French designer Coco Chanel is recognized around the world as a trendsetter in fashion; yet, she also helped revolutionize tanning when during the 1920s, she accidentally became sunburnt while visiting the French Riviera. Her fans relished the tan look and soon, people were basking under the sun to mimic the fashion icon.

Since the 1920s, tanning has become widely accepted. From the Jersey Shore’s Gym Tan Laundry (GTL) motto to local tanning salons, tanning doesn’t appear to be losing its golden appeal anytime soon.

With prom and summer approaching, teens are more concerned about looking their best and tanning seems to be one of the ways to get the ideal look.

Although teens are pleased with the sun-kissed look, legislators in 32 states across the country have a trend of their own. They have enacted regulations of tanning for minors. New York is considering banning teen tanning altogether, according to CBS News.com.

Of these states, 24 require a written consent of a parent to be signed. In 17 states the consent form has to be signed in the presence of the facility supervisor. California, Illinois, New Jersey and New York prohibit minors under the age of 14 from using tanning facilities. Wisconsin as well as Texas, ban minors under the age of 16 from using tanning facilities, according to knowledgecenter.csg.org.

The reason for such strict regulations is no secret. Tanning has been proven to lead to skin cancer, such as melanoma, which is the second most common cancer of women in their 20s and third most common cancer for men in their 20s, according to modbee.com.

Since middle school or earlier, teens have been preached to about the damaging risks associated with tanning, and I think by now the point has been drilled into their brains pretty far. Let me make it short and sweet. Tan at your own risk.

I’m not advocating that teens go tanning and increase the likelihood of getting cancer. I am simply against the government trying to find more ways to regulate what teens do. Teens are well aware of what’s at stake when they go tanning and if that is a risk that they are willing to take, legislators should not stand in the way.

I understand legislators are doing what they think is in the best interest of teens’ health, and I applaud them for their concern, but I feel that their efforts are pointless. It’s not like they can outlaw tanning on the beach. Not to mention that some households may own a personal tanning bed.

Legislators can regulate tanning, but they cannot successfully prevent all teens from tanning. If someone wants to get tan they will find a way, even if it means spending more hours out in the sun.