Being a content creator, I like to say I am up to date on the latest articles on the Odyssey. I like to know what is trending, and I love reading well-written articles by students and creators around the country. Oftentimes, I drift towards articles that I know I will relate to, but sometimes different articles catch my eye. When I saw 17 Questions From The Girl Inside The Tanning Bed, I knew I had to respond. So, from my pale and pasty body I ask 7 questions for the girl in the tanning bed:
1. Do you not realize how harmful it is?
Using tanning beds on a regular basis is one of the most harmful things you can do to your skin. On an average day, your skin is exposed to the suns damaging rays. What part of sandwiching yourself between hot rods of light sounds like a healthy, beneficial decision? You poor skin cries every time you go back to the tanning bed. The irony of it all is, you are tanning to look more 'beautiful,' but in the long run, tanning beds have the potential to cause cancer and deepen wrinkles. Down the road, I am not sure you will value your toasty skin as much as you do now.
2. Do you not get super sweaty?
I am a naturally sweaty person. Just walking outside in the Florida heat, I am dripping. I cannot image laying down as the cream to a light bulb Oreo for 20+ minutes by choice. Do tanning salons have showers on site? If not, how do you go somewhere after tanning without wrecking? Does your entire day revolve around you tanning that day?
3. Are you not busy with school work? How do you find time to keep up with it all?
I know alone time and pampering yourself is important. It is just like a manicure, right? But, what runs through your head as you lie there? Does your head not just reel with all the responsibilities you are ignoring? How do you pass the time?
4. Why not just paint your nails a neon color?
I'm a pale person - it is something I have come to terms with. If I am looking to be a little more tan, I just paint my nails hot pink and move on with my life. It takes way less time, is cheaper, and less harmful.
5. You realize the sun is free... right?
To each their own, right? So, if you are still in need of a tanning fix you know the sun is free right? I understand it is not as fast, and maybe not as even, but it is free. Beggars can't be choosers, right?
6. In some countries, woman are looking for the exact opposite of what you are.
Being tan is something we Westerners have put way too much emphasis on. Some woman spend years longing for the pale skin you are so desperately trying to get rid of. At what point in history did we link being tan with being more beautiful? Pasty thighs have feelings too!
7. You are beautiful, just as your are. Tan or not tan.
You do not need to waste your time laying in tanning beds. You are beautiful just the way you are! If the people you hang out with care more about the shade of your skin than your true value and gifts, then I think it is time to make new friends. Give your wallet and your skin a break. Love yourself just as you are.
