We’re in the midst of summer, which means you’ve likely already spent a fair amount of time in the sun. Getting tanner as summer goes on might seem harmless if you’re not experiencing sunburn. But the truth is that even if you haven’t been sunburned, any sort of sun exposure sans protection can be dangerous. Below, learn more about why, and how to protect yourself.
What does tanning do to your skin?
When you spend time in the sun, you try out a tanning bed, you’re exposing your skin to harmful UV radiation that can cause mutations in your skin cells’ DNA.
In response, your skin starts producing more melanin and pigments your skin, resulting in a tan. “The melanin forms a cap on the nucleus of cells that house your DNA, because it’s trying to protect you from harmful mutations that can lead to skin cancer,” says Dr. Mary Alice Mina, a dermatologist based in Atlanta.
At a certain point — and everyone is different — your body loses its ability to repair these mutations, which can increase your risk of developing several kinds of skin cancer.
Even if you never burn when you go in the sun — for example if you have a naturally darker skin tone — the same process is at play. “You may not notice sun damage like someone who is paler, but even people with the darkest skin are at risk,” says Mina.
Another reason to be extra careful with sun exposure: Exposure to UV rays, even sans sunburn, can also hinder collagen production in your skin, which can lead to wrinkles and premature aging, says Dr. Viktoryia Kazlouskaya, a dermatologist in Pittsburgh.
Best practices for sun protection
To avoid a tan, you have to focus on avoiding unwanted rays of sun. If possible, avoid spending time outdoors between 12 and 4 PM, when UV rays are the strongest, says Kazlouskaya.
Wear protective clothing if possible when you’re outside, such as a wide-brimmed hat and clothing that covers your skin.
And always apply at least SPF 30 sunscreen anytime you’ll be in the sun. “Sunscreen has to be applied every day, period, even if you live in a northern climate and you don’t get a lot of sunlight during the day,” says Mina.
Establishing a relationship with a dermatologist, and getting regular skin checks, is also important.
Better ways to tan
If you want to get a tan, dermatologists agree sunless is the only safe way to do it.
“Sunless tanners contain chemicals that darken the top layer of your skin temporarily, and they’re very safe,” says Mina.
Make sure to read the instructions beforehand, and talk to your doctor beforehand if you have sensitive skin, says Kazlouskaya, as some people with eczema or psoriasis may experience irritation with sunless tanners.
While Mina says sunless tanning is definitely better than outdoor sun exposure or tanning beds, she encourages thinking through why you want to change your skin and working on accepting it as it is. “My first recommendation is to love your skin, whatever color you are,” she says.