Don Smith

FYI For Ask Don's Army Members:

In 1877 Downes and Blunt discovered te dramatic ability of sunlight (UVR) to destroy bacteria.

In 2002 FDA has approved products (systems) to treat moderate inflamatory acne (the most common form) with UVR to destroy the bacteria that causes it.

There are approximately 11 million USA TEENAGERS have acne and would be prime candidates for light therapy.

Keep in mind that 30% of all visits to dermatologists are for acne-related causes and that more than $1.4 billion is spent on acne medications (prescription and over-the-counter) and treatments.

I did a little research and found that the system approved by FDA utilizes the UVR wavelengths between 290 nm - 330 nm (UVB) and 330 nm and 380 nm (UVA) in two separate, switchable modes.

So, you are asking, what is the difference between the "approved" system for treating teenaged acne than the irradiance dose provided by a tanning bed? The difference is that the approved system (1) must be used under the supervision of a dermatologist (although it will probably be a nurse or technologist who actually does the treatment), (2) it delivers a dose to a localized 3/4 inch square area of the skin (thus, irradiating only the "zits"), and, (3) it can be "switched" between the UVB and UVA "modes" by the operator (to do otherwise and use "full spectrum" UVR would be tantamount to admitting that a tanning bed would work as well).

It is interesting that this newly approved system claims to have "no known side effects" and that patients can return to normal activities immediately after each treatment.

BTW, the cost for each treatment will be between $50 and $100 and a "course of therapy" will be 8 visits over a period of 4 weeks (2 per week). If you do the math, you will find that means "revenue" to the dermatologist of $400 to $800 per patient!

For each 1 million clients who utilize this system, that is $400 million to $800 million in revenue to dermatologists! Do you now see why it was so important for them to wage their war against us this past year regarding letting teenagers tan? And, sadly, they "duped" several states into adopting regulations that will make them more money!

Now, you are probably asking yourself some questions right about now.

Q-1. What can this system do that tanning twice per week in a tanning bed for 4 weeks at a fraction of the cost can't do?

A-1. Probably nothing but remember that we are prohibited from making ANY medical claim EVEN IF IT IS BASED UPON SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE.

Q-2. Why is it OK for dermatologists to subject teenagers to UVR when they criticize us for letting teenagers tan?

A-2. Because, IMHO, they have waged their war on us about letting teenagers tan because they knew FULL WELL that these systems were about to be approved and the last thing they want is for teenagers to be able to "self medicate" by tanning in a tanning bed and costing them income! The dermatologists are, once again, talking out of both sides of their mouth.

Tanning salons using UVR are "bad" but their acne treatment system using UVR is "good" according to the "wisdom" of the dermatology community! What a bunch of money-grubbing hypocrites.

The "bottom line" to keep in mind (as you "gag" over the abject hyprocrisy of the dermatology community) is that this is JUST ONE MORE example of the beneficial effects of sensible, moderate and responsible exposure to UVR.

OUR DAY WILL COME!

I'll write an article that will be published in the TanTalk magazine section regarding this subject that you can copy and give out to your clients.

Don "Who Keeps YOU Informed" Smith



[ This Message was edited by: Don Smith on 2002-08-20 11:07 ]

BooBop

Thanks Don, I will be printing it.

I gotta get my ink jets filled and ready to go. I am going to make lots of copies of the Magazine articles.

Beginning to fight with my own Ad Campaign.

solarmeter

There's also a blue light treatment all over CNBC and the stock market sites today. Company is from Israel: LUME on Nasdaq.. up 50% today!

Don Smith

Steve:

That is the ClearLight system being marketed by Lumenis - an Israeli company - that was also just approved by FDA.

It utilizes visible wavelengths between 405 nm and 420 nm. Once again, these same wavelengths are found in tanning beds.

The treatment area (the area irradiated)in this system is 30 by 30 cm2.

Don

fungirlz

That is why I have been so out spoken Don on "US" as owners knowing Skin.. Continuing our education and being "professional"..

Most "professionals" need continuing education each and every year to keep their license active... Not the tanning business.. (shaking my head slowly and shrugging)..

There are sooooo many benefits to what we do with our machines... Can the average ( I said average) salon owner tell you why a certain number of minutes "may" benefit a "condition". Can the average owner tell you "NO" you do not qualify for one of our machines...and turn someone away or recommed another alternative for the guest to "help" them reach their goal...??
I go around and visit quite a few salons.. and from what I see and hear out in the average place.. is not real good/ infact some of what I see and hear is mind blowing...

I am not telling you anything you don't all ready know.. Go visit 6 salons in your area and come back with a report.. ( you will be shocked!!)
I am saying we must make some very serious changes if we are to continue to move forward!
We need to raise the standard of training for certification.. We need to become more professional more aware and more knowledgeable in our profession regarding what we do and SAY in our facilities... or we as an industry as a whole can not and will not survive the coming years..

C

Gene

Treating acne with UV light used to be a common therapy. I had several treatments myself when I was a teenager. I remember the eyewear as being clunky "goggles." Treatment length was maybe 5 minutes.

This form of treatment went by the wayside as drugs gradually replaced more natural therapies. These acne medications (Retin A) make big bucks for the drug companies and conveniently allow the derms to demonize tanning with a clear conscience.

BTW, my family MD took over his father's practice many years ago and has never changed a thing. There in room 4 is an ancient UVA facial machine. I've got to ask him if he uses it in his practice.

solarmeter

Hey Gene - next time you're near room 4, bring meters and see what it puts out. It may not be UVA - maybe high B. My dad "blames" one of those things he got irradiated with when young for several NMSC's he's had removed.

Neon Beach

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tennessee lee

they trying to take our stuff!