Bye Bye Tanning Beds! CA Bans Underage Indoor Tanning

Jersey Shore viewers beware!

Starting Jan. 1st, 2012, CA residents under 18 will NOT be allowed to use ultraviolet tanning devices.

The new law was recently signed by CA Gov. Jerry Brown and supercedes the existing law that requires consent from a parent or legal guardian for people ages 14-18 who want to use UV tanning devices.

California is the FIRST law in the country banning indoor tanning for people under the age of 18.

According to Darrell Rigel, MD, skin cancer expert and member of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Association (ASDSA), “Melanoma is the No. 1 form of cancer in people ages 25-29. Rates for melanoma in this age group are seven times higher for women, the primary factor being the use of tanning beds,” says Rigel.

When the law takes effect, teenagers in California who want an artificially enhanced bronzed look will have to turn to other options, like spray tans or tanning creams.

At least 3 other states, including New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey are considering similar legislation.