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Press Release

SOURCE: Fabutan Sun Tan Studios

Indoor tanning beds not linked to melanoma shows data of recent dermatology study

The study states that, 190 out of 896 people that had the above mentioned cancers had used a tanning bed. This would amount to roughly 21% of the subjects. Given that industry estimates would show that 20% of people who are able to tan based on ethnic heritage have tanned in a tanning bed you could most likely ask any 896 of any group regardless of if they had skin cancer or not and 190 of them would most likely tell you that they have tanned in a tanning bed.

The researchers who conducted this study are of a dermatological nature. They study skin damage and may have a narrow view on this matter. A photo biologist who would research the effect of UV light on the entire body and not just the skin would offer a much more objective point of view. Health Issues should be viewed holistically and ignoring the holistic issues relating to UV exposure may be irresponsible. Sunlight is crucial for the maintenance of good physical and psychological health. The human race has evolved over millions of years under sunlight. It is only in recent history that we have begun to spend the majority of our time indoors.

Even though dermatologists state that UV exposure is a health risk it should be noted that many dermatologists admittedly treat cosmetic diseases such as psoriasis and acne with UV light (tanning) booths and beds. These treatments are billed to the respective government health care agencies. It has seemed somewhat strange to witness the outcry from the dermatology community about indoor tanning while they continue this practice of cosmetic improvement using UV light. Don't forget that the medical community also includes a group known as cosmetic surgeons who regularly perform surgery for the purposes of cosmetic enhancement.

What is Fabutan's position on tanning?

Our position is simple: Moderate tanning, for individuals who can develop a tan, is the best way to maximize the benefits of UV exposure while minimizing the risks of either too much or too little exposure. This exposure should replicate as much as possible that of outdoor sunlight (a mix of UVA and UVB) as the holistic health benefits of this type of exposure are well proven throughout history. We feel the public debate on this issue has completely lost the perspective that UV Light may be good for us, and that the risks of avoiding sunshine as a rule over the course of one's life are greater than any risk associated with moderate exposure.

Consider the following quote from Dr. Holick of Boston University;

"Since some exposure to sunlight is beneficial to your health, it is reasonable that if you wish to be exposed to sunlight, that you can do so with relative safety if you make sure that you do not receive a sunburn."

Dr. Michael F. Holick - Research dermatologist and photo biologist, Boston University School of Medicine

For further information

Carolyn Hackenburg, Director of Marketing, (403) 640-2100