She set out to warn other women after her tanning routine left her face scarred

Tawny Willoughby, 28 years old, spent quite a bit of time in her adolescence intanning salons, quite a lot of time every week in fact out of sheer vanity. But at 21 years old, during a routine visit to the dermatologist, they diagnosed her with a carcinoma, in other words, skin cancer. Ever since that day, this young mother has been fighting against cancer and undergoing all sorts of treatments.

A startling photo to make sunbed users more aware

Although her face is quite bloody and burnt by the treatment, the young woman decided to post a selfie on her Facebook page nonetheless. With the photo, the young woman added the following text.

If anyone needs a little motivation to not lay in the tanning bed and sun here you go! This is what skin cancer treatment can look like. Wear sunscreen and get a spray tan. You only get one skin and you should take care of it. Learn from other people’s mistakes. Don’t let tanning prevent you from seeing your children grow up. That’s my biggest fear now that I have a two-year-old little boy of my own.

Immediately, the young woman’s photograph was shared by multiple internet users who praised Tawny and her bravery in the comments. Despite the fact that the photo was flagged on the site for ‘troubling violence’, the post still hasn’t been taken down and the number of shares continues to grow today.

Use makeup or fake tan instead

The World Health Organisation has added ultraviolet radiation to the list of the most dangerous things that cause cancer. What’s more, everyone who subjects their skin to radiation before the age of 30, increases their risk of developing skin cancer by more than 75%.

The risks don’t just affect tanning salon users either, but those who are out in the sun. So, when the weather is nice, it is obviously essential to protect yourself from the sun’s rays by applying sun cream. For all those that really want to have tanned skin during summer, it’s better to use fake tan or even a bronzing powder on your face.