AUGUST 11, 2009 — “There is no compelling evidence that sun tan parlors have induced a single melanoma.” — Master Dermatologist Dr. Bernard Ackerman, who wrote two books condemning the dermatology community for failing to disclose that there still is not any data showing that tanning in a non-burning fashion is a risk factor for melanoma.

Ackerman’s comments appeared in a Dermatology Times article in which American Academy of Dermatology spokesperson Dr. James Spencer admitted that there is no direct experimental data connecting indoor tanning and melanoma and that the dermatology community is “dependent on epidemiological studies for the data.” In fact, 18 of 22 epidemiologic studies ever conducted on indoor tanning and melanoma show no statistically significant connection, including the largest and most recent study.

Ackerman’s books and how the tanning community can correctly embrace their findings will be the subject of a workshop at Smart Tan Downtown, Smart Tan’s 14th Annual Convention and Trade Show Oct. 9-11 in Downtown Nashville. Smart Tan Vice President Joseph Levy will lead the workshop. For full convention information and registration, click here or call Smart Tan at 800-652-3269 or 866-795-3755 in Canada.

The American Association of Retired Persons printed an article written by Dr. Colleen Pierre in its September/October magazine entitled, “The Sunshine Vitamin: Are You Getting Enough?”

“Ironically, just as researchers are discovering the added importance of vitamin D, Americans are getting less and less of it,” Pierre wrote. “Average blood levels of the vitamin declined between 1994 and 2004, report University of Colorado researchers, in part because we’ve been told to cover up to avoid skin cancer. Those over age 50 may be particularly susceptible to vitamin D deficiency because our skin’s ability to produce the vitamin declines as we age, as does our kidneys’ ability to convert vitamin D into its active form.”

Pierre pointed out that some doctors now suggest 10-15 minutes of sun a few times a week and included a table in the article from Vitamin D expert Dr. Michael Holick showing that sun exposure is by far the most abundant source of vitamin D.

To read the AARP story click here.

Friday, May 29th, 2009
Conference Event Hightlights, Headline Story

Indoor tanning is on the cusp of its next boom, and the smartest tanning business owners will be positioned to be a part of it. Making sure you’re one of them is what Smart Tan’s 14^th Annual Convention and Trade Show — Smart Tan Downtown — is all about.

Consider: Tanning boomed in the mid-1980s — growing from fad to acceptance as one of North America’s fastest growing industries. And it boomed again in the late 1990s — bolstered by a new generation of owners and the advent of professional salon products and equipment. And it stands to boom again in 2010 and beyond — driven by the fourth generation of salon ownership, truly innovative and professional salon practices and, most importantly, a huge science-driven correction in the public perception of regular UV exposure.

Will you be prepared to drive and take part in that next step in our market’s evolution — in your salon’s evolution? We want to help you, and we’ve made attending your 14^th Annual Smart Tan Convention and Trade Show easier than ever.

• $99 hotel rooms in the four-star Downtown Nashville Renaissance Hotel.
• $99 full convention and trade show admission.

REGISTER NOW! Join us for an event designed to take the tanning community — and its salon leaders — to the next step in our market’s evolution: Smart Tan Downtown.