Having that sun-kissed look is usually all the rage among teens, even in the dead of winter. And the truth is, despite all the warnings about skin damage and cancer, tanning remains as popular as ever. But before you head off to the tanning booth or swimming pool to bathe in the sun’s rays, consider getting that bronzed look the safe way: from a “tan in a bottle.”
Damaging rays
First, a quick biology lesson. Tans are caused by exposure to the sun’s UV (ultraviolet radiation) rays, which reach the lower levels of your skin. Your cells then produce melanin, the pigment that results in tanning, to protect your skin from damage.
While tans are a form of protection, they are also signs of skin damage and prolonged exposure can result in wrinkles, age spots, blotchiness, and leathery skin. In other words, premature skin aging. You may not care about that now – wrinkles are years away – but when you get older, you’ll regret the hours in the sun. And, as the rays reach deep into your skin, they can also weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to diseases that may result in illnesses including melanoma, the most severe form of skin cancer.
Tanning beds
There are a few alternatives to outdoor tanning, one of the most popular being tanning beds. One of the biggest myths about tanning is that tanning beds are safer. But international cancer experts have announced that the radiation used in tanning salons is a carcinogen, meaning it can cause cancer. Researchers warn that the risk of skin cancer jumps by 75 percent when people start using tanning beds before age 30.
Base tans
Another tanning myth is that getting a base tan will prevent sun exposure. People commonly believe that getting a slight tan before going on vacation will act as a barrier to protect your skin from sun damage. But dermatologists warn that any change in skin color is a sign of damage from UV radiation. Repeated exposure to UV radiation — whether from the sun or a tanning bed — increases your risk of premature skin aging and skin cancer.
There's no such thing as a healthy tan, according to dermatologists.
Think of it this way. Say you’re gelling your hair. You put in a thin layer, wait a bit, and then add some more. The first layer didn’t act as a protective barrier, so the second layer was just more gel in your hair. And in the end, your hair was extra crispy. Similarly, getting a base tan before going out and tanning just means extra sun exposure and damage.
Smart sun tips
While overexposure to the sun is bad, you don’t want to hide from the sun completely. The sun can provide health benefits such as Vitamin D. The important thing is to stay safe while doing so. Here are some tips on how:
- Wear sunscreen. Most dermatologists recommend that you use a sunscreen SPF 15 or higher. Make sure to reapply every few hours and after swimming to maintain protection.
- Medications and sun don’t mix. Many teens don’t realize that a lot of medications, particularly acne medications, can actually make your skin more sensitive to sun exposure. Check the medication directions or ask your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.
- Cover up. Wear a brimmed hat, sit under an umbrella, throw on a cover-up, and do what ever else you can to keep your skin away from continuous direct exposure. It’s a much safer way to spend time outside.
- Take breaks. Instead of sitting in the sun for an entire day, avoid the sun between the hours of ten and two when sun exposure is at its strongest. Your skin will have a chance to cool down a bit and you’ll end up spending less time in harm’s way.
- Get a fake tan. Spray tans and bronzers are commonly used to get a tanned look without the risk. These include a chemical that stain the outer layer of your skin, and will last from several days to a week. Some salons offer airbrush tanning, which apply the sunless self-tanners evenly. But whatever sunless tanning product you use, remember that it doesn’t provide protection against the sun, even though it may now look like you’re tan – so continue to use sunscreen faithfully.
Getting a suntan is not worth the risks. The possibility of cancer alone is enough to make anyone cringe, and the premature aging is a nightmare in itself. So be careful in the sun, and don’t spend your whole vacation trying to get tan. Myself? I think it’s beautiful to be pale.
This article has been reviewed by BodiMojo health expert Dr. Kathleen Devaney.
