Teens Tan Despite Knowing Risks

Majority Say People Look Better With Tans And Continue To Seek Sun

(CBS/AP)  Teens know tanning is dangerous, but keep going after that golden glow anyway.

In a nationwide survey of 505 youngsters aged 12 to 17 years, the American Academy of Dermatology found that almost 80 percent said they knew that childhood sunburns increase risks for skin cancer, yet 66 percent said people look better with a tan, nearly half said tans look healthier, and 60 percent said they got sunburned last summer.

"It's not surprising that teenagers would continue to do what adults do, which is know the risk of sun exposure but continue to expose themselves excessively," Dr. David Leffell, professor of Dermatology and Surgery at the Yale School of Medicine, told CBS Radio News.

If the latest tanning survey is any indication, 17-year-old Lindsey Vitez is a totally typical teenager.

"I hate looking deathly pale," said Vitez, who seeks a tan year-round, bronzing at tanning salons in cool months and hanging out by the pool or beach in summertime, using lotion to attract the sun, not protect against skin cancer — which is about the furthest thing from her mind.

"I think a lot of teenagers realize it's dangerous, but because we're so wrapped up in the instant gratification we don't really worry about it," said Vitez, a high school junior in Norwalk, Conn.

"It's an uphill battle, because young people do believe that a tan makes you look healthier," said Leffell. "We live in a time when instant gratification is the name of the game. The problem is that instant gratification now will lead to delayed damage later."

The dermatology group recommends avoiding the sun in the middle of the day, wearing hats and using sunscreen.

Girls were more likely than boys to wear sunscreen — 53 percent versus 33 percent — and to say they were at least somewhat careful about protecting themselves from the sun — 59 percent compared with 36 percent.

The results echo previous teen surveys and show that despite efforts to get the word out about the dangers of tanning, teens aren't getting the message.