This woman posted shocking selfies to Facebook to warn people how dangerous tanning is

Warning: This post contains graphic images.

It seems natural to want to do some tanning over the summer, or a sunnier spring break. You look healthier. The bronze makes your features look more toned. That bit of color can be a total confidence boost. But even though it feels good, you’re taking a huge risk when you tan. It can lead to skin cancer, burning, scarring, etc. Avid tanner, Mags Murphy, learned about the dangers of tanning the hard way and she’s been posting on Facebook to warn others how harmful tanning can be.

It wasn’t until the Dublin native found precancerous skin cells on her face that she decided to no longer ignore her sun-damaged skin. Murphy has started applying Efudix, a topical cream skin treatment, that will burn away the precancerous cells.

For the past two weeks, Murphy has been posting photos of her treatment process.

“Day 7,” Murphy writes, “More marks have appeared, all where I expected them to, just applied cream about an hour ago, feels like mild sunburn.”

On Day 9 Murphy writes, “I’ve a new red beard today. No pain just itchy, burning and a tight feeling. The ones on my forehead feel like someone’s put a cigarette out on me”

“My face feels like a giant cold sore. Wish I had a giant fast forward button,” Murphy says on Day 12.

Halfway through the treatment, Murphy shares that her face is “burning and throbbing.”

And in her most recent post (Day 19), Murphy likens herself to a “red panda.” But even though she’s suffering, she’s grateful that over one million people have seen her Facebook page.

If you have a “crusty” mark like this that isn’t going away, it’s time to see a dermatologist.

We urge you to check out Murphy’s Facebook page and follow her progress. Exposing ourselves to the severity of the after effects of tanning is what we need to start taking skin cancer and skin protection more seriously.