Megan Blain, an 18-year-old who’s hooked on sunbeds, says she won’t stop tanning, even though online trolls are constantly insulting her. They’ve compared her skin to a “dirty 2p coin,” but she feels stuck in a tanning habit she can’t break.
Megan, from Seaham, County Durham, started using sunbeds at 16 to keep a tan all year. She ditched fake tan products for daily sunbed sessions and even began using tanning injections to get a darker glow. Although she didn’t know much about the risks, she spent up to 30 minutes on sunbeds, sometimes using baby oil to boost the effect.
Teenager Megan Blain, 18, has admitted to being addicted to sunbeds, despite facing harsh criticism online and noticing concerning changes to her skin
Megan said, “I liked how I looked with a tan. I wear bright colors, and the tan made them stand out more. Once I saw how good it looked, I started going to the sunbeds more often.”
But her intense tanning routine has raised health concerns. Megan now admits she’s addicted and has tried to cut back on sunbed use.
She also says the tanning injections make her feel sick, and she’s noticed a strange patch on her skin that changes size. Even though she’s scared it could be cancer, she hasn’t stopped tanning yet. Megan has tried to go to the doctor several times but gets too nervous to go inside.
“I’m the type of person who worries about everything, so it’s strange that I’m not more worried about this patch. I know it could be melanoma, but I still use sunbeds, which shows it’s an addiction. I never feel dark enough,” she explained.
She says she’s stuck in a cycle of overusing sunbeds and taking injections that make her feel sick and unable to eat. She used to go every day, but now she goes about four times a week.
Despite getting negative attention from strangers, with some saying she looks like a “burnt chip” or a “cremated” version of herself, Megan still can’t imagine life without tanning beds.
Megan said, “Everywhere I go, people stare at me. When they say I’m dark, I don’t believe them. I don’t feel dark at all, like I can’t see it myself.”
She admits she wants to stop using sunbeds one day, but she can’t imagine quitting. “I wouldn’t recommend this to anyone because you could get addicted without even realizing it, like I did,” she warned.
Megan has tried to cut down, now only using sunbeds four times a week, and she’s using her TikTok platform to warn younger people about the dangers of sunbed addiction. She’s especially worried because more young people seem to be using sunbeds than older ones, and she knows how easy it is to get hooked.
However, Megan has also faced online trolls who make fun of her tan. Some compare her to “burnt chips” or say her skin looks like a dirty “2p coin.” One person even asked if the sunbeds “cremated” her.
While Megan’s views on tanning have changed, she still struggles to break her habit of using UV lights.
Megan said, “After two years, I’ve changed my mind about sunbeds. If I could go back, I’d never start. Now, it’s not even about wanting to be tan anymore—I just feel like I have to use them.”
She explained that once she’s on the sunbed, it’s hard to turn it off. “I don’t even like using them anymore, I actually dread it, but I feel like I physically can’t stop.”
Another tanning addict, Fionnghuala Maguire, 35, from Belfast, shared her story, saying she feels “lucky to be alive” after using sunbeds almost every day for 15 years. She started at 14 and never used sunscreen during that time. Fionnghuala is now warning others not to make the same mistake, having been hooked on tanning and going to salons up to seven days a week at the height of her addiction.
Whеn Snаkеs Surрrisе: А Mоthеr’s Теrrifying Еnсоuntеr
Finding unexpected creatures in our surroundings can be quite scary, even more so when it’s a vеnоmous snake! Just ask one mother who had a nerve-wracking encounter in her own backyard during her daughter’s seventh-grade graduation.
While trying to capture a cherished moment with her daughter sitting near a tree, she noticed something chilling in the picture. A snake had emerged from the tree just as her daughter flashed a smile for the camera! Both mother and daughter were shaken, but thankfully, uninjured.
“I snapped two photos after seeing the snake since it was frightening. I was remarkably calm when I urged her to back off, but I think she saw everything in my expression,” the mother shаrеd.
Encountering a snake can be a terrifying experience for anyone. The key is to remain calm and not panic. Remember, snakes can be harmful depending on the species. So, what should you do if you stumble upon a snake?
First and foremost, give the snake space. Leaving them alone is the safest option. It’s essential to know how to identify the species if you can do so safely. This will help you determine the appropriate distance to keep between yourself and the snake. However, attempting to catch or handle a wild snake is extremely risky and could prove fatal for both parties involved.
If you find yourself in close proximity to a snake, carefully back away until you reach a safe distance. Observing it from afar ensures that others around you can also avoid any potential dаngеr.
Once you’re at a safe distance, seek assistance from local wildlife officials if possible. They have the expertise to handle the situation and ensure the snake is either returned to its natural habitat or treated if injured.
It’s important to remember that snakes play a vital role in their ecosystems and should never be harmed unless absolutely necessary. By giving them space, you not only protect yourself but also contribute to the well-being of these creatures.
If you’re interested in learning more about snakes, there are numerous online resources as well as books written by qualified herpetologists. Acquainting yourself with the snake species in your area can help you recognize them quickly and know what to do if you encounter one. Remember, coexisting harmoniously with nature means respecting both your own safety and the snake’s role in the ecosystem!
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