The Truth About Suntans

With Summer upon us, most of can be found flocking to the beach to embrace the sun. But for those of us who love to lather on the tanning oil to get that sought-after bronzed glow, it’s time you were told the truth – there’s nothing healthy about a suntan.

Did you know that a suntan indicates your skin in trauma? When exposed to UV radiation, the skin produces melanin, the dark pigment that gives you a tan, as a shield to further damage from UV radiation.

When your skin is frequently exposed to the sun, constant radiation causes damaged cells to build up, increasing your risk of skin cancer. There are two main types of skin cancer including melanoma and non-melanoma. Melanoma is a less common form of skin cancer, however more dangerous and is responsible for most deaths due to skin cancer each year. Non-melanomas often develop in sun-exposed areas of the body including the face and hands.

Sun damage is also the primary cause of premature ageing in skin. As you age, you will notice pigment spots, wrinkles and other signs of ageing appear earlier than expected. This means that your efforts to improve your physical appearance will soon be reversed, bringing about other skin dilemmas.

It’s important to be aware that the effects of skin damage are not always immediately visible. Often skin damage begins to present itself when the person reaches their 30’s or 40’s and what’s more? It’s irreversible. Treatments exist to improve the appearance of sun damage, however they can often be expensive and do not return your skin to optimal health.

This Summer, consider the safer option and opt for sunless tanning mousses or sprays. Sunless tanning products often offer quality bronzing solutions that give you a natural, sun-kissed look without the risk of skin damage.