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Body

Tanning

You might think you look better with a tan, but the truth is, there is no such thing as a safe tan. When your skin becomes tan, it is really a sign that your skin cells have been hurt. The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays are what damage your skin and these rays play a big role in the growth of skin cancer, the most common kind of cancer in the U.S. Today, more young people than ever are getting skin cancer.

To protect yourself:

• When possible, avoid outdoor activities during midday, when the sun's rays are strongest. This usually means the hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Wear protective clothing, such as a wide-brimmed hat, long-sleeved shirt, and long pants.
• Wear wraparound sunglasses that provide 100 percent UV ray protection to protect your eyes.
• Always wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen and lipscreen with at least SPF 15. Follow the directions on the bottle to reapply and check the expiration date. Sunscreen without an expiration date will last no more than three years. Sunscreen will not last as long if it is stored in very hot or very cold temperatures.

For more information on UV rays, tanning and burning, and how to prevent skin damage, read more on tanning.

Tanning indoors

Trying to get that tan is dangerous both outside and inside. Indoor tanning salons use light bulbs in the “beds” that give off dangerous UV rays, the same rays found outside.

There are other indoor methods that do not use UV rays, including “spray tans” you can get at a salon and tanning lotions or gels that you can buy at a drugstore or department store. While there is no known risk for skin cancer with these products, you do have to be careful. Spray tans, lotions, or gels use a color additive (what makes your skin look tan) called DHA that is approved – considered safe – for use on the outside of your body by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. If you use a sun-less tanning product on your own, or go to a salon for a spray tan, make sure that your eyes and mouth are covered.

Content last updated June 18, 2008

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