Before You Tan, Read Up on These 4 Common Tanning Myths

When information is available at the tap of a button, it can be easy to get fooled. Is your information on tanning up to date or have you been fooled by one of these myths? Read on to find out more.

A “Base Tan” Will Protect You From the Sun

This myth is a surprisingly common one. Many people think that a “base tan,” or a light tan will help protect them from skin damage in future tanning sessions. This couldn’t be further from the truth. In reality a tan is already proof of skin damage! When exposed to UV radiation from the sun or artificial sources, your skin redistributes melanin in an attempt to protect itself from further damage. Getting a tan to protect yourself from skin damage is a dangerous practice that only further damages your skin and increases your risk of a skin cancer diagnosis. If you want a “base tan,” use a tinted moisturizer or tanning cream. And if you want to protect yourself from the sun and skin damage, wear sunscreen and protective clothing.

Tanning Is Necessary for Vitamin D Exposure

Contrary to popular belief, the sun isn’t the only source of vitamin D. Misinformation has led to the belief that tanning is necessary to maintain healthy levels of vitamin D, but that’s just not true. While sunlight can help your body produce more vitamin D, it’s important to source this nutrient from a balanced diet and supplementation. When you tan because you think you need more vitamin D, you’re only risking skin damage and early signs of skin cancer development. Getting all of the nutrients you need shouldn’t come at the cost of your skin’s health.

Tanning Is the Only Way to Achieve Glowing Skin

You only need to go as far as your dermatologist’s office to learn that this is a myth. You don’t need to risk developing skin cancer or sustaining irreversible skin damage in order to get the glowing skin you’ve always wanted. Not only are there multiple tinted moisturizers and sunless tanning creams available, but cosmetic dermatology procedures like dermaplaning and chemical peels can safely help you achieve healthy, glowy skin.

Tanning Doesn’t Cause Skin Cancer

Exposure to UV radiation through tanning has been directly linked to early signs of skin cancer. And while, if caught early enough, you may walk away with little more than a scar, others aren’t so lucky. Skin cancer is the number one most-diagnosed cancer in the U.S., and it’s just as dangerous as any other kind of cancer. Melanoma, for example, can become deadly in as little as six weeks if it’s not caught early enough. Skin cancer is very much something you should be concerned about, whether you tan or not.

Tanning is linked to skin cancer, premature aging, and sometimes irreversible skin damage. Do you have the information you need to protect yourself? If you have questions or want to set up a skin cancer screening, contact us today.