With the upcoming prom season, it is important that teenagers are aware of the dangers of using tanning beds. Although some girls seek a “natural glow” for a special night, there is nothing natural about a tan. This exposes the skin to UVA and UVB rays which are known human carcinogens, meaning they are cancer causing.  Putting your skin in harm’s way for the sake of a skin tone is simply unnecessary. In fact, there are several ways to achieve a golden tan without causing trauma to skin cells. Some alternative and safe ways to be tan are using bronzing make up, gradual self-tanner lotion, spray tan, and airbrushing. Using a tanning bed is known to cause skin cancers such as melanoma. One session in a tanning bed increases the chances of melanoma by 20 percent.  Melanoma can be very deadly if not caught early. One person per hour dies of melanoma. To prevent teens from exposing their bodies to such dangers, some states have gone as far as regulating the use of tanning beds. In some states, minors need a parent’s permission, or cannot use the tanning bed until over 18 years of age. If you are worried that your skin may have already suffered some trauma from the sun or tanning beds, one important process to do is check the skin regularly for new or changing moles. Anything that looks suspicious should be seen by a dermatologist. Early detection is key in protecting yourself from melanoma.