Here’s why there’s no such thing as a ‘healthy’ tan
Tanned skin may look aesthetically pleasing, but we’re here to tell you that there’s no such thing as a healthy tan, and your bronzed glow is actually a sign of damaged skin cells.
* Apply sunscreen thoroughly to all exposed areas.
**^Good! You should do this too! Daily!
Before you commit even more firmly to your vitamin D-obsessed bestie, arm yourself with hard facts. To save you from a trip to the internet, we’ve got Dr. Annika Smith, a dermatologist at Darlinghurst Skin Hospital, for advice.
“In simple terms, tanning is a sign of stressed skin and (irreversible) DNA damage. In fact, it’s the skin’s response to damage from the sun’s UV radiation. Our skin cells try to prevent further damage by producing melanin, a substance that gives skin its colour and makes it darker,” explains Dr. Smith.
This damage is cumulative, starting from the first time you get a tan, whether it’s accidental or not. Every time you pursue/experience the feeling of a tan, the damage accumulates and you develop more genetic mutations, essentially increasing your risk of skin cancer.
Dr. Smith aptly places these decisions in the basket of life decisions, labelling them “short-term decisions with long-term consequences” (aside from not brushing your teeth and eating a musk stick for breakfast). He points to the skin discomfort and short-term effects of sunburn that occur during the tanning process, while afterwards you may face “premature skin ageing (wrinkles, pigmentation) and the development of skin cancer” which we know can be life-threatening.
Australians are fairly well-informed about the dangers of the sun, as our sun is harsh year-round, but we still have a long way to go. Every six hours an Australian dies from melanoma and every 30 minutes an Australian is diagnosed with melanoma, and it remains the most common cancer among Australians aged 20 to 39.
Just in case you simply can’t avoid the sun during peak UV season, and perhaps didn’t quite manage it when you first applied sunscreen, here’s what you should do after sun exposure: “Hydrate your skin, avoid further sun exposure and keep your skin care routine simple. Moisturize, avoid active ingredients that may dry out or irritate the skin, and stick to lightweight formulas with soothing and calming ingredients. Most importantly, make sunscreen part of your daily skincare routine.”
To best protect yourself, you need to tick all the boxes, not just some. We’re talking broad-spectrum sun protection with SPF 50+, wearing a hat, clothing, sunglasses, seeking shade and avoiding the midday sun. “Sun protection can actually prevent most skin cancers, and ultimately prevention is better than cure,” explains Dr. Smith.
As expected, Dr. Smith encourages everyone to work with their GP or dermatologist to assess their skin cancer risk profile and develop a skin check schedule that works for them. “Know your skin and keep an eye out for anything new or changing, as early detection offers the best chance of recovery.” Distinctive spots – the ugly duckling – can also be a sign of melanoma.
Scared enough? Sorry (not sorry). When it comes to skin health, we don’t do things halfway.
