MRF's Truth About Tanning Postcard 2021

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LOVE YOUR SKIN AS IT ALREADY IS. It’s never too late to stop tanning.

A “safe tan” doesn’t exist — tanned skin is actually the result of damage to skin cells. Too much ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or a tanning bed causes as many as 90% of melanomas, the most serious form of skin cancer. A “base tan” provides zero protection from additional UV exposure — sunburns can still happen. Using tanning beds before age 35 increases your chances of melanoma by 75%. Melanoma is the second most common form of cancer for young people 15–29 years old and the most common form of cancer for people 25–29 years old. Head and neck melanoma rates are increasing for males age 15–39. Males age 15–39 are 55% more likely to die of melanoma than females. It’s important to do regular skin checks, especially if you’ve had sunburns in the past, to monitor your skin for anything that looks suspicious or has changed recently.

Visit melanoma.org for references and more information.