• Home
• Blog
• Skin Care
• Dermatologist sets the record straight on 5 common tanning myths

Dermatologist sets the record straight on 5 common tanning myths

As summer is coming to an end, dermatologist Karen Kim of SkinCare Physicians sets the record straight on 5 common tanning myths that she has heard too many times in the past few months.

Myth #1: “It’s healthy to have a base tan to prevent burns”

Tanning of any kind means there has been damage to the skin. There is no such thing as a healthy tan.

Myth #2: “I need to get my Vitamin D and the sun is the best way to get it”

Vitamin D can be obtained through nutrition such as milk, fortified orange juice, salmon, tuna as well as vitamin supplements. You can still get enough Vitamin D without exposing your skin to UV radiation. It is far safer and healthier to supplement your diet with Vitamin D rather than tan.

Myth #3: “Tanning indoors is safer than tanning outdoors”

Tanning beds actually have concentrated UV radiation compared to what you get outdoors.  When you go to a tanning salon, you are increasing your risk of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, by 59%. Tanning beds and sun lamps are known cancer causing agents. Tanning salons are so dangerous that 14 states, including Massachusetts, have banned the use of tanning beds to young people.

Myth #4: “Tanning gives a healthy glow”

Tanning causes wrinkles, premature aging, skin sagging as well as skin cancer. A tan means your skin has been damaged. The sun can also damage eyes and cause cataracts and ocular melanoma.

Myth #5: “I don’t need sunscreen when it’s cloudy”

Even on cloudy days, UV rays are present and can damage skin. So apply sunscreen year round if you’re outside year round.

If you have spent a lot of time outdoors this summer and want a total body skin examination, come visit one of our dermatologists at SkinCare Physicians. We will be happy to discuss with you how you can optimize your skin health.