[Dragonfly]

The Beauty Brains

I have friends who go to tanning beds before summer to get a base tan. They say this protects their skin from getting sunburned. Is this true? I imagine it’s just two ways to give yourself sun damage.

Right Brain Shines on:

This is a great question as a number of people believe in getting base tans. The idea is that getting a base tan increases the amount of melanin (protective pigment) in your skin, which will in turn protect you from further UV damage. It even seems logical that if you have more melanin you’ll be better protected from the sun. But as we showed previously, just because something is logical doesn’t mean it’s true. Unfortunately, logic fails here because the base tan protection theory just doesn’t hold up when enlightened.
How a tan is produced

It’s helpful to learn what’s going on when you get a tan. Essentially, your skin has specialized cells in it called melanocytes that produce melanin. Some people produce more than others, which is why there are so many different colored people in the world. The amount produced is genetically determined, but it is also affected by the presence or absence of UV rays. When the melanocytes get stimulated by UV, they produce more pigment. This extra pigment eventually makes its way to the out layers of your skin and to give a more brownish color.
Why base tans are bogus

There are a couple of problems with the base tan protection theory.

Melanin is not enough
First, while it’s true that melanin does protect skin from getting burned it is not substantial. One doctor estimates that tanned skin has the equivalent of an SPF of 4 or less. This may or may not be accurate but there were no studies found to dispute it. To really protect your skin from the damage of UV, you’ll need an SPF of 15 or more. You’ll also need to reapply every 90 minutes.

Tanned skin is damaged skin
The other significant problem with the base tan defense theory is that tanned skin is damaged skin. According to the American Academy of Dermatologists tanning has a dark side. They say people who tan frequently are more prone to skin cancer than people who avoid sun exposure. They also point out that tanning causes premature skin aging and can lead to wrinkling and a leathery appearance.
A better method of protection

Instead of using the base tan defense, try some of these recommendations that are proven to keep your skin safe from the sun.

1. Avoid the sun when its rays are strongest (between 10 am & 4 pm)
2. Wear protective clothing including hats, long pants and long sleeved shirts
3. Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes
4. Always wear SPF 15 or higher sunscreen

Embrace your paler skin. It’s healthier and will look better as you get older. Of course, if you still want the tan look, use a sunless tanner instead.
Beauty Brains bottom line

No, getting a base tan will not substantially help protect your skin from getting burned. Instead it is going to speed up the aging process and likely lead to the development of pre-mature wrinkling. Wearing sunscreen and limiting exposure is the best way to protect skin from damaging UV rays.

Source:
http://ca.mc384.mail.yahoo.com/mc/showMessage?fid=Inbox&sort=date&order=down&startMi d=0&.rand=1153005991&midIndex=0&mid=1_4147_ACB9v9E AAWsbSFZTRQCksEBzY1g&eps=&f=1&m=

[StereoXGirl]

Thanks for posting this!

I've heard this myth a lot, and it could be dangerous to people's health!

[-Chelsey-]

I always tan in beds before i go out in the sun, it absolutely keeps me from getting burned. I cant find the link right now but there was a story on MSN a few months ago about how tanning beds are NOT as bad as dermatologists make them out to be.

I'll keep looking and try to find the story.

Well I cant find it now but I have no problem or reason to believe tanning beds are worse then tanning outside. I think most of it comes down to genetics, just like the majority of cancers.

[magosienne]

a tan is something that happens overtime, you can't rush it. i don't believe anything good can result from a tanning bed.

[Johnnie]

Seems rushed to me. I can't stand in the sun for 30 minutes without getting tanned.

[Dragonfly]

"a story on MSN a few months ago about how tanning beds are NOT as bad as dermatologists make them out to be."

The only story/study that shows tanning beds are safe are stories or studies funded by someone that will profit from the sale and/or use of tanning beds.

[Darla]

thanks for posting. i've thought about tanning beds from time to time but never done it.

[-Chelsey-]

Well I personally dont think there's anything wrong with tanning. My mom's tanned at least once a week for probably 15+ years in tanning beds and has never had anything wrong with her, she's not all wrinkly and has never had anything that would resemble cancer. Again, I think it has a LOT to do with genetics when it comes to getting cancer. Plus now a days it seems that no matter what you do everything will give you cancer.

[Adrienne]

Originally Posted by -Chelsey-

Well I personally dont think there's anything wrong with tanning. My mom's tanned at least once a week for probably 15+ years in tanning beds and has never had anything wrong with her, she's not all wrinkly and has never had anything that would resemble cancer. Again, I think it has a LOT to do with genetics when it comes to getting cancer. Plus now a days it seems that no matter what you do everything will give you cancer.

Tanning, like sunburns, attacks the skin's DNA, producing genetic defects that may cause skin cancer. It doesn't matter what genetics you have. Skin cancers comes from tanning or sunburns causing DNA damage to the skin cells.

Basically, you're only hurting yourself when you tan.

The sun's UV rays damage the DNA of the skin's epidermal cells, triggering enzymes that race to repair the damage. However, these enzymes do not always repair the DNA successfully, and all this unrepaired damage can lead to mutations that increase the risk of skin cancer. Also, repeated unprotected sun exposure can cause photoaging – wrinkles, sagging skin, and spots associated with sun damage.

Source: The Skin Cancer Foundation - The Dangers of Tanning

[Johnnie]

Originally Posted by -Chelsey-

Plus now a days it seems that no matter what you do everything will give you cancer.

Yup, very true

[pretty_pink13]

Good post, I have been wanting to go tanning again it's like a guilty pleasure or something lol, thanks I needed that.

[Bellagigi]

Originally Posted by -Chelsey-

I always tan in beds before i go out in the sun, it absolutely keeps me from getting burned. .

A sun tan is the result of an injury to your epidermis. So just the act of tanning is damaging to your skin. Just because you're not burning does not mean you are protected by any means.

[-Chelsey-]

I know it's not protecting your skin from anything because your not burning, I still wear SPF even when I know I'm not going to get burned outside.