Tanning not just for women

It is a common sight to see men going in and coming out of tanning salons. Men have become popular cliental. Beth Ryszewski, manager of Sunkissed Tanning, said that her male clientel has risen 15 percent in the last year.

This percentage is astounding because in years past the numbers would only increase by 15 percent over the course of three years. There are many reasons that men are coming in to tanning salons. Whether it is to look tan, clear up acne, treat a skin condition, or even treat depression, the numbers keep increasing.

Ryszewski said that as far as she can tell the most common reason why tanning has become more popular among men is because of the "metro-sexual" trend. A metro-sexual can be described as a man who takes extra care in his appearance.

"The new role models for boys and men are stars like Brad Pitt," Ryszewski said.

But tanning can have other benefits.

"I go tanning once a week to keep my skin clear," said Zach Hayes, Overland Park junior. "I tried everything and nothing worked nearly as well," Hayes said

Acne is the most common skin disease and it effects nearly 17 million people in the United States. Although most doctors advise against sun exposure for treatment of acne, many people have resorted to tanning as the best solution when pills and topical creams do not work.

Hayes also said that he likes the way he looks when he is tan. He said he felt better and it was a way for him and his girlfriend to hang out.

"My girlfriend and I love going tanning together. It is relaxing," Hayes said.

Men and women tan to treat other skin conditions. Keratosis Pilaris is a condition also referred to as "chicken skin". It appears wherever hair grows. Even though this condition is harmless, it still makes people self-conscious. Although tanning does not clear this condition, it does significantly lessen the appearance.

Another skin condition is psoriasis. Seven million Americans suffer from this non-contagious disease. Webmd.com describes it as red, raised areas of skin covered with a flaky white buildup. Though there are medicinal treatments for both of these skin conditions, tanning is sighted as one of the best remedies. According to Webmd.com, ultraviolet light is one of the prescribed treatments for psoriasis.

"We have people come in all the time to tan for treatment purposes and most of these tanners are men," said Ryszewski. She also said that one time a man came in and presented a prescription from his doctor for tanning. It was to treat psoriasis.

Tanning also can treat Seasonal Affective Disorder. The disorder, also known as seasonal depression, occurs when a person grows depressed during the fall and winter months and then becomes happy again during the longer and brighter spring and summer months.

"I went tanning one winter to become un-depressed," said TK Peterson, manager at The Ten restaurant in Lawrence.

Although treatment is a common use for tanning, most men go just to enjoy having a tan.

"Tanning is relaxing and I just like it," Hayes said.

There is no exact reason that can be attributed with the growing number of male tanners, but one thing is for sure: the numbers are growing. "The natural glow is popular again," Ryszewski said.