Who Uses Tanning Beds?
When tanning beds first hit the markets, the sole purpose of
this technology, to provide indoor tanning, is simply cosmetic
in nature. Obtaining a gorgeous dark olive skin seemed trivial
and the tanning bed is less grand compared to other
technological inventions. Thus, the primary users of tanning
beds are young women who only wanted a tan to show off to their
friends.
Further studies, however, showed that tanning beds are not only
useful for darkening the skin. The ultraviolet radiation emitted
by the tanning bed lamps has been found to enforce vitamin D
production in the human skin in the same way that the direct
exposure to sun's rays can. Vitamin D is a major substance
needed to strengthen the bones and to prevent diseases. Thus, it
can be said that the responsible use of tanning beds can
contribute to the overall health of a person.
With these studies, the profile of tanning bed users begins to
change dramatically. Instead of being purely composed of young
women, the profile of tanning bed users now has men and older
adults. And this was shown in the study conducted by a group of
researchers led by Dr. Michael Strepp. The results of this 2004
study were compared to the results of the last 1996 survey.
In the 1996 survey, almost all users of tanning beds are
college-age women. But in the most recent market research, about
30% of tanning bed users are now composed of men. A similar
survey of Canadian tanning salons showed a comparable data. That
is, 25% of all patrons of 160 Canadian tanning salons are male.
The percentages are expected to increase since the tanning
salons now are built separate from hair and beauty salons. Men
will be more comfortable entering tanning salons.
An interesting data came out of the survey regarding male users.
One tanning salon reported that though 27% of its clientele are
male, 40% of its profits come from the male customers. This is
because men use the tanning beds more often than women.
The recent market study also showed that older people are now
using tanning beds. That is 70% of all surveyed tanning bed
users are aged older than 25. And in New York, men over the age
of 40 are beginning to use tanning beds. There are even senior
citizens who now enter tanning salons.
As the health benefits of using tanning beds become more
popular, more men and more older adults are going to utilize
this indoor tanning technology. These new wave of users are
responsible and health-conscious people intent on using a proven
technology.