Is tanning healthy?

Is tanning safe if you do not burn?

No. Ultraviolet radiation, or UV, can damage skin cell DNA before a sunburn appears. Skin darkens as a defence against further damage. UVA can produce a quick tan by darkening existing melanin, the pigment in skin; UVB stimulates new pigment over several days. Neither process makes tanning healthy. A suntan can be cosmetically desirable, which is a different department from good health.3

Repeated exposure adds up. UV contributes to wrinkles, loss of elasticity and dark spots, as well as skin cancers including melanoma. Some effects take years to become visible. UV also harms the eyes and can suppress the immune system, so the risks extend beyond the colour of your skin.145

Are tanning beds or a base tan safer?

Tanning beds expose skin to intense UV radiation and are not a safe alternative to sunlight. A timer or controlled exposure does not remove the cancer risk. A base tan is already an injury, not protection for a holiday. Its extra pigment offers only about SPF 2 to 4 and does not prevent sunburn or protect against lasting UV damage.3467

What about vitamin D?

UVB helps the body make vitamin D, but deliberately tanning is not a healthy way to obtain it. Do not use tanning beds for vitamin D. People with very little sun exposure, including those who are housebound and people with deeply pigmented skin living at high latitudes, can discuss oral supplementation with a clinician. Suspected vitamin D deficiency needs medical diagnosis rather than extra tanning sessions.35

How can you enjoy being outdoors without tanning?

• Check the UV index. Use sun protection when it reaches 3 or higher, including on cloudy or cool days.
• Seek shade and limit time in the midday sun. Water, sand and snow can reflect UV.
• Cover your arms and legs, wear a wide brimmed hat, and choose sunglasses that block UVA and UVB.
• Apply broad spectrum, water resistant SPF 30 or higher to uncovered skin, including your ears and the back of your neck. Apply it 30 minutes before going outdoors and reapply at least every two hours.
• Do not use sunscreen to extend your time in the sun. Clothing and shade remain important.

Children and adolescents are especially vulnerable. Fair skin, numerous moles and a family history of skin cancer increase risk, but darker skin can also burn and develop skin cancer. Some medicines increase sensitivity to UV; ask your pharmacist or doctor whether yours do.257

What if you want to look tan?

Self tanner changes the look of your skin without UV tanning, so the holiday colour does not require booking the sun. Most sunless tanners use dihydroxyacetone, or DHA, which colours dead surface cells; the result usually lasts several days. Follow the label and keep the product away from your eyes, nose, mouth and lips. Do not inhale tanning spray. Before a spray booth session, confirm that these areas and your breathing will be protected. Sunless colour does not protect against UV, so continue sun protection. Avoid tanning pills: they are unsafe and none are FDA approved.17

When should you get medical help?

Stop UV exposure if skin becomes hot, tender or painful; the full effects of sunburn can take 6 to 48 hours to appear. Get urgent medical care for widespread blistering with headache, fever or chills. Check your skin monthly and have new or changing spots, unexplained bleeding or scaliness, or a suddenly painful or itchy spot assessed by a doctor.14