Juniors and seniors plan to tan before the prom.

Science tells us that there is no such thing as a safe tanning bed, tanning booth, or sun lamp. Just one indoor tanning session can increase the risk of developing skin cancer.

“I don’t think tanning is bad if you do it in small amounts,” said senior Savannah Carlsen.

“Tanning damages your skin cells and speeds up visible signs of aging. Tanning is still harming you even if you don’t have a burn. Even on cloudy days if you stay out too long can be very damaging to your skin,” acording to skincancer.org, “One in five Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70. Worldwide, there are more skin cancers due to indoor tanning than there are lung cancers due to smoking.”

“I don’t think it’s safe or necessarily harmful. People make it out to be a lot more harmful then it actually is,” said senior Madison Moore.

“There is a safe alternative which is spray tans,” according to Safe Tan of America.

One of the most obvious benefits of a salon spray tan is getting people a picturesque, sun-kissed glow—without endangering your health. When you take out the long hours of UV exposure, you decrease your risk of developing skin related cancers, such as melanoma. It can be an actual life-saver,” says a long time spray tan aficionado.

“I’m getting a spray tan for prom. I think it’s easier and safer,” said senior Lizzie McAdams.

Consider a spray tan.