Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer, and it is on the rise. The number of deadly melanomas rose steadily in the 1990s and has more than tripled since 1973. A major risk factor for melanoma is exposure to sunlight.  One sunburn can cause a melanoma but what about tanning beds, they're okay right?  No way!  Tanning beds also increase your risk of developing melanoma.  In fact, using a tanning bed before the age of 30 increases your risk of melanoma by 75%!!!  That's a HUGE risk to take for that 'healthy' glow.

Sunlight comes in 3 forms: UVA, UVB, and UVC rays.  All types have been shown to cause cancer.  There is not lot of talk about UVC rays, because there is not a lot we can do to protect ourselves against these.  UVB rays hit the outside of our skin, causing a sunburn (think UVB for burn).  This damages the skin, and can cause a cancer.  UVA rays are the ones that give you tan.  They penetrate below the skin, but can destroy our DNA (genetic material), also causing cancer.  So, think (UVB for burn, and UVA for...ain't no such thing as a healthy tan).

First and foremost, protect yourself! Wear sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat. Never stay out in the sun unprotected. Cover up areas that most people miss, like the top of your ears, nose, bald spot, and the back of your neck. If your skin feels hot, gets red, or feel tingly, get out of the sun right away. You may not notice you have been burned until the next day.

Check your skin regularly for rough, or scaly lesions that feel like sandpaper. Watch for any moles that change colour, shape or size. Any concerns should be brought to your doctor for evaluation. It's ALWAYS better to be safe than sorry.

Okay, I hear some of you saying 'but what about my healthy glow'. If you are determined to get some colour on your skin, look into a spray, or rub on tan. Some of these are terrible, and make your skin an orange colour, but some are downright impossible to distinguish from an ACTUAL tan. And the good news is, spray and rub on tans are safe. They work by staining the top layer of your skin and do not cause skin cancer. So find a tanning solution that works for you and stay out of the sun, while at the same time, keeping that healthy glow all year-round!

While you're staying out of the sun, make sure you're getting enough vitamin D.  See my article below for more information:

http://hubpages.com/hub/Vitamins-D