Protect Yourself From UV Tanning

UV Tanning Beds and Melanoma

Living in southern California, specifically in the community of Carmel Valley San Diego, you might get bit by the uv tanning bug. Our weather is amazing year round, which generally means people are more self-conscious about their skin tone and appearance. While there isn’t anything wrong about being concerned about your “tan,” there is a right way and wrong way to get a “tan.”

When I was in my teens, I got the fake tanning bug. I would purchase the unlimited monthly tanning packages that allowed for many tanning bed sessions to achieve that deep, dark tan. I began frequenting tanning salons in high school and continued well into my twenties.

I was never informed of any health risks and certainly didn’t think I would be a victim of skin cancer. I have olive skin and dark hair and always tanned very easily in the sun. I didn’t fit in the category with those described as high risk. If you read about who is at risk it usually describes someone who has had many sunburns and very light complexion. That just wasn’t me!

Well, at 28 and many tanning sessions later my dermatologist diagnosed me with Malignant Melanoma after having a routine skin check. They removed a large area out of my arm to make sure all margins were clear of Melanoma. I was diagnosed again 4 years later with melanoma on the same arm near the previous cancer site. I am lucky that the cancer did not spread to my lymph nodes. If it had I would probably not be so lucky to be alive. I am now 35 and a mother of two very active young boys and I feel very blessed to be here raising them today. The decisions I made to use tanning beds could have cost me my life.

Now I want people to know my story and try to educate others and get them to stop using tanning beds. I was lucky but many other melanoma patients may not be. If melanoma spreads it can be fatal. Like most cancers early detection is key.

After being diagnosed with melanoma the doctors urge skin cancer patients to stay away from any Ultra-Violet tanning which includes sun bathing and tanning beds. I was very disappointed that I would never be able to be tan without putting myself at risk. I started researching sunless tanning as a safe way to tan and discovered that there is indeed a safe and effective way to get a beautiful looking tan. Airbrush, sunless tanning is an effective way to get a gorgeous bronze while keeping your skin supple and sexy, and its perfect for busy mums on the go, glowing brides and top executives. It is a safe and healthy way to tan. Now you don’t have to feel guilty about the beautiful bronzed glow you can have all year around.

The best airbrush companies use the highest quality and purest ingredients including organic macadamia seed oil, mandarin orange peel, grapefruit seed extract and an Australian plant, cehami that promotes hydration, skin firming and anti-aging for the most polished color possible. As a Carmel Valley San Diego community business owner, I am determined to use my misfortune to help spread the awareness of how dangerous tanning beds can be. The IARC suggests that the use of tanning beds before the age of 30 can raise your risk of getting melanoma by 75%. Choose a healthy option and use sunless tanning. You shouldn’t put yourself at risk just for a tan!

Dannielle Crouch | Beauty & Style Editor

Local Carmel Valley Business owner, Mom of two active young boys and loving wife. Dannielle is the owner of Plush Tan,  a luxury mobile sunless tanning service that caters to celebrity clientele, busy mums on the go, glowing brides and top executives. Our sophisticated service offers detailed custom airbrush tanning in the privacy of your home, office, hotel room or on-set.Our family moved to San Diego last year to obtain a better education for our boys. We absolutely love the community!
I am a UCSB alumni where I obtained a degree in Sociology. I worked in medical sales and have a dermatology background. Being diagnosed with melanoma has been scary but also a blessing. I love creating awareness on how to stay healthy and beautiful. I’m truly living out my passion in life!