Tanning Beds and Minors Don't Go Together

I can't think of any justification for a 12 or 16 year old to use a tanning bed, nor any other minor for that matter. Adults have been warned of the hazards of tanning beds and we all have probably known someone who has had a bad experience (burning for example)using one.

Studies show that the monthly use of tanning beds by adults raises the risk of Melanoma according to an article on WebMD News by Sid Kirchheimer in 2003. The same article sites a Dartmouth study that says that any use of a tanning bed raises the risks of other less deadly types of skin cancer. That should be reason enough for tanning salons and parents to ban minors from using tanning beds. Unfortunately, other studies have shown that the use of these artificially lit beds is very popular among teenagers, especially among girls. You know teenagers right? That segment of the population that has the Nothing Bad Will Happen to me computer chip embedded into their brains until a parent, other authority figure, or growing up removes it. Well for that attitude alone, and the fact that there is no way of insuring that someone uses sunscreen at a tanning salon, why allow minors to use them?

Tan skin is coveted by a good portion of the population. I'll admit that I look younger and healthier with a tan, at least in my opinion. Many of us have the same opinion of ourselves, but there are other, safer ways to get a tan.

With the use of the proper application of a good sunscreen, the outdoors is the best and safest way to get that summer glow. Unfortunately, young people have gotten away from spending long periods of time outside. From an early age they become television watchers and video or computer game aficionados. That is one of the reasons the use of tanning beds is difficult to discourage among youth.

So how does a parent encourage other ways to get a tan? The beach, the tennis court, and other outdoor activities are far more fun than lying or standing in a coffin like structure all alone. Take a family vacation and spend some time with your adolescent in the sun with a bottle of sunscreen on hand. A fast tan is an instant reward, it's true. However, a tan from a week at the sea shore or a summer of fun is far more lasting and better looking.

Promoting the use of self tanning product from the drug store is another nifty idea that may win over a teenager. Dihydroxyacetone (DHA), an FDA sanctioned product is the active ingredient in most over the counter self tanning products and is a safe alternative to tanning beds, according to the Mayo Clinic. These products come in lotions, gels and sprays, are easy to use and won't streak if the directions are followed. Another great feature is that if used properly, your teenager won't have that red face and white owl eyes so common after the improper use of a tanning bed.

It's not hard to conclude that minors and tanning beds don't go together, but unless there is a law passed that would make it illegal, the way cigarettes and alcohol are, it will be in my opinion, a difficult thing to stop.