Demystified

Myth: It’s perfectly okay to get a nice suntan as long as you don’t get burned.

Fact:

You may like your summer glow (we all do!), but let’s face it: tanning is not healthy. When skin is exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, it produces more melanin, the pigment that causes tanning, as a protective response. This is a clear indication that the skin has been damaged. The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies UV radiation from the sun and tanning devices as a human carcinogen due to the overall damage it can cause. As the Skin Cancer Foundation notes, a tan, whether gotten on the beach, on a poolside chair, or through incidental exposure, is detrimental for skin health. Moreover, research shows that UV radiation accelerates skin aging, leading to premature wrinkles, age spots, and loss of skin elasticity. Therefore, a tan is not harmless; rather, it's an indicator of skin stress and damage. Be smart this summer and remember that while the beautiful tan won’t last, its effects can. Ample protection is the way to go.