To All Sun Seekers:
What on earth are you thinking? Seriously. If you’re still tanning, I genuinely want to know why. Can you articulate why you’re willingly putting your health on the line for skin that’s only going to age prematurely and potentially carry the scars of skin cancer? Tell me, why do you opt for tanning bed deals and grab those tanning accelerators from stores instead of reaching for sunscreen? What is so alluring about a tan that you’re willing to risk your skin’s health, leading to endless biopsies and surgeries?
I’ll wait. Nothing?
Let’s break it down together.
Skin Cancer Doesn’t Discriminate
First and foremost, you might think you’re safe because your skin tans easily and doesn’t burn. Sound familiar? You’re under the impression that only fair-skinned individuals need to worry about skin cancer, right? Wrong. Skin cancer doesn’t discriminate. It can affect you, your kids, your friends, and even that overly enthusiastic choir singer at church. Your skin is just as susceptible to melanoma, squamous, or basal cell carcinoma. Just because you tan beautifully doesn’t mean you’re exempt from the dangers lurking beneath the surface.
Misconceptions About Skin Cancer
Then there’s that common misconception that skin cancer isn’t “real” cancer. You know someone who has said it, maybe you’ve even thought it yourself. “It’s just skin cancer.” But let’s set the record straight: it’s cancer, plain and simple.
And what’s that? You don’t have any moles? That’s another misconception. Not all skin cancers arise from visible moles. Some can be flat, sore spots that you might dismiss as mere dry skin. I’ve had three basal cell carcinomas, and I never even noticed them until my dermatologist pointed them out.
Outdoor Tanning vs. Tanning Beds
You might argue that you only tan outdoors, not in tanning beds. But guess what? The sun emits the same harmful UV rays as those tanning booths. So, whether you’re basking in the sun or lying under artificial lights, you’re still risking your health.
Have you already had a spot removed yet you continue to tan? I won’t say much, but I hope you understand the implications of that choice. I spent 15 years trying to get the perfect tan and only stopped after I was diagnosed with melanoma in 2007. Since then, I’ve undergone multiple surgeries and treatments for basal cell carcinomas and precancerous spots that keep resurfacing.
Embracing Natural Skin
To be clear: I stopped tanning and became a sunscreen enthusiast a decade ago, yet the battle continues. I’m currently treating several precancerous spots on my face.
Listen, I get it – a tan can feel healthy and attractive. But if you can shake the belief that only tanned skin is beautiful, you might just inspire others to embrace their natural skin tone. The reality is, you’re still you, tan or not.
In the long run, you’ll be far better off avoiding the surgeon’s table than lying in a tanning bed.
Take Action
The resources are out there, and many of us have learned the hard way. So here’s a straightforward to-do list:
- Stop tanning – like, yesterday.
- Invest in sunscreen and use it regularly.
- Schedule routine dermatologist visits. Don’t go just once, make it a habit.
- Conduct regular skin checks. If something seems off, get it checked. Trust me; early detection can save your life.
And for the love of all that’s good, please educate others. Teach your children to appreciate their natural skin and to always wear sunscreen. Telling them to be safe while you tan is like advising them to buckle their seatbelts while you speed down the highway without yours.
So, what’s stopping you from giving up tanning?
Let’s be clear: tanning isn’t worth the risk.
Sincerely,
Someone Who’s Been There
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Summary
In this heartfelt piece, the author reflects on a decade-long struggle with skin cancer, urging others to abandon tanning practices that could lead to serious health risks. Through personal experiences, the author emphasizes the importance of sun safety, regular skin checks, and educating others about the dangers of tanning.