In the wake of negative press
05.15.06

It’s been a common theme for years – the anti-tanning lobby lashes out every spring and summer, preaching total sun avoidance and making far-fetched claims about UV light. This year has been different somewhat, the negative vigor still there but with a tinge of desperation behind it all. Why is the anti-tanning industry grasping at straws and what should you do about it?

One thing to think about is the political, money-driven aspect of the anti-tanning campaign. If you notice, most beauty magazines shamelessly plug their own advertisers when promoting sunless tanning products and sunscreen. They appear on national television bashing the tanning industry, then prop these same products in front of them. They place hot links on their Web sites sending more business to their advertisers. The common theme is money, and the anti-tanning lobby has found that it’s much easier to throw around false interpretations, ungrounded claims, and mischaracterizations about UV light, than it is to report the truth about tanning.

As a salon owner, it’s important to recognize these stabs and handle them responsibly. Localize the problem and address it within your own salon and community, and address it with education. Reinforce the truth about tanning and encourage conversations with your staff and clients about the benefits and risks of tanning. Make sure your salon has the tools to do all of this, and keep Smart Tan on hand to help you with these issues.

Smart Tan understands your need to know what’s going on in the news within and beyond our industry. They keep on top of the latest research and news, inform you about it, and then advise you how to best handle each particular situation. It’s the kind of support everyone needs, especially in the wake of negative press. Simply call Smart Tan at 800-652-3269 and ask how they can help your salon to combat negativity and how to stay on top of the latest happenings that affect your business.

The International Smart Tan Network is the international educational institute for indoor tanning salons, dedicated to educating indoor tanning professionals and the millions of customers they serve and committed to researching and promoting the responsible, life-long skin-care regimen of moderate sun tanning. They can be reached at 800-652-3269 or on the Web at www.SmartTan.com