I’ve learned that the need for a tan really took over my life to an extent in the past. I’m trying to undo the damage now, but it could be years before I really see what damage I may have caused.

Let’s rewind to two years ago. A typical year for me, I began my obsessive tanning regimen in February. I’d recently joined a gym that had better tanning packages than the retail chains in the area. It was cold out and my body was completely covered from head to toe. Why would I need a tan? Hello! I was working out in shorts and God forbid somebody see pasty white legs! That’s what I convinced myself of anyway.

Spring came and that meant legs and arms would be out there for the world to see. I continued to tan in the beds every other day. Summer threw me into a bathing suit pool-side every weekend covered in baby oil.

I would spend hours in the sweat-drenching heat absorbing the light until I was forced to call it a day when the sun finally began to sink behind the Brentwood hills.

I even remember when I was a teenager my little sister used to beg me to just jump in the ocean with her on vacation but I refused because that could cause tanning lines and I could miss out on a perfectly even tan. Back then it was an unspoken but never-the-less very-apparent contest coming home from spring break. We all wanted to be the most tan.

Where did this tanning chaos get me? Looking fabulous of course. After all, everyone knows you look better in any outfit with a tan -- and even skinnier. Did I listen to all the warnings out there about UVA and UVB rays? Skin cancer and Melanoma? No.   I was young, felt good and I was invincible. My view was “If the sun kills me, bury me in a white coffin…at least I’ll look good in it.” I know, ridiculous and immature but I also know some of my readers have gone through the same cycle to some extent.

About a year ago as I was getting dressed, I noticed I had more freckles on my arms than I used to and they were larger than the ones I was born with. Every couple of weeks more appeared on my arms, legs, and stomach. Then it happened. I was putting on makeup under my bright light and noticed two light brown spots on my face. Sun spots!

Suddenly a realization about 800 pounds hit me right on my tan little head. I was now 26 and already had age spots. I’d literally been paying the tanning bed for a decade to age me. I realized if I kept tanning at the rate I was, I was going to look like one of those West Palm Beach 40 year olds whose leathered skin would have them pass for someone 25 years older than their actual age. The possibility of skin cancer in my future was also a factor. Melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, is often a result from tanning bed use.

I can’t reverse what I’ve already foolishly done. I have made some changes, though. Tanning beds are out of the question. You couldn’t pay me to use one now. The real sun is still appealing to lay poolside in, but not with out a 75 or higher sunscreen all over my body. (I’ve heard nothing over 30 spf works better, but I’m not taking any chances.) I love Koola Sun Block available at The Skin Bar in Brentwood for my face. It doesn’t go on greasy. I usually use Neutrogena spray for my body.

The good news of swearing off the sun? I feel like I’m doing something good for my body. I’m not the dark golden bronze that I used to be, but I do have a little color. I’ve found Express Tan in Brentwood does the best air brush tans. For $25 I can look like I’ve been to the beach for a week. A tanning consultant helps you choose the level of color for your skin and then they spray it on you with the relief of no streaks that spray booths can leave behind.

When I want the convenience of tanning in my own home, I have found L’oreal’s Sublime Bronze Tanning Towelettes in Medium available at Walgreens and Target are magnificent. You simply exfoliate your skin, and use one towel for your whole body. After about two days of use, you’ll have a wonderful glow! Streak factor is low with this product, though you may have to get someone to towel your back for the harder to reach areas.

I’d be lying if I said I don’t miss being dark all summer; especially when I throw on a black or white dress. But I know for a fact in the years to come my body will thank me for the lack of sun exposure. In the mean time, I’ll keep using my tanning towels, high SPF and knowledge on the risk of the sun. But for the moment, I’m headed to the pool and a nice shady umbrella for the afternoon. It’s only summer for another month and a half and I intend to enjoy it!