Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, June 11, 1993 TAG: 9306110354
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A-14 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
If the reporter had taken time to question me, I could have told her that we always ask new customers if they are on medication, then check our list to see if it is photosensitive. If it is, we do not allow the customer to tan until he or she is no longer on medication.
We explain the importance of using goggles and also have a sign in each tanning room reminding customers to use them. We never allow a new customer to tan the full exposure time the first visit. We gradually build up the time so the customer will not burn, and we never go over the recommended exposure time for our tanning beds.
We never tell customers that indoor tanning is safer than outdoor tanning. We tell them that the UV exposure is the same in both situations.
We encourage customers to use lotions to keep their skin moisturized. But we also warn them that some lotions can damage the acrylics in our beds, and tell them to use only those made for indoor tanning.
I disagree with the comment of a dermatologist, Dr. Gary Gross, that "year-round tanning-bed folks are ones who blast themselves (with UV exposure) during summer." The majority of my customers are full-time employees who do not have the luxury of sunbathing in their spare time. They want a healthy looking tan so they use our facilities. They do not necessarily "blast themselves with UV exposure."
I thought that the indoor-tanning industry was finally going to be represented in this newspaper in a positive manner. I was sadly mistaken. There are responsible tanning-salon owners. The customer just has to ask questions and seek us out. PAT CONNER The Sun Station SALEM
by CNB