According to Dr. Trevan Fischer, from Saint John’s Cancer Institute, “About 20% of Americans will develop skin cancer by the time they are 70 years old, and almost 10,000 people are diagnosed with it every day.”
As summer approaches, many high schoolers are eager to soak up the sun and achieve that golden tan. However, it’s important to prioritize skin health.
Sophomore Lauren Piotrowski shares her approach to tanning: “I use sunscreen on my face only, and I wear a hat sometimes, or I cover my face, but other than that I don’t use any precautions on my body.”
Piotrowski goes on saying “ I have experienced really bad sunburn, but the bad burns have only been on my face, so now I am sure to wear sunscreen on my face.”
Despite acknowledging the importance of skin health, Piotrowski admits, “Countless people tell me I’m going to get skin cancer, but honestly I’m like any other teenager and I just really don’t care.”
“I’m kind of just like I’ll cross that bridge if I get there.”
However, Piotrowksi does not recommend her tanning tactics for everyone because she is aware it’s harmful and leads to sunburn, which a lot of people would not like.
Similarly, another sophomore, Elle Dibuono, shares her perspective on tanning and skin health.
“During summer, I prefer to be in the sun while reading a book and intermittently take refreshing dips in the saltwater, which I’ve heard boosts tanning.”
“I don’t take specific precautions, unfortunately.”
“I’m mindful of the long-term effects, and I try to cover up when I’ve been in the sun for too long.”
“Post-tanning, my routine involves an everything shower, applying body oil, and soothing my skin with aloe.”
Dibuono also shares what she does when the sun is no longer out.
“In winter, when my skin tends to lose its color, I use the Tan-Luxe tanning drops once a week to maintain a healthy glow.”
Dibuono advocates for a balanced approach to tanning while emphasizing the benefits but still making sure you’re safe.
“I would recommend tanning to others, considering the importance of Vitamin D and the healthy glow it provides, but also being mindful of moderation and protection from excessive exposure.”
Ms. Herr. Science teacher here at Waterford High School shares,“I personally do not tan, so it is not something where I seek that out. I do not mind that people want to get tan, but I do not think they should be seeking it out – if it happens as a natural consequence of doing activities outside, it makes more sense to me.”
“I actually have never understood just laying in the sun for hours on end. Not that I’ve never laid out in the sun, but it gets so boring.”
Ms. Herr also shares her thoughts on the importance of wearing sunscreen.
“I think sunscreen is your best bet. Wear a hat, for sure. My brother-in-law just had a melanoma (cancerous skin tissue) removed from his face and it looked like a big black hole after they cut it out.”
While tanning may signify beauty for some, without proper precautions it can come with serious risks.
Tanning under the sun can give your skin that sun kissed glow, but what about your hair? Just like your skin, your hair needs protection from harmful effects of UV rays.
Goldwell offers a range of products, including a leave-in spray, that contains UV filters to shield your hair from getting damaged.
While this particular product does not contain SPF, its UV filters work to protect your hair from sun rays. These filters act as barriers, which prevents UV to cause dryness, breakage, and color fading.
So even if you’re laying out by the pool or soaking in the sun at the beach, your hair can stay healthy and vibrant.
In light of perspectives shared it is clear that while the attraction of a sun-kissed glow is strong, the risks associated with tanning should not be ignored.
By advocating for a balanced approach, we can enjoy the benefits of the sun while protecting our skin for the upcoming summer season.
