Is it safe to get a base tan?
Think gradually building up a tan will provide you some protection from a sunburn? Think again. Here’s the truth on what a base tan really does
By Melissa Greer
While the tanning industry has long argued that a “base tan”—achieved gradually over time—will provide protection from sunburn, more and more evidence is finding that’s just not true.
“Tanned skin is damaged skin,” according to the Canadian Skin Cancer Foundation. “And damaged skin may result in skin cancer.”
The World Health Organization argues that the UVA rays used in indoor tanning salons penetrate the skin deeper and can still contribute to skin cancer. There is also no evidence to support claims that UV exposure from tanning beds is any less harmful than UV exposure from the sun. It’s estimated that a “base tan” achieved from tanning indoors offers protection that’s roughly equivalent to sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of just 2-3. That’s significantly less than the recommended SPF of at least 30.
Dr. Lisa Kellett of DLK on Avenue in Toronto, agrees that it is never safe to tan. A base tan offers “only minimal protection, so the risk is not worth it,” she says.
According to the latest research from the University of Minnesota’s School of Public Health and Masonic Cancer Center, using an indoor tanning bed increases the risk of melanoma skin cancer by 74 percent. With recent research from the Mayo Clinic finding a dramatic rise of skin cancer among young adults (under the age of 40), and in particular young women, researchers believe that the use of indoor tanning beds is largely to blame.
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I find it interesting that I know some doctors, nurses, and their children that indoor tan for the Vitamin D and other health benefits from UV exposure. Now, if UV exposure is that bad I am sure they would'nt indoor tan or take their kids to tropical destinations.
Hi Shir,
A base tan offers protection that's roughly equivalent to sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 2-3, and isn't enough to protect you from sunburn. (Experts recommend an SPF of at least 30). Hope that helps to clarify.
Thanks,
-Melissa Greer, Content Producer
um this article is hypocrytical - first it writes:
"more and more evidence is finding that’s just not true.
“Tanned skin is damaged skin,”"
then it says:
" A base tan offers “only minimal protection, so the risk is not worth it,” she says."
um so does it offer protection or not? I thought it just said Tanned skin is damaged skin... doesn't make sense...
I do not believe this hype either.I have to walk a lot.My exposed areas have always gotten real dark.I have been check by every possible venue for skin cancer;even had the spectro done;NOTHING.All I have is deep tan!
I'm originally from the U.K. with porcelain (well not as good as Nicole's!) skin. I always wanted to have a great tan. Yes, even with baby oil and reflectors. Sometimes I would go to tanning beds. That stopped many, many years ago. Recently I went to get some brown spots lasered off - we tried and tried, even with a supposedly brand new type of laser and nothing would remove them. I now wear sunscreen on my face every day, even in winter and don't mind one bit being pale (but interesting!) in the summer. Ocassionally if I feel like a little glow on my arms & legs I use Tan Towel.
Copious leisure time is only a recent concept. People used to work longer hours and live shorter lives. The danger was always there, it just didn't have enough time to affect as many people like it does today.
If the UV exposure is so dangerous why didn't people before sun block was invented constantly be affected with skin cancer and other such sun related maladies