Whether it's naturally at the beach, in a tanning bed, or sprayed through a can, tanning definitely has more cons than we think this day in age. Everyone wants that dark tan glow after returning home from vacation or back to school in the fall, and most people won't care about the dangers and effects that tanning causes. "70% of people who go to tanning salons are white females between 16 to 29 years old." (11 Facts About Tanning) That means all you college girls who pay over $20 a month for a tanning membership, you're embracing the stereotype that's leading to a 2.6 million dollar indoor tanning revenue each year. Now, there are alternatives that cost little to nothing where you can still get a darker skin tone, yet are the risks worth the reward?

Tanning is extremely dangerous for your skin. It's as simple as that. UV rays from the sun and beds can lead to skin cell damage, aging, eye damage, immune suppression, burns, melanoma, and cancer, just to name a few. "In fact, people who first use a tanning bed before age 35 increase their risk for melanoma by 75 percent." (The Dangers of Tanning)

If you tan, you'll most likely burn, and don't forget the wonderful peeling that you receive after the burn and having to drop skin flakes for weeks after you go to the beach. Ouch! Although people love the way they look after tanning and desiring that social expectation that tan is beautiful, there are other options if you still want the look without the cost.

The wonderful invention of sunscreen which only 1/3 people will actually use it while tanning, but sunscreen actually is a barrier that protects you from the harmful UV rays that cause so many diseases and harmful effects to your body. It's necessary to get a lotion that's SPF 30 or higher and it's said to block 97% of the sun's rays (Facts about Sunscreen and Sun Protection). There are also other options that will do half the job if you're not a fan of sunscreen but still want some protection. Tanning lotions will somewhat aid in protecting you against the sun, as long as they include SPF, as well as adding that glow. As long as you choose the correct lotion, (indoor, outdoor, bronzer, etc.), the lotions are less harmful than the just laying out in the sun or in the beds with no protection. (Everything You Need to Know About Tanning Lotions)

In conclusion, I'd be lying if I said I don't enjoy the look that tanning gives and if it's not part of my summer ritual, but not without taking the necessary precautions, especially now after reading the facts. If you do decide to tan this summer, ask yourself if it's worth it or throw some sunscreen on before it's too late.