This week let’s answer the common question – should I get a base tan before a vacation to help protect my skin? TLDR - the answer is a big NO… Since it’s July and UV Safety Awareness month, it’s a great time to spread some truths about sun protection and your skin.
Tanning is NOT Good for Your Skin
I think there is a big misnomer that tanning makes your skin look healthy. But it’s the complete opposite. A tan is actually a sign of skin damage. It’s your skin’s reaction to sun damage.
According to Consumer Reports Health Editor Trisha Calvo,"the sunlight can injure the DNA in skin cells, and that causes them to darken to prevent further damage.”
While you may not “feel” the damaging effect of a tan like a sun burn. Tanning adds up over the years and turns into wrinkles, spots, skin aging and worse skin cancer.
As. Dr. Suzanne M. Olbricht, MD, FAAD, president of the American Academy of Dermatology says it best:
“Every time you tan, including trying to get a base tan, you increase your risk of developing skin cancer, including melanoma, which kills one person every hour. On top of that, UV rays can make your skin age prematurely, leading to wrinkles and age spots. Don’t try to change your skin by tanning; keep it safe by protecting yourself from harmful UV exposure.”
Practice Safe Sun Strategies to Protect Your Skin
Instead of tanning, practice good sun protection habits on your vacation. These good habits include:
- Applying sunscreen and reapplying every two hours and more frequently if you’re sweating or swimming
- Wearing protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirts, pants, hats, and sunglasses
- Seeking shade during peak sun hours from 10AM to 4PM
- Keeping babies under six months out of the sun
If You Must “Tan” – Fake It
If you still want your skin to look tan – a safer option maybe using a self-tanning cream or lotion. But remember that this fake tan offers zero protection from the sun.
Suncare Smarts
Bottom line a base tan does nothing to protect your skin, it’s a sign your skin has been harmed. Instead if you’re heading out on a trip don’t forget to pack your sunscreen and to stay safe in the sun.
Want to know fact from fiction when it comes to your skin and then sun? Then check out our Suncare Smarts blog series for info, tips, and the real truth.
