While vitamin D and sunlight are getting plenty of play in the lay press in 2008, media reports this year are still struggling to identify moderate indoor tanning as a constructive activity.

“The press is still missing the fact that research supports the activity of moderate tanning as the best way, for people who can develop a tan, to maximize the potential benefits of UV exposure while minimizing the risks associated with overexposure to UV,” Smart Tan Vice President Joseph Levy said.

Conspicuously absent from reports alleging that indoor tanning is harmful is the fact that no study to date can isolate the difference between non-burning, regular exposure to UV compared to intermittent overexposure.

Research suggests that sunburn and overexposure are the significant risk factors for skin damage, but not that regular non-burning UV exposure increase risk.

The Sydney Morning Herald and several other news agencies reported this week that indoor tanning was harmful.

“We are attempting to show them that the research protocol on studies does not isolate non-burning UV exposure as a risk factor, and that many groups are profiting from teaching a sun scare message,” Levy said.

For more information visit Smart Tan’s consumer web site, www.TanningTruth.com.