We interviewed Lily, Tan Free Grad Leader at West Vancouver Secondary to find out her views on indoor tanning and the Tan Free Grad campaign. She has some great messages to share with other teens!
What is your view of indoor tanning?
I personally believe indoor tanning to be a dangerous, superficial, and unnecessary act of insecurity and/or vanity. I am a strong believer of embracing the traits that are given to us, rather than attempting to modify or alter them. Fake tanning goes against that belief, as it suggests to many, that it is okay to not appreciate the way that you look and that by changing your appearance, you will lead a happier lifestyle. However, this is not the case, as indoor tanning is extremely dangerous and can lead to very serious diseases, such as skin cancer. While a tan may only last a few weeks, cancer is a battle one has to fight their entire life. I personally think that indoor tanning promotes an unhealthy life style and body image, and that it is definitely not worth the risk.
Why are you participating in the Tan Free Grad campaign?
In February, our Graduation Committee hosted our annual Semi-Formal event. During the few weeks preceding the event, we came to realize that many of the students in our grad class were fake tanning in order to look, what they believed to be, their absolute best. However, they were unaware of the risks and dangers of fake tanning and its role in the development of skin cancer. For this reason, as we quickly approach graduation, our Grad Committee has decided to participate in the Tan Free Grad campaign, in order to raise awareness for skin cancer, promote a healthy body image, and prevent any more dangerous tanning.
What will this campaign mean to your school, your friends, or yourself?
What this campaign means to our school is that we are taking one step closer to leading healthier and happier lifestyles. We wish to break out of the bubble in which we have been trapped that suggests that the only way to be attractive is by being tanned, and instead enforce a new idea that promotes the idea that all skin tones are beautiful, and that a healthier lifestyle is far more important than a superficial tan.
Can you share your beauty tricks to keeping your skin looking healthy and natural?
I think beauty tricks, especially concerning skin, are pretty difficult to answer just because everyone’s skin is so different! But for me personally, I find that less is almost always the best way to go. I never wear face make-up except for the occasional concealer on trouble areas, and to be honest, I think that is what keeps my skin pretty clear. I hate wearing a lot of makeup because I feel like my pores cant breathe and I’m pretty scared of clogging my pores and causing breakouts (which does tend to happen to me when I do wear face make-up). The best tips I have are simply to wash your skin at least twice a day, and most importantly, moisturize!
Any key take home messages you want to share with others who are reading this?
Just to remember that the people who are important in your life will love you and be there, regardless of how tanned you are. Nobody who really cares about you will think any less of you if you’re not tanned - in fact, they will probably be a lot happier knowing that you’ve reduced your own risk of skin cancer. There are so many things about you that make you attractive to someone, and being tanned is rarely one of those main reasons. So just be who you are, embrace your natural skin, and be kind to your body!