What teens and parents should know as tanning gets hot again
Health experts are warning of a resurgence in tanning bed use among young adults, fueled by social media trends. Research indicates that tanning bed users face a significantly higher risk of developing melanoma, a dangerous form of skin cancer.
Why it matters
Addresses a growing public health concern regarding skin cancer risks associated with aesthetic trends promoted on social media.
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Nichole Sims started using a tanning bed at 15 because she said everyone around her was doing it, especially before events like homecoming dances and prom.
Eight years later, she was diagnosed with melanoma — a potentially life-threatening skin cancer .
During that time, Sims has seen tanning become even more popular among young people online. She tries to counter the misinformation on social media that touts tanning as a mood booster and beauty requirement by sharing her own experience.
“I just feel like our generation doesn’t really look into a lot of risks. They just kind of live in the moment,” Sims said.
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