A Letter to the Owner of a Tanning Salon

Attn: Venetian Tans

To Whom this May Concern,

            I am writing to you on behalf of my interest in the long term affects of Artificial Tanning.  In the past few years tanning has become a huge problem in America.  More and more people have begun to tan in the last decade and with that an even higher rise of skin cancer. I was wondering about the precautions you take for health and safety within your salon.  I know when attending your salon I use to be a regular customer, I received no information on the risks of tanning.  Do you inform new customers about what damage tanning can cause to your skin? Below I have constructed a few concerns that have bothered me upon using your salon.

            First, when I entered the room to tan I noticed there were no regular hand towels.  I think all salons should provide them for people who don’t feel comfortable putting their head down on the actual bed.  If you don’t provide a plastic head rest, this is a necessity.  Unless the employee cleans the bed right in front of the customer, there is no way to guarantee 100% cleanliness.  Another thing that I feel should be made bolder are the signs declaring the use of eye protection.  The girls at the front desk just ask if you need it, not require you use it.  If you provided the eye care maybe more people would begin to use it.  I think posting pictures of what damage could be done to your eyes from not using protection would be a smart and active way to get customers to wear them. 

            Second I think that you should have water coolers throughout the salon for before and after tanning sessions.  Not too many people realize how much you sweat while your tanning and being so hot can lead to dehydration.  Consumers pay a lot of money for tanning and the least they could be provided with is water.  This brings me to last point, bulb changing.  The last time I was in the bulbs had been changed and not one employee informed me of this.  I went in the bed for the full time unaware that new bulbs were installed, and completely burned.  For the following the three days I couldn’t wear anything but light, not tight clothing.  When the burning was done, I peeled from my face all the way down the tops of my feet.  I wanted to inform you that this encouraged me to quit tanning all together.  In the future, to prevent loss of customer loyalty, warn your clients of new bulbs. 

            I hope you take into consideration the points I have brought up.  Skin cancer is a very serious issue and since you own a business that induces it you should take all the precautions necessary.  If society chooses to engage in tanning, it is your responsibility to inform them of all the dangers that follow.  Thank you for your Time.

Sincerely,

Ashley Herskowitz

Things you should look for in a Tanning Salon (If choosing to go anyways..)

·         Most importantly look for FDA approval stickers on the walls, beds, or in a letter posted somewhere within the room or salon

Read the mandatory FDA warning label on every tanning machine for important information on potential eye injury, skin cancer, skin aging and photosensitive reaction and proper use. Compliant, protective eyewear must be worn when using any indoor tanning device or system.

·         Cleanliness upon entering the salon i.e.: no towels on the floor, no lotion spills, overflowing garbage, and front desk unattended. 

·         Look for a vast array of lotions.  Lotions prevent burn and can often carry a low SPF against UV rays. In addition, lotions can add moisture to your skin so you don’t get dry skin or peeling 

·         Make sure each bed is in its individual room, unless it’s a stand-up bed.

·         Each Room should come with face towels, a towel to put under your head to keep your head from touching the bed, paper towels and cleaner should also be visible to guarantee the bed has been cleaned.  Having the paper towels and cleaner at hand can also allow the customer to clean the bed themselves if they feel uncomfortable.

·         Each salon MUST encourage eyewear protection if they do not already provide it. (goggles,winkies)

·         Warning signs on the walls of what tanning beds can do.

·         A full explanation by an employee of how the bed works, what to do if it’s too hot, and how to get out early if necessary.

·         What to do if you get burned sign in each room

·         Parental Consent form if under 18 years of age.

·       WARNING IF BULBS HAVE BEEN CHANGED

A Gallery of what UV does to your skin:

This is an example of what a person with sun damage would look like under a black light during dermotologists testing.

       

The face is the most common location for skin cancer.  It deteriorates the pigment as seen above and leaves dark mole like spots on the cancerous area.

More Examples of skin damage.  Your neck and back are also very easy target areas for skin cancer.   If you notice anything on your body like the photos above it is best to be seen immediately before the damage can't be un-done.

The Long Term affects of Artificial Tanning

    

Have you ever wanted to be tan in a season you normally wouldn’t be? Have you ever felt that the way you appeared would be that much better if you were only in your summer skin? Well not only is UV light harmful, but it can ultimately lead to skin cancer and melanoma.  In years before it has become socially acceptable to be tan all year round.  With shows like “Jersey Shore”, being tan has been promoted to a new extreme.  No one really stops to realize the true consequences this fixation can have.  For me, tanning started at a very young age.  When I was thirteen, I began tanning for my middle school graduation.  Struggling with all the pressures of puberty, I felt tanning would be a way to make myself look better.  With consent from my mother I opened the door to something so damaging.  It didn’t end here, throughout high school I tanned regularly from October through April.  Some years it was more than others, but why would I care I had a constant bronzed skin. Like many other body altering diseases, I feel tanning is one of them.  People become so obsessed with the physical aspect of their lives that they start to lose sight of the inside.  The pressure the media and celebrities hold on beauty has ultimately pushed us to the limit.

            In 2007 my step-father was diagnosed with skin cancer.  Though most of it was removed, it was now a lifestyle he would have to take on.  Applying sunscreen, wearing hats, and driving with the sunroof closed were now a part of his daily routine.  This all came as a shock to me, how was I going to continue to tan when a real life cancer victim was under my own roof? This was the first of many wake-up calls I began to experience.  I came to terms with the fact that if I couldn’t love the skin I was given, then there were bigger issues at hand.  I gave up tanning for a few reasons, one being my stepdad but another being for me.  It was time I grew up and faced the harsh reality of tanning.  I decided I didn’t want to look 75 when I’m only 50, and I certainly don’t want pieces of my skin missing from my face in thirty years because of silly decisions I made now.  UV exposure is very dangerous, and whether you take part or know someone who does, there are a few things you should know. Below are a examples of Artificial Tanning and the many aspects that come with it.