While today’s teenagers might be making headlines for unconventional choices like juuling or consuming Tide Pods, they are also demonstrating some commendable behavior. Recent statistics reveal that they are engaging in safer sexual practices and utilizing more effective birth control methods than previous generations. In a promising trend, a new study indicates that the prevalence of tanning bed usage among teens is significantly decreasing.
As someone who once frequented tanning beds, I can relate to the allure of achieving that coveted sun-kissed glow. In my youth, as a pale-skinned individual, my goal by the end of summer was to flaunt a tan that resembled a beach vacation. The months of May and June were dedicated to getting what I thought was a “base tan,” which was really just a recipe for burns. My childhood experiences taught me to avoid baby oil, but my methods were hardly safer. After enduring painful peels and soothing my skin with aloe, I thought I was on my way to achieving the perfect tan.
During my late teens, my budget as a part-time cashier reflected my priorities: a portion went towards nails, hair, and, of course, tanning. We ignored the warnings about skin cancer, convinced that the risks were exaggerated. Tanning salons were ubiquitous, and we thought nothing of spending time under those harsh heat lamps, dreaming of the bronzed skin we would show off later.
In my social circle, we even had access to a tanning bed in a friend’s basement, a secret that we eagerly took advantage of, particularly before events like prom. We dismissed any potential health risks, focusing solely on the immediate aesthetic benefits.
Thankfully, today’s youth appear to be wiser. They may be more aware of the serious health implications associated with tanning beds, or perhaps the experiences of those who grew up in the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s have served as cautionary tales. According to a report shared by Reuters, studies indicate that the use of tanning beds among teenagers has dropped by one-third to one-half in recent years.
The article highlights that among young women aged 18 to 29, 77% of those who used tanning beds reported experiencing sunburn, compared to 62.5% of their peers who avoided indoor tanning. It also debunks the myth of the “base tan” that many of us believed, which falsely suggested that an initial burn was harmless and could lead to a tan without further damage.
The decline in tanning bed usage can be attributed to several factors. One significant contributor is the 10% excise tax imposed by the Affordable Care Act in 2010 and various state laws that restrict minors’ access to tanning beds. Moreover, the rise of spray tanning salons has provided a safer alternative. My first experience with spray tanning was for my sister’s wedding in 2006, and it was a revelation. Unlike traditional tanning, spray tans do not cause permanent damage to skin cells, although one must be careful to avoid uneven results.
Now, as adults in our 30s and 40s, we recognize the long-term effects of our past tanning habits. “Tanning leads to wrinkling and sun spots,” says Dr. Emily Foster from a local medical school. Many of us now regret those decisions, reflecting on the toll they took on our skin.
It’s heartening to see today’s teenagers making more informed choices and steering clear of harmful tanning beds. If only they could also refrain from some of the more questionable trends, like eating Tide Pods, we’d truly be witnessing a positive shift in youth culture.
For those interested in exploring alternative options for achieving a tan, consider checking out this resource or learn more about the benefits of self-tanning products at Make a Mom. You can also find valuable information about pregnancy and home insemination at UCSF’s Center.
In summary, the decline in tanning bed usage among teenagers is a positive development that reflects a shift towards healthier choices. As we become more aware of the long-term effects of tanning, it’s crucial to encourage safer alternatives for achieving that desired glow.