I just read about a 19-year-old girl who had to have 30 operations to remove cancerous moles. Why? Because she was hitting up the tanning bed for hours a day!

I know plenty of people who don't think they have to worry about cancer or wrinkles until they're older, but this story proves that's not true. And while I secretly hope for a study saying tanning is actually good for you (especially when I look down at my winter-white legs), I know that sun = skin damage, period.

But what's a pale girl to do? Actually, plenty. There are tons of spray tan booths, self-tanners (like these) and amazing bronzers that make it super easy to get a safe glow. Applying them isn't totally fool-proof though, so check out these tips:

- Before you go near a self-tanner, exfoliate well (try one of these body scrubs), then moisturize dry areas (like your elbows, knees, ankles and feet) to keep them from absorbing too much tanner.

- After giving your moisturizer five to 10 minutes to soak in, apply tanner, blending with your hands as you go (be sure to wash your hands immediately after, you don't want orange palms!).

- If you're tanning your whole bod, do your legs before your stomach, so you don't get lines on your belly from bending over.

- Wait five to 10 minutes after applying tanner before getting dressed to prevent streaking (and stained clothes).

-If using a spray tanner, step into your shower to spray it on to avoid spraying your walls, rugs, etc.

• Want bronzed legs like a Victoria's Secret model? Get their secret here.

• See how NOT to wear bronzer.

• Check out these way-too-tanned celebrities (note: orange is not a skin tone found in nature).