Myth: Getting a base tan will prevent sunburns
‘No amount of tanning is safe or a good idea. A tan is actually the earliest sign of sun-induced DNA damage in our skin. Studies have shown that the additional melanin produced while tanning provides very minimal protection overall, roughly equivalent to applying a sunscreen with a SPF of 3 or less.
Moreover, tanning has been shown to cause premature aging (skin discoloration, fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging), and significantly increases our risk of skin cancer. At the end of the day, it’s best to avoid tanning altogether, and to apply a good, broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 before any sun exposure.’ – Faiyaaz Kalimullah, MD, board-certified dermatologist at the Center for Dermatology and Aesthetic Medicine in Chicago, IL.
