Skin cancer runs in my family, so as a teen I actually followed my mother's advice and avoided the sun ("Teen girls risk cancer for a tan," Jan. 15). I was pale compared to my fellow students who tanned with abandon, but I didn't want to get cancer like the other members of my family. Flash forward 20-plus years, and I have discovered another wonderful benefit: At my 20-year high school reunion, I noticed those same girls who tanned all the time looked much older than their age, with many wrinkles and lines. I, on the other hand, received so many compliments about how young I looked, and was repeatedly asked what my secret was. So, girls, listen up: If you want real, long-lasting beauty, stop tanning now. If cancer risk doesn't sway you, perhaps a future of youthful good looks might.
Letter of the Day (Jan. 16): Tanning beds
You'll be the envy of your classmates at future reunions.
January 16, 2014 at 12:08AM
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