Patricia Krentcil, aka “Tanning Mom,” made national headlines for her too-tan skin tone. Now, after an entire month out of the sun (real and artificial) the Nutley, N.J., mom shows off her new look exclusively in the new issue of In Touch — on newsstands now.

“Everyone says I look so much better less tan,” Patricia told In Touch at the photo shoot on July 19. But the 44-year-old stay at home mom says, “I feel weird and pale.”

Doctors have spoken up about her excessive tanning history, using the term “tanorexic.” “I’ve had moments where I’ve felt like, ‘I need to be tan.’ And I did all the spray tans and lotions and creams, too — anything to get dark,” Patricia tells In Touch, adding, “Once a doctor told me to stop tanning. But I didn’t listen to him. I wanted to be dark. I like looking like I just got back from vacation.”

Though proudly admitting she was “born to be tan,” Patricia quickly shoots down accusations that she took her 6-year-old daughter, Anna, into a tanning bed. “I would never. She comes into the room with me, but not the booth,” she says. “She plays with her Barbie dolls while I tan.”

Patricia admits that she’s done with tanning for now but will likely “squeeze a tan in here or there.” One thing she’s sure about, “I am sick of talking about tanning!”

For more on Tanning Mom Patricia Krentcil, including personal family photos, pick up this week’s issue of In Touch, on stands now.

Do you think Patricia can quit tanning long-term? Take our poll!

Have a tip? Send it to us! Email In Touch at contact@intouchweekly.com.