A young woman has revealed her excessive reliance on tanning, describing it as a necessity. Megan Blain, 19, turned to fake tanning products at the age of 14 to blend in with her peers, but found them unsatisfactory due to the odor and uneven application on her skin. Her mother, tired of the mess created by the tanning products, introduced her to a sunbed as an alternative.
Megan, known as @meganblainxo on TikTok, has been using sunbeds for nearly four years now, expressing that she feels compelled to use them beyond just achieving a tan. Despite being aware of the risks associated with sunbeds, she admitted that the potential consequences do not deter her.
Acknowledging her apprehension, Megan mentioned having concerns about the presence of moles and irregular patches on her skin but hesitates to seek medical attention. Despite attempts to quit tanning, she struggled with side effects that made her physically ill when she stopped. Her dependency on tanning has led to self-esteem issues as she noticed premature aging signs on her skin.
Expressing her dissatisfaction with her appearance, Megan disclosed skipping her prom due to feeling inadequately tanned. She emphasized the allure of tanned skin but cautioned against the risks and the perpetual quest for a darker complexion.
Regrettably, Megan recounted losing friends because of her tanning addiction, sharing instances where her excessive tanning made others uncomfortable. However, she remains optimistic about overcoming her obsession and reclaiming comfort in her own skin.
Health experts from the NHS warn about the dangers of using sunbeds, stating that a single session before the age of 35 significantly raises the risk of melanoma. The British Association of Dermatologists strongly advises against sunbed and sunlamp use due to the concentrated UV radiation they emit.
According to Cancer Research UK, opting for fake tan or spray tan is a safer tanning alternative compared to sunbeds or sunbathing. They stress that no form of UV tanning is safe, as UV radiation can damage skin cells, potentially leading to skin cancer.
The organization also points out that any potential vitamin D benefits from sunbed use are outweighed by the risks involved. While sunlight aids in vitamin D production, excessive exposure is unnecessary and harmful.