Stay healthy to stay beautiful

Skin damage adds up over one's lifetime and can't be undone. Contrary to what some may say, there is no "safe" way to tan your skin. Just like the sun, indoor tanning equipment emits ultraviolet (UV) radiation that causes harmful side effects such as premature aging, cataracts and deadly melanoma skin cancer, one of the most common forms of cancer among youth aged 15-29. 

In fact, some tanning beds can give off UV rays at levels that are 5 times stronger than the mid-day summer sun.

What you can do

• Talk to your son or daughter about being happy with the skin colour they have. 
• Teach your son or daughter to be aware of misleading information in advertisements.
• Set a great example! Don’t use indoor tanning equipment.
• Help the Canadian Cancer Society in its advocacy efforts by sending a letter to the government of Ontario letting them know that you feel teens should not be allowed to use indoor tanning equipment.
• Read “Killer Tanning Facts” a brochure from the Canadian Cancer Society about the dangers of indoor tanning. 
• Print the Canadian Cancer Society’s “Killer Tan” poster and use it as a way to open up discussion about artificial tanning with your teen.