what is the safest tanning method

How to Tan Safely

More items

Full Answer

Is a tanning bed safer than sunlight?

Tanning beds are NOT safer than the sun. Science tells us that there’s no such thing as a safe tanning bed, tanning booth, or sun lamp. Just one indoor tanning session can increase the risk of developing skin cancer (melanoma by 20%, squamous cell carcinoma by 67%, and basal cell carcinoma by 29%). 1

How to get a great Tan?

You can save many of these disasters by following these rules before applying self-tanner:

• Exfoliate, particularly focusing on dry or rough areas.
• Make sure your skin is lightly moisturised.
• Always wear gloves.
• Always use a mitt.
• Buy a tan with a guide colour so you can see streaks before they appear.

How to tan faster in the Sun?

• Use oils, such as coconut oil, avocado oil, or raspberry oil, that contain naturally occurring SPF. ...
• Take beta-carotene supplements . ...
• Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water. ...
• Take some breaks between tanning sessions; safe tanning recommendations include giving the skin some time to recover after tanning.

Is there a safe way to tan?

There's not really a safe way to get a tan—any tan is a sign of sun damage, the kind of thing that causes skin damage, wrinkles, and cancer. Trying to getting a safe tan is like trying to order the healthiest burger from McDonald’s. What you’re actually seeking is the “least harmful” version of the thing you love. And that’s totally fair.

Why is tanned skin more attractive?

Why do people tan?

Why is skin cancer more likely to occur in later life?

What does fake tan look like?

How to avoid getting burnt in the sun?

Is sunbathing dangerous?

Does sunburn make your skin brown?

See 4 more

About this website

What is the safest tanning?

There is no such thing as a safe tan. The increase in skin pigment, called melanin, which causes the tan color change in your skin is a sign of damage. Why it happens: Once skin is exposed to UV radiation, it increases the production of melanin in an attempt to protect the skin from further damage.

Is there a way to tan without damaging skin?

Tips to protect your skin Use sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 or higher if you plan to be outside longer than 20 minutes. The sunscreen should be water resistant and protect against UVA and UVB rays. Reapply regularly, especially after sweating or getting out of the water. Don't burn.

How can I tan easily and safely?

How to get a tan fasterUse sunscreen with an SPF of 30. ... Change positions frequently. ... Eat foods that contain beta carotene. ... Try using oils with naturally occurring SPF. ... Don't stay outside for longer than your skin can create melanin. ... Eat lycopene-rich foods. ... Choose your tanning time wisely.More items...•

How do dermatologists tan safely?

The safest way to sun tan is to use sunscreen to help protect your skin against too much damage from UV rays. Use at least an SPF 30 level sunscreen and reapply every 2 hours while enjoying your fun in the sun. Also, skin tanning products and lotions are generally safe and don't cause irritation.

Are there healthy ways to tan?

“Simply put, there is no such thing as a safe or healthy tan.” Skin cell damage not only increases your risk of developing skin cancer but also accelerates wear and tear on your skin, such as wrinkles and sagging. Indeed, up to 90 percent of skin changes often associated with aging are caused by the sun's UV rays.

Are there any safe tanning pills?

In their quest for the perfect tan, some people may look for a "magic pill" that will help them achieve this with minimal exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. There are no such pills approved for this purpose.

How can I tan but not burn?

The Bottom-LineReapply sunscreen every 2 hours and after going in water.Apply SPF to your scalp, the tops of your feet, ears, and other places you can easily miss.Roll over frequently so you tan evenly without burning.Drink plenty of water, wear a hat, and protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses.

How do some people tan so easily?

Melanin is the brown pigment that causes tanning. Melanin is the body's way of protecting skin from burning. Darker-skinned people tan more deeply than lighter-skinned people because their melanocytes produce more melanin.

Can you develop the ability to tan?

Yes, you can develop the ability to tan. This usually happens slowly over time, as your skin becomes used to exposure to UV rays.

Are sunbeds safe in moderation?

As we've outlined above, there is no safe level of UVR. Any exposure can increase your risk of skin cancer. A tan is your body's attempt to protect itself from the damaging effect of UV rays. Using a sunbed to get a tan isn't safer than tanning in the sun.

How often can you tan safely?

Moderate tanning of 2-3 sessions a week is OK for everyone else but ensure you rest the skin for a minimum of 24 hours between each session and at least 48 hours for skin type 2. The European Standard advises not to exceed 60 sessions per annum.

How do I protect my skin in a tanning bed?

SPF and Tanning No sunscreen, no matter how high the SPF, will protect skin from all UV rays. A low SPF applied once will ultimately let a significant level of light into your skin. Even a high SPF will only work up to a point, and re-application is necessary for lasting protection.

Is it possible to tan and not burn?

Take your time, and build your tan up slowly If tanning in the sun, start with only 15-20 minutes in the sun on your first session. In your following tanning sessions only increase your time by 5-10 minute increments, and monitor your skin regularly to make sure you aren't starting to go red and burn.

What is the best way to tan and not burn?

Do not lay out between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. The sun's rays are strongest during those hours, and you're more likely to get a sunburn. Build up your time in the sun slowly. Start by laying out for 15 minutes and add 5 minutes or so per week. Your tan will progress more gradually, but you'll avoid getting burned.

How can I tan without tanning naturally?

Self-tanner, of course! Instead use an all natural or organic scrub, or even just make your own with 1 part fine sugar to 1 part almond oil, with a few drops of shower gel added in. Form a paste, and rub on in the shower. Once you're all scrubbed up and dried off, apply an all-natural fake tanner.

Is tanning bad for you even with sunscreen?

But if you're asking “does sunscreen prevent tanning at all?” The answer is no. That's because it doesn't protect you 100%. Sunscreen acts like a shield for your skin, but that doesn't mean it's impenetrable. UV rays can still reach your skin and cause a tan, even when you're wearing plenty of sunscreen.

How to Get Tanned Skin Safely - Consumer Reports

In the quest for tanned skin, many people put their health at risk. Consumer Reports has advice on how to get a glow safely.

Dermatologist’s advice: Safest way to get a sun tan.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, rates of melanoma (the deadliest form of skin cancer) have doubled since 1982, and skin cancer is now the most common cancer diagnosed in the United States.source

How to Safely Get a Tan in the Sun Faster - Healthline

Many people like the way their skin looks with a tan, but prolonged exposure to the sun has a variety of risks, including skin cancer. Even when wearing sunscreen, outdoor sunbathing is not risk-free.

Is there a safe way to tan? - University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics

The answer is yes, there is a safe way to tan. However, it is not the kind of tan you get from sunlight or a tanning booth. In fact, it is not really a tan in the true sense of the word (a true tan is a darkening of the skin caused by increased melanin pigment formation that results from damage to the skin caused by UV rays).

Why do people get more interested in tanning?

The reason for this increase is that people are more interested in tanning at the beach, in the tanning bed, or in their back yards. When the skin is exposed to UV rays, it produces more melanocytes, the compounds that give skin its pigment. A malfunction in the skin during the production of melanocytes can cause melanoma, a type of skin cancer.

Why is sunscreen important for a tan?

The purpose of the sunscreen is to protect the skin against these rays while still allowing enough in to cause a healthy sun tan.

Is tanning bed a carcinogen?

NOT TANNING BEDS! The Department of Health and Human Services includes tanning beds on its list of known carcinogens — right up there with asbestos and tobacco. Indoor tanning is estimated to cause more than 400,000 cases of skin cancer in the United States annually.

Does taning make you age?

Anyone who tans can also develop leathery skin, which people who never tan don’t get.

Is fake tan good?

When it comes to “fake tans” or spray tans the results are good. These products have come a long way and don’t usually come with streaks or orange colored messes that it did in the 80’s. To get a tan that looks the best it is recommended that you don’t go too dark, get a color close to your natural skin tone.

Is it safe to tan before 35?

Indoor tanning before the age of 35 has been associated with a significant increase in the risk of melanoma … Research shows 70% of indoor tanners are female, primarily 16 to 29 years old — the age group that’s particularly at risk for developing skin cancer. We especially hope women who are using or considering using tanning salons will think twice about partaking in this risky behavior. Source

Is sunless tanning safe?

Sunless tanning products are generally regarded as safe alternatives to sunbathing. The FDA considers DHA safe when applied to your skin. Spray-on tanning or mist-on tanning from a salon or spa is typically applied to all parts of your body — including your face — to ensure an even color. This creates a potential for the product to get into and around your eyes, near your nostrils or onto your lips. The risks, if any, of inhaling or ingesting DHA are unknown, so close your eyes and hold your breath while the tanner is applied. You may also want to request or bring along protective devices, such as goggles or nose plugs. Source

What is the chemical in a quick tan?

Quick-tanning products can simulate true tanning. By using a "quick-tanning" product containing a chemical called dihydroxyacetone, it is possible to temporarily darken the surface of the skin in a way that can simulate the appearance of a true tan.

What is mystique tan?

However, a new product call "Mystique Tan" has recently appeared in tanning salons that is sprayed on the entire skin surface (much like taking a shower) in order to get a uniform quick-tanned appearance all over.

Do quick tanning products hurt skin?

These quick-tanning products do not injure the skin the way that UV rays do. In fact, some light rays are actually blocked to a small degree by the use of a quick tanning product.

Is it safe to tan?

The answer is yes, there is a safe way to tan. However, it is not the kind of tan you get from sunlight or a tanning booth. In fact, it is not really a tan in the true sense of the word (a true tan is a darkening of the skin caused by increased melanin pigment formation that results from damage to the skin caused by UV rays).

Does quick tan darken skin?

However, the skin surface will again quickly darken after reapplying the quick-tanning product. Quick-tanning products have traditionally been made available in the form of creams or lotions that are applied to the skin. However, a new product call "Mystique Tan" has recently appeared in tanning salons that is sprayed on the entire skin surface ...

How much SPF is a tan?

Once you have a tan, that protects you a bit from further exposure, but only a little: a tan is equivalent to about SPF 4 sunscreen, although to be fair, SPF 15 sunscreen also works out to about SPF 4 protection when you apply it thinly (the way most of us do).

Is tanning safer than sun?

Indoor tanning, with UV-emitting light bulbs, is supposed to be a little bit safer than lying out in the sun. The difference is minimal, though. Indoor tanning equipment is considered a carcinogen by both the US and by the World Health Organization, and its use is estimated to be responsible for an estimated 400,000 cases of skin cancer in the US each year.

Is sunless tanner bad for you?

There are still some unknowns about the safety of sunless tanners, but there’s no evidence that they’re worse for you than the actual cancer-causing sun, so keep things in perspective.

Does tanning bed cause cancer?

Tanning beds only use low levels of sunburn-causing UVB, but they give you a huge dose of UVA light. That can cause tanning, but it also contributes to cancer and to the aging, wrinkling, skin-thickening effects of the sun. So you may look good in the short term, but you’re only making matters worse for future you.

Can you spray tan in a booth?

So here are the unknowns. We don’t know if it’s safe to inhale the spray in a tanning booth, or to let it contact mucous membranes like the areas in your mouth and eyes. For now, it’s best to use nose plugs, lip balm, and goggles while you get a spray tan. (Check with the tanning facility; they’ll probably supply these.) Or you can use a sunless tanning lotion to get the same look at home, as long as you’re confident you can rub it in evenly.

How to make a tan look natural?

To make your “tan” look as natural as possible, Stankiewicz suggests selecting a product that’s not too dark. “Look for one that’s close to your natural skin color,” she says. (Many products are labeled “fair” or “light,” “medium” and “dark.”)

How long does it take for a self tanner to show up?

“So when you pick those it’s about how fast you want to see the color,” says Stankiewicz. “A lighter one will take a few days to show up, while a darker formula will give noticeable color in a day.” Follow her other tips for a foolproof fake tan:

Does skin tone protect against UV rays?

While it’s true that lighter skin can accrue more damage more quickly, no skin tone provides full protection from UV rays. “A fair-skinned Caucasian person has a natural SPF of about 3,” says Gohara. “I have darker skin, probably more like an SPF 13.” But, she adds, “No one, no matter how dark they are, carries enough natural protection to skip sunscreen and not damage their skin.”

Does tanning increase melanoma?

In fact, according to the AAD, even one indoor tanning session can increase your risk of melanoma by 20 percent.

Is sun exposure good for skin cancer?

The Health Benefits of Some Sun Exposure. Even though skin cancer is rarer in people with darker skin than it is in Caucasians, African-Americans and Hispanics both have high mortality rates if they do develop the disease.

Is it safe to self tan?

Self-tanning products are safe and generally don’t cause irritation to the skin. The main ingredient in self tanners is dihydroxyacetone (DHA). It reacts with skin cells on the top layer of your skin to create a temporarily darker color. As those skin cells are shed over the course of a few days, the color will gradually fade. “Very few of my patients have ever complained of a skin reaction to self tanner,” says Downie. “Unless you’re allergic to DHA, you shouldn’t have a problem.”

Is tanning bed a carcinogen?

That’s why the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services includes tanning beds on their list of known carcinogens— right up there with asbestos and tobacco. Indoor tanning is estimated to cause more than 400,000 cases of skin cancer in the U.S. annually.

How to tan safely?

Tanning can be made slightly safer if you do it for a very short period of time, drink water, wear sunscreen with a SPF of at least 30 on your skin and lips, and protect your eyes. Avoid: 1 falling asleep in the sun 2 wearing an SPF of less than 30 3 drinking alcohol, which can be dehydrating

How to avoid tanning?

Avoid: falling asleep in the sun. wearing an SPF of less than 30. drinking alcohol, which can be dehydrating.

How to get a tan with 30 SPF?

An SPF of 30 is strong enough to block UVA and UVB rays, but not so strong that you won’t get tan. Cover your body in at least a full ounce of sunscreen. Change positions frequently. This will help you avoid burning one part of your body. Eat foods that contain beta carotene.

How long does it take for melanin to get darker?

Don’t stay outside for longer than your skin can create melanin. Melanin is the pigment responsible for tanning. Everyone has a melanin cut-off point, which is usually 2 to 3 hours. After this amount of time, your skin will not get darker in a certain day.

How to get a tan without burning?

Eat foods that contain beta carotene. Foods like carrots, sweet potatoes, and kale can help you tan without burning. More research is needed, but some studies show that beta carotene can help reduce sun sensitivity in people with photosensitive diseases. Try using oils with naturally occurring SPF.

What foods are good for UV protection?

Eat lycopene-rich foods. Examples include tomatoes, guava, and watermelon. A small 2011 study (and older research, such as this 2001 study) found that lycopene helps protect the skin naturally against UV rays.

When is the best time to tan?

Keep in mind, however, that while the sun is at its strongest during this time, it will do the most damage due to the strength of the rays, and is likely to increase the risk of skin cancer due to this exposure. If you have extremely fair skin, it’s best to tan in the morning or after 3 p.m. to avoid burning.

When does skin reach a tanning cut off point?

In case you didn't know, your skin reaches a tanning cut-off point when it physically can't produce any more melanin (the tanning pigment), so it's pointless to lounge by the pool all day.

What is the best treatment for sun damage?

Try Imedeen Tan Optimizer tablets which prepare the skin for the sun and protect cells from UV induced oxidative stress using a duo of antioxidants.

What does broad spectrum mean on sunscreen?

Don't just rely on SPF; on the bottle you need to look for the term 'broad spectrum', which means it will protect you from both UVA (ageing) and UVB (burning) rays.

When is the sun hottest?

The sun is at it's hottest between 10am and 4pm, so make sure you are extra cautious during those times and take regular breaks along with covering up and seeking shade. You also need to reapply you sunscreen every two hours, regardless of whether you've been swimming or not, especially during these hours. 10.

Is a tan a sign of skin damage?

So while we all love to get that sun-kissed glow, it's important to remember that a tan is in fact a sign of skin damage and that extra melanin production is your bodies natural reaction to protect you from further sun exposure. Which is why no beauty editor or dermatologist is ever going to recommend getting a tan, ...

Can you fake tan all year round?

Sorry, but while we'll let many things slide, sunbeds are not one of them. If you want a tan all year round without the risk of skin cancer, fake tan should be your best friend.

Can tanning beds give you a tan?

Don't fall for the myth peddled by some salons that they can give you a 'healthy' tan with a sunbed. "It's the wrong UV – tanning beds pump out huge amounts of UVA and virtually no UVB (which stimulates vitamin D), and can increase your risk of skin cancer by 75%" says Dr. Nick Lowe of The Cranley Clinic in London.

Why is tanned skin more attractive?

This increases the chances of developing the skin cancers basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Many people consider tanned skin to be more aesthetically pleasing. With too much sun, the skin can age prematurely, leading to wrinkles, lines, loose skin, and brown spots.

Why do people tan?

This is due to the perception that tans make pale skin look healthier or more attractive.

Why is skin cancer more likely to occur in later life?

Factors that affect how long people can spend in the sun before damage occurs include: Age: Younger skin is more sensitive to sun damage, and exposure to the sun during childhood or adolescence makes skin cancer more likely in later life.

What does fake tan look like?

Additionally, some fake tan products can look unnatural, leaving an orange tint, streaks, or blotches on the skin.

How to avoid getting burnt in the sun?

Avoid spending excessive time in the sun in one session. It is better to tan in shorter intervals, as a person may not appear burnt until they go inside.

Is sunbathing dangerous?

As tanning requires sunbathing for extended periods, it always carries some risks, even if people take precautions to minimize them. It is best to limit sun exposure to moderate amounts and wear protective clothing outside.

Does sunburn make your skin brown?

However, by protecting themselves from burning, a person can increase the likelihood of their skin becoming brown. This may reduce the amount of time they spend outdoors. By preventing sunburn, a person also lowers their chances of peeling skin, which means their tan could last longer.