Tanning Myths vs Reality

Here are a few common myths and the reality about tanning.

Health Benefits - Tanning Frequently Asked Questions

MYTH

There is no such thing as a safe tan.

REALITY

Actually, you could say that it isn't safe to totally avoid the sun.

The benefits of regular sun exposure far outweigh the risks of overexposure, which easily can be minimized by merely avoiding sunburn. Research shows that regular, moderate sun exposure might actually decrease your risk of getting breast, colon, prostate and ovarian cancers as well as osteoporosis or even Alzheimer's disease.

If you're a woman, you are 69 times more likely to die of breast cancer than skin cancer. And the vitamin D you receive from ultraviolet light, which cannot be replaced in your diet, may inhibit the formation of internal tumors, including breast cancer.

MYTH

Indoor tanning is more harmful than tanning outdoors because the UV light from a sunbed is more intense.

REALITY

Today, all sunbeds and tanning booths used in salons are regulated by the Canadian Standards Association. This means that you are exposed to a standardized amount of UV, with a mixture of both UVB and UVA rays, designed to minimize burning. When used according to the CSA’s exposure guidelines (posted on each tanning system), sunbeds and booths are designed to maximize tanning and minimize burning.

Conversely, tanning outdoors is an unregulated, uncontrolled environment. There are many factors that have to be considered when you tan outdoors: geography, time of day, weather conditions, the seasons, and the ozone layer. Remember the best way to safeguard yourself from sun damage is to wear appropriate levels of SPF sunscreens outdoors – even if you already have a tan.

MYTH

In order to get a suntan, you have to burn first.

REALITY

A sunburn does NOT fade into a tan. Sunburn indicates UV-overexposure and actually damages the skin, leaving it inflamed (as indicated by the skin's red coloring and sensitivity), dry, chapped and visibly unappealing. In fact, sunburn can lead to premature aging and potentially skin cancer.

Always practice moderation when tanning by using the proper sunscreen protection when tanning outdoors and the exposure time that is recommended for your personal skin type when tanning indoors.