The official position from the American Academy of Pediatrics is that anyone under 18 years of age should never use a tanning bed. I certainly agree with this recommendation.
People who use tanning beds when less than 35 years of age are 75% more likely to develop melanoma (skin cancer). There are 68,000 cases of melanoma in the US every year, and 1 in 8 of these people die from the skin cancer.
Ohio requires parental permission for children less than 18 years of age using a tanning bed. I wish that Ohio would ban their use for children less than 18 years of age as I am that concerned about the use of a tanning bed for children.
Tanning beds damage the skin, cause cause cancer, and can cause dry skin, eye problems, and make you more likely to get sick. Remember, the "healthy glow" is actually is not healthy at all -- it is skin damage. Please avoid tanning beds and skin damage from the sun.
