We sat down with Vancouver personality and food reporter and Tanning is Out ambassador Erin Ireland to talk about why she’s backing the Canadian Cancer Society’s Tanning is Out Campaign. Here’s what she had to say.
You’re in the spotlight a lot- literally on camera! And have rubbed elbows with many celebs; ever felt pressure to tan?
Fortunately not! The older I become, the less I enjoy the ‘tanned look’. I used to feel my best with a tan. Before any big event, I’d apply self tanner or go for a spray tan. Now, it’s the opposite. I love the natural look — in fact, I sometimes apply a slightly lighter shade of powder on my face for that ‘porcelain’ complexion. Tanning really is out in my mind.
Thinking back when you were in highschool… was tanning and going to the tanning salon popular?
Yes! Especially before formals and grad. Of course, at the time, my friends didn’t realize the negative, aging effects tanning has on the skin. They’d go on an almost daily basis until their skin was leathery brown. At the time, we thought it looked good…but looking back, it almost looks scary! Fortunately, my mom hammered how bad tanning is into my head…she pointed out her skin damage while telling stories of how she and her friends would lather up in baby oil and lie on their roofs surrounded by tin foil!
Tell us the fashion trend these days around tanning? Do you think it’s changing? Why?
The ‘classy & smart’ look is becoming more and more fashionable for females of all ages. That ‘uber tanned’ look represents someone who hasn’t done their research…someone who’s in the dark about current issues surrounding damaging UV rays and the prevalence of skin cancer. This is not attractive to men or anyone.
You went to University in sunny South Carolina; what were those years like?
My four years in South Carolina were the years I regret most when it comes to sun damage. I got sucked in to the focus on tanning. Of course, the Southern hot season is twice as long as ours is here in Vancouver, and my friends and I were ignorant. My campus’ lake was the hotspot and we hardly missed a day. I wish I could do it over again and avoid the damage I caused. Hopefully with my stories, I’ll be able to convince my future daughter to save her skin…if not from cancer, from wrinkles, too. The good news is that I’m making up for it now — I’ve barely tanned in four years!
What do you think about legislation that would prohibit teens from tanning?
I’m hoping with all my heart that it passes. Sadly, youth is wasted on the young, and sometimes, until making mistakes, it can be very tough to learn a lesson. It’s fantastic that the government is trying to eliminate the decision process and save teens from making a mistake that they’d surely regret at a later age, just like I do.
What advice would you give to young girls and guys when it comes to tanning?
With their fresh, young skin, teenagers don’t even realize how naturally beautiful they are. It may be hard for them to realize, but the best they’ll ever want to look is around the age of thirty — when it REALLY counts. If they tan often at an early age and damage their skin, the signs will be already be apparent at the age of thirty. They should challenge themselves to attend their 15 year high school reunion looking better than everyone else…with smooth, healthy, wrinkle-free skin.
Visit Erin Ireland’s blog: it’s to die for
