To All the Tanners Out There:
Seriously, what are you thinking? I genuinely want to know. If you still indulge in tanning, can you articulate the reason behind willingly risking your skin for various forms of skin cancer? Forget the wrinkles and leathery skin for a moment. What makes a bronzed glow seem more appealing than clear, scar-free skin that hasn’t endured a barrage of biopsies and surgeries?
Still waiting for an answer?
Allow me to unpack this for you. You might have skin that tans easily, and you think you’re safe because you rarely burn. Am I right? You might believe that skin cancer only affects those with fair skin or red hair. But the truth is, anyone can develop skin cancer. Yes, you, your son, your niece, the lady at church who sings a bit too loudly, and even your dad’s boss. Skin cancer doesn’t discriminate. Your skin is just as susceptible to melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, or basal cell carcinoma as anyone else’s.
You may have a misconception that skin cancer isn’t “real” cancer. We all have that friend (or maybe it’s you) who brushes it off by saying, “It’s just skin cancer.” But let me set the record straight: it’s cancer. Period.
You might think that not having moles makes you immune. But that’s another flawed assumption. Not all skin cancers arise from unsightly moles. Some can be flat, flaky, or blemishes that you wouldn’t think twice about. My own basal cell carcinomas were so small that I didn’t even notice them until my dermatologist found them during routine checks. Surprised?
You might prefer basking in the sun over tanning beds, thinking it’s a safer choice. But guess what? The sun emits UV rays just like those tanning lamps. You’re not doing yourself any favors by sunbathing. Sunscreen and sunglasses exist for a reason, folks.
If you’ve already had a spot removed and are still tanning, well, I won’t say much. I used to tan in beds for over 15 years and fought hard to get that perfect outdoor tan during my teenage years. Then, in 2007, I had a melanoma removed. That was just the start of my long battle. Over the past decade, I’ve undergone three surgeries for basal cell carcinoma and used Efudex treatment (a topical chemotherapy) multiple times for precancerous spots.
Yes, precancerous. They keep appearing, and I’m currently treating my face for them. This struggle is never-ending, and trust me, I stopped tanning and became a sunscreen warrior ten years ago!
I know you think that tan skin looks healthy, but let’s be real. If you can break free from the myth that only tanned skin is beautiful, you’ll help break the cycle of unrealistic beauty standards. The truth is, you look like you with or without a tan. In a few years, you’ll thank yourself for not being on the surgeon’s table instead of lying in a tanning bed.
The information is out there, and people like me are living proof that it’s not worth the risk. So here’s what you need to do:
- Stop tanning immediately.
- Invest in sunscreen and use it consistently.
- Schedule regular dermatology appointments and make skin checks a habit.
- If anything seems odd, don’t hesitate to seek help.
Educate yourself and those around you. Teach your children to embrace their natural skin and wear sunscreen. Telling them to protect themselves while you expose yourself to harmful rays is like saying to buckle up while you drive at high speed without a seatbelt. It simply doesn’t make sense.
So, what’s your excuse for still tanning?
Say it loud and clear: Tanning isn’t worth the risks. Be smart. Stop tanning.
In summary, I wish I had known the dangers sooner. Tanning may seem appealing now, but the long-term consequences are far more serious. Protect your skin and your health—it’s not just about beauty; it’s about survival.