Tanning now illegal for those under 18 in Mass

BOSTON — As of Thursday, you could be carded at your local tanning salon.

It is now illegal for anyone under 18 years of age to use U.V. beds.

When Sarah Carr was in high school, there was one event in particular that required a golden glow.

"Me and my friends really only tanned under the age of 18 when we were going to prom," she said.

Up until now, state law required kids under the age of 18 to get permission before using beds.  Now, that option is no longer available. With skin cancer rates growing among younger age groups, state lawmakers decided to take action.

Damaris Arevalo, works at Tanorama in Franklin and said it's rare to see a minor walk through the doors of her salon, but it does happen.

"I'd say it's less than 5 percent," said Arevalo.

She said younger patrons are sometimes misinformed about how susceptible skin is to UV Rays.

"A lot of kids come in, like students, and say put me in for the full time," said Arevalo.

While tanning salons will have to adhere to the new rule, there is concern about gyms where tanning booths are sometimes unsupervised.

"It's kind of awful, because its your skin you know.  They're just letting people hop into a booth... I'm like-did they offer you eyewear?...And they're like 'no, I  had no idea you had to wear eyewear and goggles in the equipment,'" said Arevalo.

Spray and airbrush tan is still an option for teens who want a golden glow.

Cox Media Group