Q. I was told that getting a base tan using a tanning bed will protect my skin from damage from the sun this summer. Can you comment on this?
A. It is concerning to learn of a troubling trend among many younger people when it comes to sun safety. Despite decades of public health campaigns warning about the dangers of ultraviolet (UV) exposure, many teens and young adults, particularly within Generation Z, appear to be abandoning sunscreen, embracing the tanning culture again, and underestimating the long-term risks of skin damage. What makes this more concerning is skin cancer remains one of the most common forms of cancer, yet one of the most preventable!
In Canada, melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, continues to rise. Non-melanoma skin cancers such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are even more common. Most of these cancers are linked directly to UV exposure from the sun or indoor tanning devices. Yes, tanning devices are not free from the harmful UV exposure risk. Yet social media trends have helped fuel a dangerous shift in attitudes. Many young influencers now promote “natural tanning,” “sun detoxification,” or even the idea that sunscreen itself is harmful. Videos showing people deliberately tanning without protection have gained millions of views online. Some individuals even suggest that building a “base tan” protects the skin from future damage. These ideas are not new, and we did discuss that in previous Ask the Pharmacist Columns. Unfortunately, none of these quirky suggestions are supported by science which is important to keep in mind.
Many people believe that a tan is a sign of health. It is not. Rather it is evidence of skin injury.
Here is an explanation of what happens to your skin when it is tanned. When UV radiation penetrates the skin, it damages the DNA within skin cells. The body responds by producing more melanin, which darkens the skin in an attempt to protect itself. So your “healthy glow” is, in fact, not so healthy after all. While a tan may temporarily make sunburn less likely, it does very little to prevent deeper cellular damage that can eventually lead to premature aging and skin cancer. What makes this especially dangerous is that the effects are cumulative. Much of the lifetime sun damage that contributes to skin cancer occurs before the age of 25. Young people may not see the consequences immediately, but the damage builds silently over years and decades.
Another misconception circulating online is that sunscreen blocks vitamin D production and should therefore be avoided. While sunscreen can slightly reduce vitamin D synthesis under laboratory conditions, in real life most people still receive adequate sun exposure during normal daily activities. Vitamin D can also be obtained safely through diet and supplements without exposing the skin to excessive UV radiation. So don’t let your concern over Vitamin D stop you from applying sunscreen. Some social media personalities have even claimed that certain sunscreens are “toxic” or cancer-causing. While no product is perfect, Health Canada-approved sunscreens are considered safe when used as directed. In fact, the known risks of excessive UV exposure are far greater and far better established than the largely theoretical concerns promoted online.
That does not mean all sunscreens are identical. Some people prefer mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, while others choose chemical sunscreens for cosmetic reasons. The best sunscreen is ultimately the one that people are willing to apply consistently and correctly.
We often remind people that sunscreen should not be viewed as permission to spend unlimited time in the sun. It is only one part of sun protection. Other important measures include:
· Seeking shade during peak UV hours, usually between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
· Wearing wide-brimmed hats and UV-protective sunglasses
· Using lightweight long-sleeved clothing when practical
· Apply sunscreen with Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 or higher
· Reapplying sunscreen every two hours, and after swimming or sweating
· Avoiding indoor tanning beds entirely
Indoor tanning deserves special mention because many younger adults still underestimate its risks. Tanning beds expose the skin to concentrated UV radiation and significantly increase melanoma risk, especially when use begins at a young age. In fact, using tanning beds before age 35 dramatically raises melanoma risk later in life.
Another concern of sun exposure over time is cosmetic consequences. Premature wrinkles, age spots, uneven skin tone, and loss of skin elasticity often appear years earlier in people with significant sun damage. Ironically, many individuals seeking a youthful appearance through tanning may actually be accelerating visible aging. Another challenge is that younger generations have grown up surrounded by filtered images and beauty trends that often glorify bronzed skin. Trends come and go, but skin damage is permanent. Unlike a bad haircut or outdated fashion choice, UV damage accumulates over time and cannot always be reversed.
It is also important to remember that skin cancer does not affect only fair-skinned individuals. While people with lighter skin generally face higher risks, melanoma and other skin cancers can occur in all skin tones. Unfortunately, skin cancers in darker-skinned individuals are sometimes diagnosed later because the risk is underestimated.
Parents also play an important role. Children and teenagers who see adults practicing good sun safety are more likely to adopt those habits themselves. Making sunscreen part of the daily routine, similar to brushing teeth, can help normalize healthy behaviours from a young age. The good news is that prevention works. Studies consistently show that regular sunscreen use reduces the risk of skin cancer and helps prevent premature aging. Even small changes in behaviour can make a meaningful difference over a lifetime.
Sun safety does not mean avoiding outdoor activities. Spending time outdoors is important for both physical and mental health. The goal is simply to enjoy the sun responsibly rather than chasing tans at the expense of long-term health.
As summer approaches, this is an ideal time to rethink our relationship with sun exposure. Even though your temporary tan may fade within weeks, your skin damage can last forever.
Protecting your skin today may help prevent cancer tomorrow.
For more information on this or any other health related topic, contact the pharmacists at Gordon Pharmasave, Your Health and Wellness Destination.
