iliotherapeftria

This post is definitely NOT an attempt to reopen the subject on "whitening" salons, but I came online a little late to add my two cents worth. So my little memo will not even touch the comments from the last thread. I hope some of you will acknowledge the importance of what I'm noting below. Or maybe all the tanning pros in this forum are in it for vanity and don't realize the health benefits of tanning. Let me explain below:

From my point of view, the "glow" attained from tanning is quite desireable and all good - regardless of your constitutive pigmentation. The true benefit from tanning though is HEALTH!!! (and I'm talking moderate tanning of course).

People of African decent should be educated by us tanning professionals that they need to be exposed to more sunlight than the fairer skinned folks. Their dark skin acts as a sunblock, which means they can't get enough sun in the winter (particularly in Northern countries), resulting in Vitamin D deficiency. We could be helping so many people prevent various types of cancer that result from lack of Vitamin D! And let's not forget prevention of Osteoporosis!

My confidence in this industry would truly rise if I saw more posts relating to the health benefits of tanning rather than the money making potential of spray tanning.

Sherin

I have also read that exposure to UV light stimulates the imune system making it beneficial to fighting diseases.

iliotherapeftria

Big time! I have customers that come tanning year round mainly because of their immune system "boost". They swear that since they started tanning they don't get colds anymore!

tanu01

Your not reopening anything, This what I meant by important things to discuss.You are fairly new here and took a negative and turn it into a positive. Thank you. At times we need insight from newer members.
Bob

TINYe

But, we all know we can't say anything good about tanning.....So what is the point. I am not trying to be rude, but really. I doubt that we will ever be able to mention the "pros" of tanning.

Sherin

Customers are more educated than we give them credit for sometimes...
I have them come in and tell me why they are tanning (for some of the above reasons) and I smile in acknowledgement and say: Yes, I know, But I'm not allowed to tell you that as it involves a medical opinion.
My point is that without knowing the positive things as well as the negative, we would never know or even acknowledge that what our customers are saying as true. Knowledge is powerful stuff. I do not profess any positives, but I do debate the negatives! (You have to know both to do this effectively)
Which in a way relates to the post Tanu01 is referring to.
IMHO, whenever anyone is singled out because of race, creed, sex, religion, age or skin color for any reason, (our government is the biggest offender of this) it is descrimination.
If I seek out someone because they are male or Jewish for instance, and if it is in the spirit of friendship, knowledge and is in a positive light with no offence to anyone, it is then for the betterment of all.

mach5

I have customers who tan b/c it helps their winter depression or acne. Hey people can get vitamin D from milk to. Convincing black people to tan for vitamin D is a stretch, although I do have black body builders who tan. [ This Message was edited by: mach5 on 2004-12-21 23:48 ]

Ezliving_Jim

http://www.sunarc.org/
http://www.ptaf.org/
http://www.cholecalciferol-council.com/
http://www.healthresearchforum.org.uk/sunlight.html
http://ptaf.org/New%20Scientist%20Article.pdf

alwaztan

Good Topic! I agree, the benefits of indoor tanning are tremendous, physically and mentally. But Vitamin D can be received from many different sources, with proper diet of course. The problem is that the majority of people, myself included do not want to embrace a dieted lifestyle. I have gained 10 pounds in the last 6 months...stresss you know!!! But when I eat properly, exercise and drink water I loose 1-3 pounds per day until I plateau then 1-3 lbs per week. This reduces my chances of cancer, high blood pressure, diabeties and a host of other diseases which run in my family. Our bodies are like cars, if you abuse them long enough they will eventually break down. Some of us have Mercedes, some Hondas and some Yugos but if you abuse them they will all break down at some time or another. I think the total health aspect is the most important issue and the tanning benefits are a wonderful addition to that.
As far as educating or convincing the great majority of Black people to tan for "HEALTH", I don't think would fly. Here is why! My understanding is that it does not take alot of UV exposure to boost Vitamin D and stimulate the immune system. The skin type five and six, dark skinned people, have skin designed to prevent damage to their skin. Darker skin is not necessarily a block but more of a filter. That does not mean that they do not get enough sunlight in a day or week to boost their levels.

However, most African Americans do suffer from many diseases and deficiencies because of very poor eating habits which have been passed down. We can educate everyone on these!! Trust me I get it weekly from a Doctor Mom and an Athlete/Health Nut Wife!!!