Wanting a rich, deep tan?  Frequenting a tanning salon?. . . Please don’t.  May has been designated Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month.  So, let’s celebrate our natural skin color, whatever color it is.

American Academy of Dermatology did an online study of 3800 (adolescent through mid 20s)  females.  The results are shocking!

81% of respondents had tanned outdoors “frequently or occasionally” in the past year.  32% used a tanning bed in the past year, while 25% reported using a tanning bed at least weekly. 

The SAFE alternative to UV-exposure, a “spray tan,” was NOT used by  86% of said respondents in the past year.  The 18- to 22 year-old female crowd is nearly twice as likely (40%)  to use indoor tanning beds as compared to 14- to 17- year olds (22%).   Cost?  Transportation issues?

There are more tanning salons than Starbucks or McDonalds.  In a recent survey in 116 U. S. cities, on average there are 42 tanning salons per city. 

Teens and early adults may not appreciate the consequences of the cumulative sun exposure.  Nearly 75% of skin cancer deaths are from melanoma with rates rising for the last 30 years.

The World Health Organization declared UV radiation from the sun and artificial light sources a known carcinogen (cancer-causing agent) and called for prohibiting minors from indoor tanning. 30 + states either prohibit or require parental consent for minors who want to use indoor tanning devices.

So, consider stopping the “fake bake,”  instead buy sunscreen, embrace your natural skin color, and see your doctor for  a skin check.

Hope this helps.