed all of this information directly - the print ad, tv commercial, other support media,......

[EliteMike]

I'm not concerned with the beforehand, but if it ran already. I'm just curious if anything local has caught word