The Only Safe Ways to Get a Tan and Not Damage Your Skin

Harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and tanning beds can damage the skin, eyes, and immune system, as well as cause cancer. With that in mind, there is no truly safe way to get a traditional tan, though there are steps you can take to make the process a little bit safer.

At his private practice in Santa Monica, California, Dr. Trevan Fischer uses his skills as a complex general surgical oncologist to help individuals with several types of skin cancer and other issues. Through his work on clinical trials at the Saint John's Cancer Institute, he stays up-to-date on the latest research findings and treatment protocols and combines that knowledge with state-of-the-art techniques to provide personalized treatments for each person's unique situation.

The sun and skin health

While a very small amount of sun exposure helps provide our bodies with the necessary vitamin D, too much can be dangerous. About 20% of Americans will develop skin cancer by the time they are 70 years old, and almost 10,000 people are diagnosed with it every day. The three most common types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.

Safer tanning tips

The only truly safe way to protect yourself while spending time in the sun is to avoid its UV rays as much as possible. That is best accomplished by using sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 30 or wearing protective clothing, including a hat and sunglasses.

For those who would like to tan while still trying to minimize their sun exposure risk as much as possible, the following tips can help.

Wear sunscreen

Even if your goal is to tan, wearing a sunscreen of at least SPF 30 is essential. It will aid in blocking out harmful UV rays but will still also allow the skin to tan. It should be applied within 20 minutes or less of being outside.

Move frequently

To help avoid sunburn on any one part of your body, be sure to change positions from time to time.

Watch the clock

After a certain period, your skin will not create any more melanin — the pigment that causes tanning. For most people, that is usually after 2-3 hours in the sun. Any time spent after this will not result in darker skin but instead will cause additional damage.

Take breaks

Move into the shade from time to time to give your skin a break from the heat and UV rays.

Prep before and treat after

To extend the length of your tan, try exfoliating before heading outside to aid in preventing excess flaking. Aloe vera gel applied after time in the sun may also help to extend the tan.

Truly safe tanning

Another option — and the only truly safe one — avoids UV radiation altogether. Various spray-on tan products are available to purchase over-the-counter, and many salons offer services as well.

Regardless of whether you tan or how much time you've spent in the sun, anyone can get skin cancer. If you notice an unusual or new spot or if you've already been diagnosed with skin cancer and are seeking treatment, click to book an appointment with Dr. Fischer or call our office today.