The Dark Truth

Ah, summer. A time to relax, drink fruity drinks and soak up the sun - unless you're a vampire like me and eternally cursed to remain pale no matter how long you lay out. 

No time to be bitter. I am here because I want to help save the lives of those who do tan, whether it be in tanning beds or in the sun. You've heard it time and time again: Unhealthy UV exposure can lead to dangerous cancer. It's gotten to be such a common warning that most tanners pay no mind to it..

"It won't happen to me. It's not like I tan all day every day!"

That's just it, though. You don't tan all day every day. Your skin isn't prepared to suddenly be exposed to intense UV rays on a daily basis. Think about it this way: If you haven't touched a dumbbell in months and try to lift 200 pounds, you'll most likely hurt yourself. 

The majority of tanners are guilty of "binge tanning," or tanning frequently over a short period of time (summer, for example). Cancers such as melanoma are known for showing up in lifetime tanners, but dermatologists are now reporting an increasing number of cases in ages 18 to 39. The reason why? 

"When you get sporadic yet very intense UV exposure, it causes an extreme insult to DNA, which is believed to initiate the malignant changes in cells that can lead to melanoma," says Susan Swetter, MD, professor of dermatology at the Stanford Cancer Institute. "Once those DNA mutations occur, your cells are even more susceptible to the long-term carcinogenic effects of UV light over the course of your life. The damage accumulates."

But, tanners, there is hope. You can achieve a healthy golden glow, but it might take a bit of sacrifice. First, shorten the amount of time you spend tanning. Your skin will be very happy with you, and much less stressed. Next, try switching over to self-tanners. You can get as dark as you want, plus you'll have extra time to kill during the day (the time you used to spend tanning)! To make the search easier, here's three of the best products on the market.

1. St. Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mousse ($$)

2. Banana Boat Summer Color Sunless Lotion ($)

3. Jergens Natural Glow - the NEW, non-smelly formula! ($)

Everyone wants a tan, but no one wants cancer. Don't put your life in danger; Make the switch to a healthier tanning regimen. Self-tanners are the way to go, especially for vampires like me.

Share this information. You could save a life.

Sincerely,

RaiseYourGloss