Updated: June 10, 2021
Originally Published: Feb. 8, 2017
In 2007, I made a crucial decision that changed my life: I stopped tanning. It took just a moment to pick up the phone, less than a minute to agree to an appointment, and a simple pen to jot down the details. It’s astonishing to me how effortlessly I was able to make this choice, quicker than it takes to heat a frozen meal in the microwave. While others deliberated for weeks about what car to buy or scrolled through endless hairstyle options, I pivoted away from tanning as easily as I turned off the faucet filling my sink.
Growing up in the age of Teen Beat and vibrant mascara, I was influenced by a culture that prized tanned skin. As someone with fair skin and reddish blonde hair, I always felt the pull to achieve that coveted bronze glow. Starting at age 12, I would drag a lawn chair, baby oil, and my radio outside to bask in the sun. I rotated every half hour like a chicken on a spit, convinced that the red sunburn would eventually turn into a tan—though for me, it often only resulted in pain. Little did I know, I was conditioning my skin to seek out that harmful UV exposure.
As I transitioned into adulthood, I found myself in tanning beds. Despite hearing warnings about the dangers, my longing for a sun-kissed look overpowered my caution. By the time I was 18, I was a frequent visitor, sometimes going up to four times a week. My skin finally displayed the tan I had always wanted, but at what cost?
In 2007, after years of tanning, I noticed a dark brown mole on my arm. My friend, Sarah, pointed it out one day, urging me to get it checked. I reluctantly visited my doctor, and within a week, I received the devastating news: I had melanoma. The realization hit me hard; my habit, born of vanity, had led to a life-threatening condition. The mole was excised, leaving behind a scar—a constant reminder of the consequences of my choices.
I quit tanning immediately and began to prioritize sun safety. I switched to sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and now vigilantly protect my children’s skin. The journey didn’t end there; I’ve faced basal cell carcinoma multiple times since then, requiring various treatments and surgeries. Today, I regularly apply Efudex, a topical chemotherapy, to combat precancerous cells—a necessary step that could have been avoided had I not tanned.
While my experience is certainly less tragic than many others I’ve encountered, it serves as a powerful reminder of the risks associated with tanning. I now encourage others to consider their skin health and to seek safer alternatives. If you’re interested in learning more about home insemination methods, check out this article for additional insights. Resources like Make A Mom also provide valuable information on effective home insemination kits. Those preparing for pregnancy should look into this excellent resource as well.
In summary, my tanning journey taught me a hard lesson: the pursuit of beauty should never come at the expense of health. I now embrace my fair skin and prioritize my well-being and that of my family.