As research in the health field progresses and reaches the public, it is only expected that individuals will avoid voluntarily partaking in anything especially dangerous. For some reason, a large portion of Gen Z has not shown much interest in considering the health risks of practices that have been known to be dangerous for decades. With summertime finally being here, meaning many people are seeking to achieve that ultra bronze glow for the next few months, here is a reminder that the use of tanning beds simply is not worth it.Â
Tanning beds have experienced separate eras of popularity. They were introduced in the late 1970s, and were commonly used for the next two decades. When the 2000s rolled around, tanning became an especially massive craze for so many teens and young adults. Having an apparent tan became a marker of status and glamour, with everyday people looking to achieve the bronze appearance of popular celebrities. The cast of the reality television show Jersey Shore explained their pre-clubbing routine in the simple phrase “Gym, Tan, Laundry”, and the many viewers of the show watched as they took trips to the tanning salon and cooked in the tanning beds (in one episode, Pauly D ends up experiencing a sunburn for the first time from tanning too hard). These salons became a hotspot for teens the same way arcades and shopping malls had previously been.Â
However, similarly to many other trends and fads, the favorability of tanning beds began declining when people started realizing how dangerous they are. They were originally being promoted as being safer than soaking up natural sunlight, but it was revealed that they emit more UV rays to the skin. It is not just important to avoid the temporary sting that sunburns or over-exposure to UV rays cause, but also to consider the long-term, serious health risks of seeking out a tan. Spending time in the sun without sunscreen is already a circumstance that fosters risk for skin cancer, so purposely exposing much of one’s body to even stronger rays intensely increases that risk. Something my chemistry teacher explained to my class that has stuck with me since is the fact that unfortunately, there is not really a “safe” way to tan through UV exposure. Any type of increase in pigment in the skin is a sign of damage, no matter how minor. This is why dermatologists already recommend wearing sun protection habitually and to remain cautious when spending long amounts of time in the sun. There are already enough precautions to take when simply stepping outside on a sunny, summer day, so it is only logical to avoid the exponential risks tanning beds have.Â
After having decreased popularity for a few years due to the substantial downsides, tanning beds have started to make a comeback amongst Gen Z. After being discontent with the color sunless lotions and laying on their back porch give them, many teens and young adults have started using tanning beds again just like their parents and older siblings did. Especially when the time of year comes for events like prom and graduation, salons are flooded with teens (usually girls) willing to put all risks aside just for a temporary, attractive glow to their skin. Tanning beds are similar to nicotine products like cigarettes and vapes in that their risks have been known for a while, yet many people of our generation choose to ignore them in favor of seeming attractive or cool.Â
It seems the most common thing that scares people away from any form of excessive sun exposure is premature aging. Yes, that is a very common and likely effect of not using sun protection and intensely tanning. However, being overconcerned with appearances is what caused the resurgence of tanning beds in the first place, with people being frustrated with the paleness of their skin after spending the winter months indoors. In general, our generation needs to shift their priorities from looking “the best” (which is inherently subjective) to taking the best care of themselves.Â