Ditch the Tanning Bed - The Truth of Skin Cancer

Let's be honest - the way society paints it there seems to be nothing better than to have a nice sun kissed glow. Having a tan makes you appear thinner, makes your hair look brighter, your eyes pop more and just gives you some added confidence. When I was in high school & college I was an avid tanning bed user - I'd sign up for the monthly membership and take a visit to the tanning bed, every-single-day (I'd go twice a day if I could).

However, after developing some per-cancerous lesions while in college - I had to finally take a step back from the tanning bed, I realized my life was a bit more important than having a summer glow ( year round). It took me a bit to be comfortable with no longer using the tanning bed - but after graduating college and joining the Atlanta Dermatology and Laser Surgery team I realized, Pale Really is the New Tan!

Not ready to ditch the summer-time glow? There are some safe alternatives to give you that glow without let yourself crisp in the sun or bake in the tanning booth. There are several different types of "Tanning Towels" and technology has really developed in terms of the sunless tanning salon options. We can't advise you on which is best for you, but this is a much safer alternative then subjecting yourself to harmful UV rays in a tanning bed.

Protecting your skin from the sun not only helps lessen the risk of developing skin cancer but also keeps your skin looking flawless and youthful - younger looking skin, if that's not reason to protect your skin, then I am not sure what is!

If you have a few moments, check out this YouTube video - Skin Cancer survivors sharing what they wish they would have been able to tell themselves at 16 years old. 

Still not sold? I've put together a list from the Skin Cancer Foundation of some of the most startling facts about skin cancer, the tanning bed and more:

• Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. More than 3.5 million skin cancers in over two million people are diagnosed annually.
• Over the past three decades, more people have had skin cancer than all other cancers combined.
• One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in the course of a lifetime.
• One person dies of melanoma every hour (every 57 minutes).
• An estimated 9,480 people will die of melanoma in 2013.
• Melanoma is the most common form of cancer for young adults 25-29 years old and the second most common form of cancer for young people 15-29 years old.
• A person’s risk for melanoma doubles if he or she has had more than five sunburns at any age.
• Just one indoor tanning session per year in high school or college boosts the risk of basal cell carcinoma by 10 percent. That risk is increased to 73 percent if one tans six times per year.
• People who first use a tanning bed before age 35 increase their risk for melanoma by 75 percent.

For a full list of facts from the Skin Cancer Foundation, click here. 


Dermatologist (including our providers) recommend annual skin exams. These visits are covered by insurance and are key in preventing skin cancer development and/or death. No one is "too young" to begin their annual skin exams and we recommend that if you have not seen a Dermatologist for your exam that it is time to do so.

Our Dermatologists are currently accepting new patients and would be happy to help you, call (404) 296-8000 to schedule or visit our website for more information.

We are offering a FREE Skin Cancer Screening at our office on Wednesday, October 17 from 11am-1pm. This screening is not to replace your recommended annual skin cancer exam but if you have questions or would like a specific spot to be looked at this is a great way to get that checked out.
For more information or to RSVP to our Free Skin Cancer Screening call (404) 296-8000. 

Office Address: 2171 Northlake Pkwy Bldg. 3 Suite 100 Tucker, GA 30084

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Written by Mackenzie, Marketing Manager