Action Tips: Promote Trend-Setting Tanning Alternatives

Tanning may seem like no big deal, but Melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, kills 8,700 Americans every year. Summertime, tropical vacations, and special events are all times when people feel pressure to look tan. It's up to you to step in and raise awareness of the health risks of excessive sun exposure by implementing these trend-setting tactics.

• Wear a floppy summer hat—Kentucky Derby-style. If someone in London was able to make the weird hats donned by Royal Wedding guests stylish, you can definitely rock an accessory donned by fashion stars like Gaga and J. Lo. Guys, you can look to Jay-Z and Johnny Depp for examples of sun-blocking swagger.
• Host a cabana-covered pool party. Build your own pool-side cabanas (just a little bigger than the forts from your 10-year-old sleepovers) and spend an afternoon chilling (get it?) in the shade with your friends. It’ll keep your lemonade cool and your face from peeling.
• Bring back parasols. You’ll either look like a geisha or a Southern belle, which means you can’t go wrong.
• Embrace your natural complexion and applaud your friends who do the same. Whether you’re fair or dark-skinned, play to your skin tone’s strengths.
• When your friends suggest you all meet at noon to lay out in the local park, suggest a shaded picnic instead. One selling point: you won’t end the day sweaty and oil-slicked, which means you can make a quick turn-around for the night’s plans.