As summer approaches, white-skinned people make a beeline for beaches hoping to get the tanned look sported by famous models and actors. Tanning is often associated with healthy and athletic bodies, and today the trend is to get a light tan. Therefore, it is common to find people basking in the sun on beaches, without adequate protection in the form of sunscreen, broad-brimmed hats, or canopies.

It may be fashionable to be lightly tanned, but medical practitioners decry the concept of tanning itself. In fact, they state that a tan is a skin problem. To those who are desperate for bronzed skin, they suggest faking the tanned look by using commercially available tanning lotions and sprays. Most models and actors adopt this option, as they are very conscious of the harmful effects of the suns ultraviolet rays. Premature aging, eye problems like cataracts, and skin cancer are some of the ill-effects of overexposure to the sun.

Doctors suggest limiting outdoor activities between 10 am and 4 pm. In addition, they recommend the use of beach wear with ultraviolet protection, broad-brimmed hats, sunscreen, and canopies. Sunglasses that offer maximum protection from the ultraviolet rays are also a must for beach-goers. Water-resistant sunscreens should be applied liberally a few minutes before going on to the beach, and reapplied every two hours when on the beach.

To conclude, there is a crucial need to create awareness among children and adolescents about the ill-effects of tanning. This is because surveys have shown that teenagers are most influenced by fashion trends, and prone to bask on beaches to develop a tan. Educational institutions and parents need to assume a proactive role to create awareness among children and adolescents. Teens and other avid tan fans should realize that it is not fashionable to be ill.