Is sunbathing safe even if I don't burn?

In this article below, Dr Derrick Phillips, a highly experienced consultant dermatologist, tells us whether sunbathing is safe or not even if you do not get sunburnt, and reveals whether a base tan is healthy for us or not.

Is sunbathing safe even if I don't burn?

The truth is that sunbathing is not safe, even if you don’t burn. A tan is a way for your skin to protect itself from UV damage, but it still exposes you to harmful UV rays from the sun. The problem is that when you tan, UV exposure can damage your skin cells and proteins (like elastin and collagen), making your skin age faster and increasing your chance of getting skin cancer. This means you’re at risk no matter if you burn or not.

Is getting a base tan good for you?

Some people think that getting a base tan; using a sunbed or sitting in the sun to get your skin ready for more sun exposure and help you tan better; is a good idea. However, this is a dangerous myth. Using sunbeds before going on holiday exposes your skin to high levels of UV radiation without any protection, which hurts your skin cells, makes your skin age faster, and raises your risk of getting skin cancer such as melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, or basal cell carcinoma. This applies to all skin tones. Moreover, UV light can trigger enzymes that break down collagen and damage the skin’s support structure, making it loose or wrinkled.

Is fake tan harmful to the skin?

The main ingredient in fake tan is a chemical called dihydroxyacetone, or DHA, which interacts with skin cells, causing a change in colour. It produces the coveted brown complexion without the need for exposure to harmful UV rays. DHA is considered safe by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) when applied on the skin. It’s important to remember that fake tan does not protect you from UV rays at all. Even if you are wearing fake tan, you need to protect yourself from the sun. The NHS recommends using a high factor (SPF30+), broad-spectrum sunscreen and reapplying often, staying in the shade and wearing protective clothing.

How often should sunscreen be applied when you're in the sun?

You should reapply sunscreen at least every two hours when you’re in the sun and more often if you are sweating or doing water sports. This is because sunscreen can be absorbed, washed away, rubbed off, and lost through sweating.

If you wish to make an appointment with Dr Derrick Phillips, simply head on over to his Top Doctors profile today.