Fittingly, in our summer issue, senior writer, Kirthiga digs deeper into the side effects of tanning. Whether you choose to tan indoors or outdoors, you’re putting yourself at risk. Read an excerpt before the article comes out here.

“With shows like MTV’s Jersey Shore, where tanning is a part of the guido and guidette routine—along with the toned body and frequent haircuts—it not only attracts more people to the idea of getting tanned easily and quickly, it tempts young teens and adults to go tanning under a heat lamp in hopes of achieving a sun kissed glow without ever having to see the sun.

Indoor tanning facilities pose serious health risks, such as the exposure to high levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation that damages the skin and promotes premature aging, while increasing the risk of skin cancer.
Health Canada states that as the most common form of cancer in Canada, there were more than 76, 000 cases of skin cancer, including 4, 200 cases of melanomas in 2004.;

Melanoma is the most deadly form of skin cancer. If caught early, it can be cured; however, the risk of developing melanoma increases with age, with more cases developing in younger individuals annually. Individuals with lighter skin have a higher chance of developing skin cancer…”