Tan Safely

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Do you want a sun-kissed glow but don't want to increase your likelihood of getting wrinkles or cancer? While there's really no such thing as a healthy, safe tan, it is possible to reduce the negative effects of tanning by taking the following steps.

Steps

Tanning With the Aid of the Sun

  1. Understand how tanning works. Tanning is the process of cells in your skin protecting you from harmful UVA and UVB rays that come from the sun, not simply a pretty glow you get in the summer time.
    • UVA and UVB rays are a type of radiation linked to cancer. Prolonged exposure can greatly increase the likelihood of cancerous cells growing in your skin.
    • A tan works as a shield from radiation. Imagine thousands of tiny umbrellas in your skin; they open more the more they are exposed to the sun, which in turn makes your skin look darker.
    • A tan does not cause cancer but is rather the visible evidence that damage to your skin cells has already occurred. [1]
  2. Always apply sun protection before tanning. Going into the sun without using sunscreen greatly increases your risk for cancer.
    • Sunblock is a product that uses titanium dioxide and zinc oxide to completely block out UV rays from the sun. This means you will get no tan while wearing it.
    • Sunscreen is a product that allows some UV rays to penetrate to the skins surface, which gives you the ability to get a slight tan.
    • Sun Protection Factor (SPF) refers to the amount of UV radiation that can saturate your sun protection to reach your skin. For example SPF 30 means that 1/30th of the sun’s UV rays are in contact with your skin.
    • Use an SPF no lower than SPF 30.
    • Use a shot's glass worth of sunscreen or sunblock on your entire body, concentrating on the areas most in contact with the sun (shoulders, nose and face, arms, back).
    • Sunscreen and sunblock must be reapplied every two hours, or after entering water.[2]
  3. Know when and how long to tan. UV radiation is at it’s highest between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, so be extra cautious during these times. Try to tan in increments to minimize damage; one hour a day is a safe amount of time.
  4. Use a tanning oil to help accelerate the tanning process. Tanning oils contain certain chemicals that intensify UV rays, which darkens your skin faster.
    • The purpose of a tanning oil is not to block out sun like sunscreen, but to concentrate the radiation from the sun to expedite the “shielding” process of your skin.
    • Only use tanning oils which offer some sun protection; SPF 15 or higher is best.
    • Like sunscreen, coat your entire body in tanning oil and reapply often to ensure an adequate amount of protection.

Tanning Without the Sun

  1. Use a self-tanner. These are lotions, creams, and sprays that dye your skin to give the illusion of a tan.
    • Sunless tanners use a chemical called dihydroxyacetone which dyes the dead skin cells on your body. This means that it is only temporary, as it will last only until your body sheds the dead skin.
    • For an even tan, use an exfoliant to rub off dead skin cells prior to applying your sunless tanner.
    • Give your body an all-over even coating to avoid streaks and spots of color.
    • Self-tanners may not contain sunscreen. You can still get skin damage with a sunless tanner if you spend prolonged periods of time outdoors. Be sure to apply a sunscreen in addition to your self-tanner to keep your skin healthy.
    • Be sure the self-tanner you choose does not require time in the sun in addition to the lotion. Some self-tanners blend in with the other sunless options, but are not sunless at all.
  2. Avoid tanning pills. These contain a chemical dye that, over time, can turn your skin orange and damage your liver. [3]
  3. Maintain your tan. Apply lotion regularly to reduce the number of dead skin cells you shed, and increase the longevity of your tan.

Visiting Tanning Salons

  1. Be wary of tanning beds. They may not use real sunlight, but they still expose you to the UV rays that cause skin damage.
    • Tanning beds work by simulating the radiation put off by the sun. This means that they don't reduce the risk of skin damage at all compared to natural sunlight.
    • Using an indoor tanning bed before the age of thirty increases the likelihood of getting skin cancer by 75%. [4]
  2. Look for alternatives to a spray tan. The spray-tans available at these salons are not FDA approved, and may cause damage to your body if ingested through the nose and mouth. [5]

Tips

  • Well hydrated skin is less likely to burn and more likely to tan, so keep that water glass full!
  • If you are going to tan, make sure you see a Dermatologist once a year to examine your skin for signs of skin cancer.
  • Rotate your body around so you get an even tan on the front and back.
  • You can still tan in water and snow, which reflects and intensifies the UV rays from the sun.
  • You are at increased risk for skin damage at higher altitudes and closer to the equator.
  • Don't have tanning oil? Water works (not as great, but it is better than nothing), because water attracts sunlight.
  • If you want a nice glowing tan wear sunscreen, but make sure it's at least 30.
  • The Sun is hottest between 10 AM and 2 PM. Lay outside in between then and you'll get a better tan.
  • If you're afraid to use a tanning bed or afraid to use self tanners, use a tanning sunscreen. You apply it like sunscreen and it gives you a wonderful looking light to medium tan.
  • Drink plenty of water, eat fruits and drink one or two glass of milk. Don't forget to wash your face two or three time a day.

Warnings

  • Even taking the aforementioned precautions, skin damage and cancer are always an unfortunate possibility.
  • Spending time in the sun is not the only, or the best, way to receive a daily intake of Vitamin D. Instead of relying solely on the sun, try taking supplements instead.

Related Articles

Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ http://www.health.harvard.edu/fhg/updates/In-search-of-the-safe-suntan.shtml
  2. ↑ http://www.menshealth.co.uk/style/grooming/get-a-man-tan-54480
  3. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/sunless-tanning/SN00037
  4. ↑ http://www.cosmopolitan.com/advice/health/indoor-tanning-dangers-1209
  5. ↑ http://health.usnews.com/health-news/health-wellness/articles/2013/05/28/how-to-tan-safely
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