Myrtle Beach is a major tourist attraction, whether it’s for the sunny beaches, the friendly locals, or the variety of golf courses, restaurants, and shops. Playing in the sun, sand, and sea is fun, but there are also risks. One of the most common risks is sun damage.
Sun damage is not something a person usually worries about because it may not cause harm in the moment, but it will in the long run. Being outside too long can definitely harm one’s body. The sun can cause a numerous amount of skin cancer types, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma, which is most deadly if not caught early. According to The Academy of Dermatology, melanoma is one of the most common cancers in young adults.
To achieve being tan, you do not have to be outside all day. The high UV hours range from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., which means to reach being tan, you only have to go outside for 15-20 minutes everyday. It will take up time, but it can help prevent cancers.
Adults who later in life find out they have skin cancer notice that the cancer isn’t from that past couple of years; it is from when they were children and in their teen days. Most adults who were outside a lot as kids are the ones who get skin cancer the most.
Marlette Watson, an agriculture teacher, is outdoors for most of her day; she also grew up on a farm. She said that she wears long sleeves and colors that don’t attract the sun to her skin.
“It all depends on your skin type. My skin is used to all of the sun we didn’t even have sunscreen when I was a kid. My daily lotion also has SPF in it so my face doesn’t burn,” shared Watson.
Many gravitate towards tanning due to confidence levels, compliments, and to get Vitamin D. Vitamin D is a major helper for bone health and for the body to be able to absorb calcium.
An alternative to achieve a tan is going to the tanning beds. Tanning beds are bad for the body because you are laying under UV lights. The UV rays are so powerful that you don’t need to be so close to the lights. Tanning beds cause burns and sometimes just make you orange if you go too much.
Statistics show that the tanning beds are worse for your skin under the age of 35 and that they significantly increase the risk of melanoma. The Skin Cancer Foundation has shown that one in five Americans get diagnosed with skin cancer by the time they are 70.
Tanning is a recreational past-time for people who love to be outdoors. I’ll admit, I’m the same way. I love being outside no matter what. When the UV index is high, I’m outside in my chair with tanning lotion or oil.
Personally, I think tanning increases confidence and enhances facial features. Tanning has its advantages, but everyone should be cautious about what the sun can do to your skin. By adopting healthy sun habits, such as using broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+), wearing protective clothing, and getting regular skin checks, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of developing skin cancer and promote long-term skin health.
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