Source: Smart Tan News

NOV. 16, 2009 — Cosmopolitan magazine — attempting to convince its readers to stay away from tanning salons — published a list in its December issue of what it claims are five myths about indoor tanning, but in the process lied about the full scope of UV and vitamin D research.

"Cosmo has always had the opinion, biased by more than $1 million an issue in anti-sun related advertising, that people should avoid UV exposure and tanning," Smart Tan Vice President Joseph Levy said. "But what they published in December crossed the line. To make their case, they’re misrepresenting fact now in addition to ignoring confounding information. That transcends bad journalism into what honestly could be considered libelous defamation."

The magazine claimed the following statements are "myths":

• Indoor tanning is not strongly linked to melanoma.
• Indoor tanning is an excellent source of vitamin D.
• A base tan will protect you from sun damage when you go outside.
• Tanning beds are safer than the sun since you control the UV level.
• Indoor tanning offers positive psychological benefits.

"Every one of those five points is not a myth, and science — not opinion — backs up the case for indoor tanning,” Levy said. "Of course, Cosmo did not report any of that.” The Cosmo story is part of a package the magazine did with ABC News "20/20” news magazine program which will allegedly air in December. That story sent undercover reporters into tanning facilities.

Smart Tan will send an advisory on the Cosmo story to members in an e-mail by Tuesday.