Overexposure to UV from sunlight or from a sunbed means something different for a fair-skinned red-head than it does for someone of southern European or African descent. It’s not one-size-fits-all.
Professional indoor tanning facilities today are teaching a balanced message that overexposure is to be avoided and that non-burning exposure – for those who can develop a suntan – is the standard. ASA encourages sunbed salon patrons to visit professional sunbed facilities that are fully trained to deliver the most positive experience for all clients. Trained operators carefully evaluate each client for skin type, UV history, and more. In fact, professional salons that operate under ASA guidelines direct the fairest-skinned consumers (skin type 1) to use non-UV spray tanning and are not allowed to use UV equipment. Consumers at these salons are presented with material outlining the potential risks of UV light, protective eyewear for UV tanning, and safety procedures for both UV and non-UV spray tanning.