Each tan, regardless of its lightness, increases the risk of skin cancer, including the potentially deadly melanoma. The DNA damage accumulates over time, leading to mutations that may become cancerous.
When UV radiation from the sun or tanning beds penetrates your skin, it harms your DNA. Your body responds by producing more melanin, resulting in a tan. However, this isn't a protective measure—it's a distress signal. Each tan, regardless of its lightness, increases the risk of skin cancer, including the potentially deadly melanoma. The DNA damage accumulates over time, leading to mutations that may become cancerous.
Besides the risk of cancer, UV exposure significantly accelerates skin aging. It degrades collagen and elastin, essential proteins that maintain your skin's firmness and elasticity. The outcome? Premature wrinkles, sagging, and a leathery texture. Additionally, UV exposure causes hyperpigmentation issues such as age spots and sunspots, which are stubborn to treat.
Recently on NPR, Maria Godoy noted, “37% of Gen Z respondents said they only use sunscreen when nagged by other people, and 30% mistakenly believed tanning is safe as long as you don’t burn."
Dermatologist Heather Rogers asserts that there is no such thing as a safe tan. “Your body tans after there's been DNA damage,” she explains. When exposed to UV light from the sun or a tanning bed, your skin absorbs that light, causing DNA mutations. “And your DNA goes, 'Oh, crap, I'm being injured. Is there anything I can do?' And it throws up whatever pigment it has. So by the time you have a tan, you've already experienced DNA mutations,” Rogers says. These mutations can lead to skin cancer and premature aging.
**The Takeaway**
Any color change in your skin indicates damage. Protect your skin by:
☀️ Using broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
☀️ Seeking shade during peak sun hours (10 AM to 4 PM).
☀️ Wearing protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses.
☀️ Avoiding tanning beds—they're just UV radiation machines.
Remember, while a tan might look appealing now, the long-term effects aren't worth it.