actual blog link- http://blog.healthcareerweb.com/blog/healthy-tan
Blog copied and pasted below:
Is There a Healthy Way to Tan?
Much like Big Tobacco, the tanning industry is using techniques such as discounting the validity of the science behind skin cancer research, questioning the motives of dermatologists and oncologists, even taking aim at the American Cancer Society in order to cast aspersions on anyone critical of tanning beds.
And with more tanning salons in the United States than McDonald’s restaurants, it has never been easier for tanning bed manufacturers, trade publications, and salon chain operators to spread misinformation more quickly than ever.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, there are an average of 42 tanning salons in any given city. In comparison, the nationwide average for Starbucks cafés is 19 and there are an average of 30 McDonald’s in each city in America.
To further its propaganda campaign, the tanning industry has also released a training program called “D-Angel Empowerment Training” that incorporates talking points and a video. Employees are encouraged to use this “information” outside the salon to argue in favor of tanning by claiming it is a good source of vitamin D, and thus “a bulwark against all manner of illness, including breast cancer, heart disease and autism.”
In addition to playing defense with its public image, the tanning industry has also copied some famously successful plays that Big Tobacco has made to undermine scientific research and fund advocacy groups serving the industry’s interests. Proponents of tanning have dubbed its critics the “Sun Scare Industry” and frequently refer to them as such in a disparaging manner.
While accusing the skincare and health experts of benefiting financially from the sale of sunscreens, the tanning industry also blames this group for a supposed “deadly epidemic of vitamin D deficiency.” (Nevermind that you can also get vitamin D from foods and nutritional supplements — more easily and safely than roasting under megawatt tanning bulbs.)
However, studies are now showing that those who eschew the harmful UV rays of a tanning bed might not actually be much better off if they elect a spray-tan option either.
A new study has found a chemical in spray tan that could possibly alter and damage DNA, according to an investigation by ABC News. Ten recent studies on the chemical, called dihydroxyacetone, or DHA, were reviewed by medical experts, however, the studies were only on cells in a lab and not in humans.
“These compounds in some cells could actually promote the development of cancers or malignancies,” Dr. Rey Panettieri, who is a lung specialist and toxicologist at the University of Pennsylvania, told ABC News. “And if that’s the case then we need to be wary of them.”
MyHealthNewsDaily reported that DHA is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for outside use only, meaning it shouldn’t be eaten, inhaled, put on the lips or used near the eyes. However, some tanning booths use spray tan that contains DHA, which has the potential to be inhaled if people aren’t given the right protective gear, ABC News reported.
MY RESPONSE:
I read this because of the headline. I
thought this would be something showing that tanning isn't horrible
death sentence of melanoma and disfigurement. That perhaps it would
be unbiased and tell both sides of the story. You disappointed me and
misinformed your readers. There IS a healthy way of tanning, and I
have experienced it myself. If I didn't have the experience I had, I
would run screaming to the underground world and only come outside at
night after reading this.
I have a few issues with your claims
and misleading information. Let's just start with your “comparison”
of tanning salons and McDonald's.
~And with more tanning salons in the United States than McDonald’s restaurants, it has never been easier for tanning bed manufacturers, trade publications, and salon chain operators to spread misinformation more quickly than ever.~
You are comparing ONE fast food brand
with the ENTIRE tanning industry in a city. How about you compare
fairly? Tanning salons vs. Fast food. Not just McDonald's, include
Burger King, Wendy's, In and Out Burger etc. I think you will find
that tanning salons are not as prominent as you would like to lead
your readers to believe. Come on, compare apples to apples.
~While accusing the skincare and health experts of benefiting financially from the sale of sunscreens, the tanning industry also blames this group for a supposed “deadly epidemic of vitamin D deficiency.” (Nevermind that you can also get vitamin D from foods and nutritional supplements — more easily and safely than roasting under megawatt tanning bulbs.) ~
2 things stand out to me here.
- Vitamin D deficiency is a very real problem and should not be taken so lightly. The vitamin D you can get from foods is very low compared to how much is needed. Take it from someone that had a dangerously low vitamin D level of 11ng/ml. My doctor prescribed 50k IU per week to address my deficiency. That's what doctors do... prescribe pills. Well, I couldn't take my pill at the same time as another daily pill I have to take for my thyroid, so I would consistently forget to take the vitamin D. I started doing research on Vitamin D and found I could get it from nature (sunlight). No wonder I was deficient. I am fair skinned and could not be in the sun for more than 10 minutes without burning. What to do? More research. I decided to try a more controlled environment, tanning salons. I started out VERY conservatively at the advice of the trained salon technician who gave me a survey type test to determine my skin type (I learned I am a fair skin type 2, had I been a skin type 1 I would have been turned away) I tanned for 2 minutes every other day. Working closely with the staff at the salon, I slowly brought up my time in 1 minute increments. I was able to develop a base tan (they exist and are the body’s natural defense against burns as it turns out) more importantly, I brought up my vitamin D level to a 75 ng/ml in just a few months. Let me highlight that particular point. I went from an 11ng/ml level to a 75 ng/ml in just a few months. The key here is to control the UV rays to avoid burning, that is what tanning salons do. I am now able to spend time in the sun with my kids without burning thanks to my tan.
- “Roasting under a megawatt tanning bulbs” is a completely false and misleading comment. Trying to scare your readers into believing that tanning bulbs somehow cook you is very irresponsible. Try cooking something, ANYTHING in a tanning bed. It won't happen. Do your research.
~To further its propaganda campaign, the tanning industry has also released a training program called “D-Angel Empowerment Training” that incorporates talking points and a video. Employees are encouraged to use this “information” outside the salon to argue in favor of tanning by claiming it is a good source of vitamin D, and thus “a bulwark against all manner of illness, including breast cancer, heart disease and autism.” ~
Vitamin D is essential in fighting
disease. More and more studies are showing a link between diseases
and Vitamin D deficiency. Here is just one example.
http://www.foodconsumer.org/newsite/Nutrition/Vitamins/vitamin_d_breast_colon_lung_cancer_0828120653.html
~However, studies are now showing that those who eschew the harmful UV rays of a tanning bed might not actually be much better off if they elect a spray-tan option either.~
You forgot to include in this piece to
point out the harmful effects of chemical sunscreens. Something the
cosmetic industry wants the public to use EVERYDAY no matter what.
What is this stuff doing to our system? Show the whole picture. Here
is just one article on how the mentality of sunscreen everyday no
matter what is dangerous. http://www.ewg.org/analysis/toxicsunscreen
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