Is tan skin really the move?

Is tan skin really the move?

Summer is over and the cold weather is coming fast, meaning everyone starts going to the closest tanning bed that they can find to keep that glow. Some feel that tan skin is beautiful skin, but is it healthy for your body?

According to skincare.org, “Tanning is caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds that causes genetic damage to cells on your outmost layer of skin. The skin tries to prevent further injury by producing melanin (the pigment that gives our skin its color) that results in darkening – what we call a tan.”

No matter what, tan skin is damaged skin. Researchers say that he risk of getting skin cancer increases by 75% if you use a tanning bed before the age of 35. Tanning damages your DNA. The more you damage your DNA, the greater your risk of developing skin cancer. Not only does tanning cause skin cancer, but any exposure to UV rays causes your skin to become wrinkled and leathery, as well as causes dark spots and rashes.

Many people think using a tanning bed is a safe source for Vitamin D, but that is not the case. Indoor tanning gives you little-to-no Vitamin D while still increasing the risk of skin cancer. Instead, you should try natural ways such as fatty fish, oranges, and dairy products.

There are ways to have safe tan skin. Try using a self-tanning products that contains dihydroxyacetone (DHA) as an active ingredient, which has been approved by the FDA. You can find these products in the form of sprays, wipes, lotions, and foams. While most of these products are fast-acting, the tan only lasts around one week. This is much safer for your body than over-exposure to UV rays.

Next time you want the “glow” of tan skin, take a trip to the nearest supermarket for a safe and quick tan.