Is tanning safe for your skin?

Why is a tan harmful if you do not burn?

UV exposure makes skin produce more melanin, the pigment that gives skin its colour, in an attempt to protect against further damage. The darkening can develop over the next 48 hours. Not burning does not make tanning safe: UV exposure increases skin cancer risk and breaks down collagen and elastin, the fibres that help skin stay firm and flexible. Wrinkles, dark spots and changes in texture can appear years later.1

Are tanning beds safe?

No. Sunbeds expose skin to high levels of UV, often higher than the midday sun, and can damage the eyes as well as the skin. A "base tan" before a holiday is not safe preparation. The extra pigment provides only about SPF 2 to 4 and does not protect against sunburn or other skin damage. Skip sunbeds rather than trying to find a safe session length.134

What can you use for colour instead?

Sunless tanning products create a tanned appearance without sun or tanning beds, which removes the weather from the beauty appointment. Many use dihydroxyacetone, or DHA, which reacts with amino acids at the skin's surface to darken it. In the US, DHA is approved for external application, as with tanning creams and lotions. Keep DHA products away from the entire eye area, lips and surfaces covered by mucous membranes, such as inside the nose or mouth.2

A spray tan needs more caution. FDA has not approved DHA for use as an all over spray in tanning booths. Before booking, ask how the salon protects your entire eye area, lips and mucous membranes, and prevents you from inhaling or swallowing the mist. Do not proceed without those protections. Reports after sunless tanning include rashes and, especially with booths, coughing, dizziness and fainting; the causes are uncertain.2

A bronzer gives temporary colour that washes off, which is a more honest job description than most beauty marketing manages. Tinted moisturizers and powders are examples. Neither bronzer nor self tan automatically protects against the sun: check for sunscreen ingredients and an SPF label rather than treating the colour as protection.2

How should you protect your skin outdoors?

• Use shade and protective clothing, including a hat and sunglasses. Limit midday sun, particularly when the UV index is high.
• Choose broad spectrum sunscreen, which protects against UVA and UVB, with SPF 30 or higher. On UK labels, look for at least four stars for UVA protection or the UVA circle.
• Apply sunscreen to all exposed skin. Adults need around 6 to 8 teaspoons for the entire body; applying too little reduces protection.
• Reapply every two hours outdoors and after swimming, sweating or towel drying. Follow the product directions.
• Do not stay in the sun longer because you are wearing sunscreen.

Who needs extra care?

Take extra care if you burn easily, have many moles or freckles, have a family history of skin cancer, or have a medical condition affecting your skin. Children need extra protection; keep babies under six months out of direct sunlight. People of every skin tone can get skin cancer.15

When should you get medical help?

Seek medical help for sunburn with blistering, severe swelling or feeling unwell. Check your skin regularly and arrange a medical assessment for a spot that grows, bleeds, changes or does not heal. A suspicious spot can be painless, and melanoma can be smaller than a pencil eraser, so do not wait for pain or a particular size.56