My 17-year-old daughter wants to go tanning at a tanning salon. She says all her friends are doing it. Is this safe?
- Anjali

Even though tanning seems to be all the rage with teens, it's best if your son or daughter stays out of the tanning salons. Though tanning booths claim to use UVA rays that don't burn skin, don't be fooled. These UVA and UVB rays are involved in the development of skin damage that can lead to skin cancer. UVA rays have a longer wavelength and penetrate to the deeper layers of the skin, so they're also responsible for premature wrinkling of the skin.

If your daughter is set on getting a few shades darker, suggest sunless tanners that can be bought in most drugstores. Also, make sure she lathers up with sunscreen before she hits the beach.

For more information, check out this article.
Sun Safety

Reviewed by: Barbara P. Homeier, MD
Date reviewed: September 2006

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