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.

Tuesday, August 18th, 2009
Tanning News

AUG. 17, 2009 — Smart Tan member Tracey McKone, using material supplied to her by both Smart Tan and the Joint Canadian Tanning Association, authored perhaps the most effective response to date to this month’s false IARC’s report which incorrectly alleged tanning is as dangerous as arsenic or tobacco because UV light has been classified as a carcinogen.

“No research has ever isolated regular, non-burning exposure to sunlight or indoor tanning as a significant risk factor for any skin disorder. The message to the public should be that repeated sunburns could be harmful, and that’s why UV light from any source is classified as a carcinogen,” McKone wrote. “However do not lose sight of the fact that humans, like every living thing on the plant, NEED sunlight to live. Ninety-seven per cent of Canadians are at risk for Vitamin D deficiency because they do not get enough sun. Consider you would have to drink 100 glasses of whole milk to receive the same amount of Vitamin D received from a tan. Exposure to UV light (whether from a tanning bed or sun) is the only true natural way to make vitamin D, It’s called the sunshine vitamin for a reason!”

McKone detailed how the tanning community has helped prevent sunburn and how public health officials who applauded the IARC report had conveniently failed to acknowledge that no study has ever been designed implicating tanning in a non-burning fashion as a risk factor. “It is the industry’s belief that indoor tanning for those that can tan, is the smartest way to maximize the benefits and minimize the risks associated with either too much or to little sunlight,” she wrote. “Finally, consider this hypocrisy: The dermatology community still continues to use indoor tanning equipment in dermatology offices to treat psoriasis and other purely cosmetic disorders — a treatment called “phototherapy.” If what was widely reported last week were actually true, then the dermatology profession would be guilty of that which they accuse indoor tanning facilities: of increasing women’s risk of melanoma in exchange for treating a non-lethal disease, which would violate the “never do harm” provision of a physician’s Hippocratic Oath.”

“Saying that UV exposure is harmful and should be avoided is as wrong as saying that water causes drowning, and therefore we should avoid water.”

Smart Tan and JCTA sent much of the material McKone used in her response to all the groups’ members. “McKone maximized the usage of what she had at her disposal perhaps as effectively as any response I have ever seen,” Smart Tan Vice President Joseph Levy said. “She did an amazing job.”

McKone also successfully attacked the false conclusions many made about the report on an Ontario radio station. Her essay appeared in the Stratford Gazette Aug. 14. To read the entire article 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.