Dear Wendi: I’m so pale! For summer, how can I talk my mom into letting me use a tanning bed?
Pretty But Pale
Dear P.B.P.: I’ve given kids loads of tips for talking their folks into stuff — but when it comes to using a tanning bed, no can do. Putting you at risk for skin cancer so you can toast your skin for a tan would be dumb and irresponsible. Tanning beds aren’t healthy! (Ask any dermatologist.) However, when it comes to loving the yummy, healthy (how ironic) look of a tan, you and I are totally simpatico. So why not go with a sunless tanner? I’m splurging this summer and using Baytan, which I’ve heard “Baywatch” stars use. (Yeah, I’m politically opposed to the show; so sue me.) You can get a can and applicator sponge and mitt for about $30, which is pretty pricey, but it goes on nicely and contains a bronzer so you can see it while you’re applying it. (With a lot of sunless stuff, the color shows up later.) Plus, it has sunscreen and can be used on your face. To find out more or order, go to baytan.net. Still, I’m not convinced this stuff is tons better than cheaper stuff. I still love Neutrogena’s spray-on tanner, which is about $10. KidNews will review sunless tanners this summer, but I wanted to get a jump on things before you jumped into a tanning bed! (By the way, I KNOW you wouldn’t try to hit the tanning beds without your mom’s OK, but just so you know . . . kids under 16 need a parent with them to give signed permission!)
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You can write to Wendi at KidNews, 5th Floor,
435 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611.
(Please keep letters short.) Or send in questions by e-mail (screen name ctc-kidnews@tribune.com).
