When it comes to discussing the potential risks and benefits of UV light and sunbeds, new evidence suggests the profit-minded dermatology industry is talking out of both sides of its mouth and that the dollor sign matters more to its biggest lobbying groups than any true scientific discussion.

The reason: Dermatology groups still market “safe” UV sunbed sessions in their own offices to treat purely cosmetic skin conditions while simultaneously telling the world that any UV exposure not received in their offices is dangerous.

In other words, they are not acting as scientific guardians, protecting the public from indoor tanning UV expsoure. They are acting as a competitor, promoting UV sunbeds of their own.

I’s an incredible contradiction. And here’s how it breaks down:

When dermatology’s lobbying groups talk about a sunbed in a tanning salon, they find no reason to be objective by acknowledging the full body of research pointing to a balanced benefit-risk portfolio. They put that sunbed in the same risk category as arsenic and tobacco — call it a carcinogen or a killer that has no benefits, should be avoided at all costs and should probably be banned.

But when they’re talking about a sunbed in a dermatologist’s office — a nearly identical piece of equipment used to treat purely cosmetic skin disorders like psoriasis — it’s “one of the oldest and safest treatments for psoriasis” according to the National Psoriasis Foundation, and legislation should be introduced to make it less expensive and more accessible to the 7.5 million Americans with the cosmetic disease.

It’s the same sunbed and the same UV light. But when the dollars flow into dermatology’s pockets, the spin about the safety of their UV gets dizzying.

Click here to read more in the latest issue of Smart Tan Magazine online.

SmartTan.com news articles regularly report medical and scientific information to keep you abreast of current events related to UV light. This information is not intended to be used by any party to make unwarranted health claims to promote sunbed usage. Indoor tanning businesses are obligated to communicate a fair and balanced message to all clients about your products and services including the potential risks associated with indoor tanning. Contact your Smart Tan representative to find out more about what you can and can’t say in your tanning salon business.

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