“Ban me from an indoor tanning salon and I will simply go to my friend’s house and turn her tanning bed on 3 times at 30 minutes each time. This is what I used to do all the time before my mom took me to her tanning salon. The girl there explained how bad it was for me to burn. I don’t go to my friend’s house anymore but I would go back if you take away my tanning.” — Teenage response to AOL News article asking if teens should be prohibited from using tanning facilities.

That teen would not be alone if those under 18 were not allowed to tan in tanning salons. According to surveys, 72 percent of teenagers who currently tan indoors say they would simply tan more aggressively outdoors or purchase home tanning units — both of which are more likely to produce sunburns — if a prohibition is enacted. What that means is that, if enacted, sunburn incidence actually will increase, and it is likely that total UV exposure in this age group will increase — not decrease. This would be hurting people, not helping them.

What’s more, 83 percent of teenagers who tan indoors prior to taking sunny vacations report that their indoor tan, combined with the proper use of sunscreen, helped them to prevent sunburn. Sunburn prevention before family vacations is one of the main reasons teenagers use indoor tanning facilities in the spring.

To read the AOL News story click here.