Study: Tanning beds are as deadly as arsenic; risk of skin cancer jumps by 75 percent.

[ChessieMom]

Heck I just got back from the beach. I go pretty much every weekend, and I work out in the yard all summer long. I do use sunscreen at the beach, however. Guess the tanning bed won't be seeing me anymore though. (I've only used one about 5 times in my life, I think.)

[arctichomesteader]

Our ancestors back in the 1800's did their best to avoid sun exposure...they were smarter than we give them credit for often times. I have to keep the sun off me, my North European background has given me light skin and light hair...and I burn to a crisp with much exposure. Sunblock and wide brimmed hats for me...

[mainegirl]

Originally Posted by TheImportersWife

I think about this every day.

I used to be a sun worshipper and used the beds off and on for 10 years. Ugh. I had no idea of the potential consequences at the time. There was talk of an increased risk, but not to the extent that the studies have shown these days.

I went for a skin check last year and my derm's face said it all when I told him I used tanning beds in the past.

I am in the same boat. I laid out in the sun from the time I was 11 until I was in my 30's, then I started going to tanning beds. I stopped almost three years ago when I noticed spots. Am in my early 40's now, and have always been told that I look about 10 years younger. But I know that tanning has aged my skin, and I wish that I hadn't tanned so much in past years. I really enjoy tanning. For me it's not only to have a little color, but it's relaxing after work.

The gym I go to has tanning beds and I see people that are tanned. It sometimes makes me want to go in and tan, but I am resisting the urge.