Patricia Krentcil, accused "tanning mom," trying to go one month without tanning, report says

(CBS/AP) NUTLEY, N.J. - "Tanning mom" Patricia Krentcil is changing her look, debuting her fairer skin in a popular U.S. magazine after being accused of taking her 6-year-old daughter into a tanning booth, CBS New York reports.

Pictures: NJ mom accused of putting 6-year-old in tanning booth

Krentcil, 44, was challenged by In Touch Weekly to go an entire month without tanning, both real and artificial. While admitting to using a little self-tanner, for the most part, Krentcil is trying a more natural look. At least, for now.

"Everyone says I look so much better less tan," Patricia told In Touch. "I feel weird and pale."

Krentcil pleaded not guilty to child endangerment charges in May. She said the whole situation was a big misunderstanding, adding that she would never take her daughter into a tanning booth.

Krentcil said that when the school nurse asked her daughter how she got burned, she said, "'I go tanning with mommy.'" However, the woman said her daughter's burn was not from getting into a tanning bed, but from being outside and playing in the backyard.

Complete coverage of the Patrecia Krentcil on Crimesider