“Total abstinence is so excellent a thing that it cannot be carried to too great an extent. In my passion for it I even carry it so far as to totally abstain from total abstinence itself.”

— American Author Mark Twain. Twain’s sardonic wit applies to Big Dermatology’s ongoing sun abstinence campaign. Despite all evidence to the contrary, Big Dermatology continues to contend that humans should avoid UV exposure and that vitamin D is best gotten artificially from dietary supplements rather than naturally — from UV exposure to the skin.

Our take: Saying that UV light is harmful and should be avoided is akin to saying that water causes drowning, and therefore humans should avoid all water. It’s a ridiculous and potentially dangerous oversimplification.

Smart Tan’s consumer web site, wwww.TanningTruth.com, is designed to teach your clients and your communities the full truth about UV exposure and tanning. Make sure your clients visit www.TanningTruth.com.