Tanning is the new smoking
Fashion needs risk takers. If somebody hadn’t dared to wear the first bikini we’d all still be treading the proverbial waters in our woolen swimsuits.
The trouble is some fashions have serious consequences. And we don’t just mean photographic evidence of that micro mini fiasco coming back to haunt you on Facebook. We’re talking permanent damage. We’re talking suntans.
Getting a suntan is like getting a tattoo that doesn’t appear for 20 years, and when it does, it’s really, really ugly.
That’s why some 20 states have legislation pending, according to DermaNetwork.org, to restrict minors from partaking in the artificial shake-and-bakes. Most sun damage is done before the age of 18. Tanning beds provide about three times more damaging UVA rays than the sun. The use of tanning beds before age 18 significantly increases the risk of malignant melanoma.
This isn’t rocket science. It’s not even bottle rocket science.
Studies by the Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers, & Prevention, warnings from the American Academy of Dermatology and articles in journals such as Pediatrics and Photochemistry and Photobiology suggest tanning beds are not a good idea.
In fact, tanning beds are like cigarettes for the skin.
But that cool girl in your English class with the fabulous bronze legs says all you need is a little base tan to prevent injury.
This is a bit like saying “To prevent getting a big cavity, eat a little bit of sugar every day.”
That’s not the way it works, Gumby.
Still, many people loathe their white skin. They look in the mirror and see the wane pale of dough bread, fish bellies and the terminally nerdy. But it’s just a phase. In the 1700s, people longed for lilywhite skin. To get the look they used led-based face powders. Turns out that wasn’t such a good idea either.
Personally, I don’t know why we all just can’t love the skin we’re in.
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Quenntis Ashby says:
So true!
I think people see a bronzed skin as signs of an active outdoor lifestyle. It's simply not true. Take care of your body's biggest organ. More and more people are getting cancer that could be prevented at the skinburn stage! I shower and moisturize daily, and I'm a guy! More people need to take better care of their skin! Beauty is skin deep, no need for cancer to be the same! Thanks.
Vivian McInerny says:
Quenttis
People with the kind of deep, dark, suntan they've obviously worked to achieve simply look creepy to me.
Of course, they probably think I look sick.
Ah well.
Quenntis Ashby says:
Looks deceive!
Whenever I see people with really dark tans, I always wonder what they'd look like naked. Hahaha! Tan lines. Tan lines! What would you say to such a zebra? "Oh gosh! So THAT's your real skin color? Wow!"
Vivian McInerny says:
What to say to a naked tan person
"Are you happy to see me, or is that a very unusual white bikini you're wearing?
Quenntis Ashby says:
Hahaha
"Why yes, this is an unusual white bikini. You wanna give me hand with it? Or do you want to just stand there with a cigarette in your shorts? Smoke it or lose it! Smoke it or lose it, baby!"
India Nicholas says:
Sun in Oregon? Nah.
YES YES, SPF is a necessity when it comes to outdoor time. But come on now, aren't you from Portland, Oregon? How much sun could you really be concerned with?
Vivian McInerny says:
Oregon sun
True, Portland is usually cloudy. But cloud cover alone doesn't fully protect from damaging rays.
I sound like a Mole Person, I know.
But, honestly, once you really look at the damage sun can do, a tan doesn't look healthy or chic or outdoorsy.
I know people who still go to tanning beds with their teen daughters in tow. To me, that's like teaching your kid to smoke. Sure, it's legal, but why would you want to do it?