Despite health issues, students still tanning

With winter quickly approaching, many people are looking to turn their pasty-colored skin into sun-kissed bronze-colored skin, and indoor, sunless tanning beds provide that opportunity.\nDespite the unhealthy side effects of indoor tanning, many students and local residents are strapping on their eye goggles and flocking to tanning salons in high numbers.\nIn Bloomington alone, there are about 15 tanning salons. Hair and nail salons and even some laundromats also provide tanning beds. \nAccording to the American Cancer Society, frequent tanners who are 35 years and younger have a higher risk of developing cancer than those not using tanning beds. Current studies also indicate that these increasing numbers might be the result of excessive tanning.\nA Total Tan of Bloomington, located at 2544 E. Third St., is one of the many tanning salons. Known for its $2.95 tanning sessions, its 58 beds and booths make it "Indiana's Largest Tanner." The cheap price and easy access make it the hot spot for IU students in their quest for the "just got back from Florida" look.\nOne of these students, Christine Martin, works and tans at A Total Tan. Now a sophomore, she has been tanning regularly, about once or twice a week, since she was 14 years old. Tanning improves her appearance, she said.\n"It makes me feel better about myself," Martin said. "I like the glow and the look of tan skin."\nAlthough improving appearances may be one positive side effect of tanning beds, there are many negative consequences as well. \nWrinkles, eye damage and even skin cancer are just some of the unhealthy effects caused by overexposure to tanning beds. are similar to the effects of overexposure to natural sunlight.\nThe American Cancer Society suggests moderating the number of visits to tanning beds and the amount of time spent in a bed. Moderation can reduce the effects of the harmful UV-B and UV-A rays that cause this damage.\nMany students brush aside these harmful effects for the perfect tan skin.\n"You can die from everything," Martin said. "I like having a little bit of color. So many people say smoking is bad for you, but so many people smoke."\nAnother frequent tanner, sophomore Kelly Hendrickson said she finds tanning in tanning beds to be relaxing.\n"It reminds me of the beach," she said. "It makes me more confident."\nHendrickson also said she doesn't let the negative effects of tanning bother her.\n"I just live for the day," she said.\nFor those persuaded not to go to tanning beds by messages of their negative side effects, Mystic Tan is an alternative for bronzed skin. The sunless and UV-free spray tanning machine is offered at A Total Tan for $25 per session. Mystic Tan is healthier for the skin, yet its price makes it less popular.\nSunless tanning lotions and foams provide other alternatives. Hendrickson tried sunless tanning lotions in the past but found the results unsatisfactory.\n"I didn't like the color," she said. "It made me streaky."\nTanning isn't just popular among college students and women however.\nBloomington resident Randy Bosell, 33, has been indoor tanning a least twice a week for three years. He began working out at a gym and felt the need to darken the skin that was exposed by his shorts and tank tops. \n"I feel and look better when I'm tan," he said. "It's mere self-confidence."\nBosell also tried sunless tanning lotions but finds tanning beds to be less difficult.\n"(Tanning beds) seem easier than taking the time to put lotion all over your body," he said. \nDespite the harmful effects, indoor tanning beds remain popular.\n"Can't find a beach?" Hendrickson said. "Go tanning!"\n-- Contact staff writer Danielle Gingerich at dgingeri@indiana.edu.