Yesterday, I was in New York attending the first annual Cosmo’s Practice Safe Sun Awards. I received an award for taking a stand against indoor tanning and I’m happy that I had a chance to speak about this really important cause. I definitely feel a responsibility to my fans being known as “the California beach girl,” and I needed to reach out and bring awareness and the right information about the dangers of tanning-specifically tanning beds.
I have first-handedly experienced the misinformation that is out there about tanning beds. I was told they were better and safer than getting an outdoor tan and that this bed was better for you then that bed, etc. It caused a lot of frustration for me with my job. I was required to be tan most of the year and would get specific phone calls from clients double checking that I had a tan. I wanted to make everyone happy and wanted to believe that I was making the best choice by going to tanning salons. After reading an article in Cosmo magazine, about women getting melanoma and dying in their 20′s, I never went back to a tanning bed. It’s been 4 years since I’ve gone to a tanning bed. Melanoma is very serious and not a walk in the park. Your chances of getting melanoma increase by 75% if you’ve gone to a tanning bed before the age of 30!
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At my autograph signings, I see very young girls who I can tell are addicting to tanning. It’s really sad when I see this and I want people to know that if I look tan, it’s fake. I’ve had makeup artists tell me my skin is better now than when I was 24 because I’ve stopped going to tanning beds and am really good about using SPF daily.
My uncle was diagnosed with stage 3 melanoma in 2008 and that really hit close to home for me. It was devastating to know how bad he was struggling and he had to undergo multiple surgeries, one of which required removing part of his nose and cheek. He had such a positive attitude and inspired me to go to a dermatologist. I got every mole and freckle checked, which took and very long time because I have alot of them;) My dermatologist recommended the removal of one suspicious looking tiny mole on the back of my leg. I got it removed 3 months ago and luckily it wasn’t cancerous. I am really happy I’m being proactive and making smart decisions for my future.
There is no reason to put yourself at risk for a tan. There are many wonderful bronzing and self tanning products out there! The lotions with self tanner are the most user friendly and provide a gradual color you can control. I hope tanning salons will start focusing on spray tanning and alternatives to tanning beds and make spray tanning more affordable then tanning beds. They should feel that responsibility! There are more tanning salons then Starbucks in the country!!
I know I wrote a novel here, but this is very important for me to get the right information out to you.
Much Love,
xoxoM
Here are some links for more information:
Purchase the Comso Practice Safe Sun bracelet that brings awareness and funds to The Melanoma Research Foundation:
The Melanoma Research Foundation: http://www.melanoma.org/
