What To Consider When You Tan

Alright ladies, we all want to look our best for these upcoming summer months, but we must be aware of the dangers ultraviolet rays can do to our skin. We all know tanning increases our chances of getting skin cancer, but there are a few things many of us don't know about.

Dangers of tanning according to Tanning Booth Dangers:

• Sunburn- UV rays damage your epidermis.  When you get to the point that your skin starts blistering, the risk of you getting melanoma (deadliest skin cancer) doubles. 
• Tan Skin- Having tan skin isn't having healthy skin.  Skin has an SPF of 2-4, but it is recommended that our skin gets no less than 15 SPF.
• Skin cancer-  If you tan in a tanning bed before the age of 30, the risk of getting skin cancer goes up by 75%!  Although this can be treated if caught in an early stage, it isn't worth it!
• Pre-cancer- More than 5 million Americans are diagnosed with Solar Keratoses (form of pre-cancer) which can sometimes turn into full blown cancer.
• Premature aging- By tanning, you're making your skin age quicker than you would otherwise.  "Tan skin is nothing more than skin damage." 
• Eye damage- There is a reason you're required to wear goggles in the tanning bed.  Cataracts can be brought on from the UV exposure.  Other damages to your eyes may include: sunburn on your cornea and cancer around your eyes. 

With that in mind, evaluate whether a bronze, summer look is more important than your health.  Spend the summer months enjoying your friends and family! (NOT fake'n'baking!)