With recruitment right around the corner, most girls’ minds are flooded with ideas on how they can look their very best. From spending countless hours on the Internet searching for the perfect statement necklace to booking a hair appointment exactly two days before first rounds, the to-do list seems to stretch a mile wide. 

One thing that many people (even guys) gravitate toward (especially during rush week), is the tanning bed.

Make no mistake, a summer glow really makes you feel great and lets face it... pretty much everyone looks better with a tan. BUT, is hitting the bed multiple times worth it in the long run?

According to skincancer.org, tanning just one time before the age of 35 increases your risk of skin cancer by 75 percent. On top of that, out of all melanoma cases between the ages of 18 to 25, there is 76 percent chance you can attribute it to a tanning bed. 

We’ve heard it all before, tanning is wrong and we really should not partake. However sometimes it feels like there isn’t a guaranteed alternative.

Well there is, generally every tanning place offers spray tans. And though they seem intimidating, they actually work great! 

I’ve gotten spray tans multiple times at various places and have been pleased with the results almost every single time. The one time I wasn’t pleased was 100 percent MY fault. 

Here I give you the do’s and don’ts of a spray tan: 

1. Shower before you go. You do NOT under ANY circumstance want to touch water within the first day of the tan. Almost 50 percent of the color will come off in the first shower and you will lose your best day (or days) of color. 

2. Moisturize as MUCH as possible. We’ve all seen the spray tan that eventually turns into a cheetah print. By moisturizing, you can avoid contacting your inner animal and being 50 shades of orange. 

3. Talk to the person spraying you. Most generally, the person spraying you will choose the color of solution being applied. By talking to them, you can let them know if it’s your first time and that you want to play it safe. This will pay off immensely in the long run, especially if you don’t know what shade suits you best. 

4. Work it. Spray tans are God’s gift to the world, so flaunt your glow! Don’t tell everyone it’s a spray tan, for all they know, you just got back from your Muncie vacation!!