Reader ignores tanning warning

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Updated: March 3, 2012 8:28AM

Dr. Wallace: I read in your column that a dermatologist told you that no suntan is good for the recipient. That might be true, but every girl I know thinks that a tan makes a girl more attractive and makes her look healthy.

Who wants to look as white as a sheet? I want to look cool now as a 17-year-old young woman. I really don’t care that when I’m 50, I’ll have more wrinkles than the lady who looked like an albino when she was a teen. I’ve tried using spray-on gunk that makes you look like a bronze goddess, but that just doesn’t cut it.

You give good advice about avoiding sex, laying off drugs, booze and tobacco products, but you are “burned out” when it comes to tanning.

It could be that looking healthy is a girl thing. If so, then I forgive you.

Nameless, Vicksburg, Miss.

Nameless: When it comes to this health issue, I can only give you these facts from a dermatologist: When the sun or a tanning booth changes the pigment in the skin to a darker color, damage has been caused.

It’s up to the readers to decide what is best for them, but I do feel much better that you have forgiven me. Thanks. Also, please remember to lather generously with an effective sunscreen when you venture out in the sun, and always wear sunglasses to protect your beautiful eyes.

Write to Dr. Wallace
at rwallace@galesburg.net