We’ve all seen them at the beach– bronzed gods and goddesses with suntanned skin that looks like it was touched by King Midas himself. We’ve seen them leaving tanning salons too, looking brown and beautiful. Sure, a tan may look amazing and healthy, but there are definitely drawbacks to getting that beautiful bronze glow from the sun or a tanning bed. People usually associate a golden tan with good health, but is it actually safe to tan twice a day?
No, it is not safe to tan twice a day, either in a tanning bed or under the sun. Sun exposure and salon tanning beds can cause a variety of skin problems and signs of premature aging.
The rest of this article will explain why tanning is bad for your skin, the different types of UV rays the sun produces, and the negative effects prolonged exposure to those rays can cause to your body. Also, we’ll talk about how to protect your skin and how to get that beautiful bronze glow without going to a tanning salon or frying under the sun! There are several methods you can use to get yourself sun-kissed skin while staying healthy, as there is no such thing as a safe tan.
Table of Contents
Why is Tanning Unsafe?
Tanning is unsafe because of the damage that ultraviolet (UV) rays cause to your body. There are three types of UV rays, however the third and highest type, called UVC rays, don’t reach Earth at all due to the atmosphere. The other two types, UVA and UVB, are the rays that cause damage to your skin and your skin’s DNA.
The sun is the primary source of these harmful rays, but tanning beds also contain UVA and UVB rays that injure your skin. Tanning salons will advertise that their services are safe, but this is misinformation designed to make them money at the expense of your health.
Tanning Salons: Misinformation and Regulation
Tanning salons advertise all the time that it is safe to use their services as long as you wear goggles and use lotion or tanning oil. This is simply not true!
Though you might get an amazing golden tan, what you’re seeing as a beautiful brown color is actually irreversible damage to your skin and the DNA in your skin cells. Younger people are at a higher risk for skin cancer and having permanently damaged skin because the long term effects of tanning at a young age are more pronounced. In fact, several states in the US have legislation that prevents minors from using tanning salons.
Short & Long Term Consequences of Tanning
Though you may think that getting a beautiful, sun-kissed glow could be worth dealing with the pain of sunburn for a day or two, think again. Sunburn is only one way your skin becomes damaged from UV rays.
However, the damage UV rays cause to your skin has short term and long term consequences. The American Academy of Dermatology Association states that people who use a tanning bed before the age of 35 are at a 75% higher risk of developing melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. That’s a huge risk to take!
Short Term Consequences of Tanning:
- Sunburned, red skin
- Painful blisters
- Itchy and dry skin
- Nausea and sun poisoning in severe cases
Long Term Consequences of Tanning:
- Signs of premature aging
- Damage to the DNA in your skin cells
- Leathery and wrinkly skin
- Eye Damage (similar to your eye being sunburned)
- Actinic keratosis— precancerous areas of thick, crusty skin
- Skin cancer, including melanoma
How to Protect Yourself from Sun Damage
The injury the sun can cause to your body and skin is so serious that it can lead to skin cancer. However, obviously there’s no way to avoid the UVA and UVB rays the sun produces, but there are steps you can take to mitigate the harm they cause to your body. The EPA has some good suggestions on ways to stay safe and to keep your skin healthy.
- Avoid tanning outdoors or using a tanning bed.
- Use sunscreen with a 30 or higher SPF and apply it at least 20 minutes before you go outside, and don’t forget the tops of your ears and feet!
- Try to stay indoors and out of the sun during the middle of the day when the sun’s rays are the strongest and most damaging.
- Wear sunglasses with UV protection for your eyes and clothing that will protect you, like a hat, or shoes instead of sandals/flip flops.
- Be careful near snow, sand and water, which reflects UV rays and increases your chance to get sunburned.
How Can I Get a Tan Safely?
Though the sun and tanning beds cause permanent harm to your skin, don’t despair because there is more than one way to achieve a healthy golden glow! There are several different methods you can use to get a ‘fake’ tan that will look as though you spent hours in the sun but without the risk of getting tramadol pills online skin cancer or your skin looking like a leather handbag. (Insert picture of Tan Mom here!) In fact, there are options for all different budgets and lifestyles that will work for just about anybody, from self-tanner beginners to the bronzed experts!
Self-Tanner Lotion or Mousse
Using a self-tanner lotion, foam or mousse is a good choice for someone with some experience under their belt, because if it is applied incorrectly it can look orange or leave streaks on your skin or especially your hands and feet. It can be purchased in a variety of golden tones for every skin type. The best selling self-tanner on Amazon is Body Drench Instant Self-Tanner (Amazon). This bronzing spray is chock-full of antioxidants for your skin and plenty of aloe-vera to help soothe and moisturize. It’s also relatively inexpensive, and gets very good reviews.
However, if you are going to use a self-tanner spray, definitely consider using a body mitt to apply it instead of just your hands. Using a mitt gives a streak-free, smooth application and a natural, blended tone on your skin. Any rough patches of skin or any dry skin will absorb the lotion like a sponge and dye your skin bright orange! Amazon recommends the Jergens Natural Glow Applicator Mitt (Amazon). Using a mitt to apply the tanner is a definite if you don’t want anyone clocking your fake glow!
Spray Tan or Airbrush Tan–What’s the Difference?
Even though the terms ‘spray tan’ and ‘airbrush tan’ are used interchangeably, they are actually two different techniques. However, it’s only the method of application that actually differs. Spray tanning uses–you guessed it–a spray gun, and airbrush tanning uses an airbrush gun. Usually spray tans are done in booths with spray nozzles, while airbrushing is done by hand. The tanning liquid that is sprayed on your skin contains the active organic compound DHA, (dihydroxyacetone) which reacts with the top layer of your skin to give you the tan color you want in only minutes.
However, if you want a natural, even tone, most professionals recommend using the airbrush method. The human touch that the airbrushing method provides is hard to beat, especially when it comes to areas like knees, hands and feet, which can have rough skin that will soak up extra color like a sponge and look dark and unnatural. However, an experienced airbrush technician should be able to execute a flawless and natural tone that will last about 5-10 days.
Final Thoughts
Though you might be jealous the next time you see a sun kissed beauty sauntering down the beach and turning heads, keep in mind that if they keep tanning, one day they might look less like a glamazon and more like a Louis Vuitton handbag! It is definitely not safe or recommended to tan once a day, twice a day, or even at all. Tanning causes premature aging, leathery skin, and even skin cancer. To keep your skin healthy, use sunscreen, stay indoors or in the shade, and wear sunglasses! If you want a beautiful tan glow, go to a professional airbrush tanning salon and in minutes you can get the tan without all the damage. It’s worth it to save your skin! Besides, pale is just as beautiful!
