Summer is practically over. And summer, as we all know, is the time to get tan. But do you really want to?

You probably (hopefully) know that just laying outside (with or without sunscreen) is very unhealthy for your skin. Research has shown that there is a link between sunburns in children and a higher risk of melanoma or skin cancer in later life. If you get sunburned even once as a child or adolescent, that means that you will have an increased chance of getting melanoma -- a very deadly type of skin cancer -- or other types of skin cancer.

However, sitting outside isn't the only way to get tan. Technology has blessed (or cursed) us with a device which will, miraculously, make us tan -- without having to step outside! This device? The tanning bed. And now that the sun has started setting earlier and the days are starting to get chillier, you might be tempted to try out one of these contraptions.

But tanning beds are just as dangerous as traditional tanning. They release dangerously high levels of UV (ultraviolet) rays, which are rays given off by the sun that damage our skin. These rays can cause premature aging of the skin and, again, increase your risk for skin cancer. Also, tanning beds can give you sunburn if you aren't careful, just like the real sun. But that isn't all! Tanning beds can burn your eyes and weaken your immune system. If you want to live a long and healthy life, it is definitely against your better judgement to tan in a booth.

Everyone is prone to sun damage, not just fair-skinned people. However, you must be especially careful if:

-You have a lot of moles
-You have been treated for skin cancer before
-You work indoors all week and just get tan on the weekends
-You live or vacation in subtropical or tropical climates
-You have freckles or burn easily
-You have fair skin
-You have blonde, red, or light brown hair
-You have a family history of skin cancer
-You live at high altitudes (UV radiation increases 4% to 5% for every 1,000 feet above sea level)
-You spend a lot of time outdoors
-You have had an organ transplant

You also should ask a doctor about the risk of any medications you may be taking and if they could be harmful if you are exposed to sunlight.

So, if you want to be tan even after summer ends, the only healthy option is to fake bake. Yes, it's true. Tan in a bottle, or tanning lotion, or bronzer, is the only safe way to have glowing skin year-round. If you're tempted to try this, a good product is Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer. Over the course of a week, with regular application, you'll develop a golden complexion, or so it says on the tube. So, why not give it a try? When people ask you where you got so tan, you can always say, "Oh, I got it in Jamaica," or Hawaii. . .or any other tropical place you can think of. Just make sure there are no streaks! ;)

This is Monkey459, signing out.
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