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Exposing one to skin cancer is a lousy prize

Sarah Beggs Guilford

Publication: The Day

Published 03/09/2010 12:00 AM
Updated 03/09/2010 06:04 AM

Congratulations to Christen Riedy, winner of a recent makeover contest. I was reading the story after returning from having skin lesions removed at the dermatologist's. Imagine my surprise when I read that included in the "prizes" awarded to "improve" Ms. Riedy's image were sessions on a tanning bed. I thought the mentality of tan-fashionable died out long ago, like the equation of smoking with sophistication.
Tanning of any type is dangerous. Worldwide there is an increase in all sorts of skin cancer, including the most deadly form, melanoma. The vast majority of these are directly related to one's amount of exposure to harmful tanning rays, whether from the sun or a machine. Even if one does not develop cancer, exposure to sun and rays from tanning beds has left us 50-somethings and beyond with the not-so-fashionable marks of sun exposure: premature aging, skin discoloration, spots and wrinkles.
I am surprised and dismayed that the sponsors of this makeover would include something so dangerous in its awards package. I encourage any doubters to consult the American Academy of Dermatology or Mayo Clinic Web site. Or ask your doctor.
Skin cancer and premature aging of the skin are no prizes.

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