In recent years, a noticeable shift has occurred among teenagers regarding the use of tanning beds. While this generation may be known for engaging in various risky behaviors, such as vaping and consuming non-food items, they are also making some commendable choices. Research indicates that today’s youth are practicing safer sex and utilizing effective birth control methods more than their predecessors, alongside a significant decrease in cigarette smoking. Most notably, recent studies reveal that the prevalence of tanning bed use among teens has diminished significantly.
This positive trend is encouraging. It’s worth noting that I don’t have much authority to criticize these young individuals, as I was once an avid user of tanning beds myself. Growing up with freckled, fair skin, my aspiration every summer was to achieve that coveted sun-kissed glow. To attain anything resembling a tan, I often spent countless hours under the sun without proper sunscreen. I was dedicated, often disregarding the importance of skin protection.
The months of May and June were solely focused on developing what I referred to as a “base tan,” which was more accurately a “base burn.” I would lounge by pools or at the beach, exposing my skin to harmful rays for extended periods. Despite being aware of the dangers, I accepted the burns as a necessary step in my quest for a bronzed complexion. After enduring the peeling that followed, I would convince myself that the tan was worth the pain.
In addition to my sunbathing sessions, I frequented tanning salons regularly. At 17 and 18 years old, a significant portion of my earnings from my part-time job went towards nails, hair, and tanning. Many girls in the ’90s were enamored with tanning beds, often dismissing warnings about skin cancer similar to how previous generations ignored cigarette warnings. The allure of achieving a golden tan was too strong to resist.
During my teenage years, a friend’s family even had a tanning bed in their basement, which became a popular hangout spot before prom season. We would all gather, hoping to enhance our appearance without considering the long-term consequences of our actions.
Fortunately, today’s teenagers appear to be making more informed choices regarding tanning. Perhaps they are more aware of the risks, having witnessed the consequences faced by older generations who now battle skin cancer. Reports from various studies suggest that the use of tanning beds among teenagers has decreased by approximately one-third to one-half. This is a significant decline, indicating a shift in awareness and behavior.
The dangers of tanning beds are well-documented. A study highlighted that 77% of indoor tanners aged 18 to 29 reported having experienced sunburn, compared to 62.5% of their peers who did not use tanning beds. Additionally, the long-held belief in the necessity of a “base tan” has been debunked. Many of us grew up thinking that enduring the initial burn made subsequent tanning safer, a notion that has proven to be misguided.
So, what has contributed to this decline in tanning bed usage? While a growing awareness of melanoma risks likely plays a role, legislative changes have also impacted accessibility. The Affordable Care Act’s implementation of a 10% excise tax on tanning services and state laws limiting minors’ access to tanning beds have both contributed to reduced usage.
The emergence of spray tanning salons has further transformed the tanning landscape. My first experience with spray tanning was for a wedding, and it was nothing short of transformative. While one must take care not to overdo it—remembering to avoid “pulling a Ross” from Friends—this method provides a safer alternative that doesn’t inflict lasting damage on the skin.
Now that many of us are in our 30s and 40s, we recognize the long-term consequences of our past tanning habits. As Sherry Pagoto from the University of Massachusetts Medical School notes, excessive tanning often leads to wrinkles and sunspots. Reflecting on our youthful decisions, many women express regret over their tanning practices.
It’s a relief to see today’s teens making better choices and avoiding harmful tanning beds. If they could just steer clear of eating Tide Pods, the future would look even brighter for them.
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Summary
The use of tanning beds among teenagers has significantly declined, attributed to increased awareness of skin cancer risks, legislative changes, and the rise of safer alternatives like spray tanning. This shift reflects a growing trend toward healthier lifestyle choices among today’s youth.