Tanorexia

             If you were doing something that increased your chances of getting cancer, don’t you think you’d stop? Unfortunately, this is not the case for many Caucasian women ages 16-29. This age group makes 70% of the tanning salon patrons. According to American Academy of Dermatology, using tanning beds before the age of 35 can significantly increase your chance of getting melanoma, the world’s deadliest skin cancer.

            Unfortunately, over the years, being tan has developed a positive connotation. Many Caucasians will do whatever it takes to be tan, even if that means paying a hefty fee and damaging their skin. WebMD recommends that anyone under the age of 18 should not engage in indoor tanning because of their rapid growth of cells. This puts them at a higher risk for potentially developing skin cancer. I personally think indoor tanning should be banned for all ages. If the legislation was to put a stop to the use of tanning salons, people would learn to not only embraces their natural skin color, but it would also drastically help the health of their skin.

            For people that feel the need to be tan year round, there are ways to get this healthy glow without exposing yourself to damaging UV rays. The beauty industry has spent years developing lotions and sprays that resemble tan. Not only are most of the lotions cheaper than indoor tanning, but also, they will not damage your skin. So next time you go to step into a tanning bed, think to yourselves, is it really worth it?