We've heard a lot about how tanning is dangerous. But people should be aware that even non-intentional, everyday sun exposure is dangerous, too. Wearing high SPF sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays every day and getting skin cancer screenings as part of your annual exam are so important!

I have fair skin and brown hair. As a teen I would try to get tan. I stopped that nonsense at 16. Six years later, I had my first skin cancer at age 22. I got a second skin cancer at age 30.

My dermatologist said that the damage of sun exposure doesn't show up for many years, which is why it is so hard to discourage people from tanning--the harmful consequences are not immediate.

I apologize that this sounds like lecturing. I just try to share my experience in the hope that others won't go through it.