Sun Exposure and Tanning

How the Sun Affects Your Skin

The sun produces two kinds of ultraviolet (UV) rays:

• UVA rays have a longer wavelength and cause the skin to age.
• UVB rays have a shorter wavelength and cause the skin to burn.

Both types of rays are harmful in large quantities.

When skin is exposed to UV rays, it responds by producing melanin. Melanin is a dark substance that helps prevent the skin from absorbing too many harmful rays.

UV radiation promotes the growth of abnormal skin cells, which can multiply rapidly to form skin cancer. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, with the number of cases increasing every year. Just one blistering sunburn in childhood or adolescence more than doubles your chance of developing melanoma, a serious skin cancer, later in life.

To protect yourself from too much sun:

• Use sunscreen with Sun Protection Factor (SPF) 15 or higher.
• Wear a hat and sunglasses.
• Cover as much of your skin with protective clothing as you can.
• Avoid exposure to direct sun at peak hours, typically 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Is Your Sunscreen Effective?

Sunscreen, though important, isn’t guaranteed to protect you from UV radiation. Consider these factors:

• Amount – A thin layer of sunscreen isn’t enough. Experts recommend applying at least 2 tablespoons of sunscreen to the exposed areas of the face and body – a nickel-sized dollop to the face alone. If you’re using a spray, apply until an even sheen appears on your skin.
• SPF – Use sunscreen labeled SPF 15 to 30. Higher SPFs may provide only a little additional protection while exposing you to far more chemicals.
• Type of protection – Many sunscreens offer coverage for either UVA or UVB, but not both. Look for labels that say “broad spectrum” coverage.
• Breakdown – Most sunscreens don’t last a full day in the sun because the ingredients break down. Sunscreens also lose their effectiveness after swimming, sweating and long contact with clothing. Reapply sunscreen every two hours to all exposed skin.
• Toxicity – Do you know what’s in your sunscreen? Read labels and avoid sunscreens with oxybenzone and benzophenone-3, which can cause allergies and hormone disruptions. Visit the Environmental Working Group’s Sunscreen Guide for safety ratings, including sunscreens’ environmental effect on oceans and reefs.

Tanning

You may think that having a tan gives you a “healthy glow.” But what a tan really says is that your skin is trying to protect itself from sun damage. Too much sun can lead to wrinkles, discoloration and spots, eye damage and skin cancer. Even indoor tanning isn’t risk free.

Tanning Beds and Lamps

A tanning bed is an artificial way to get a tan. You lie down on a sunbed with lights that produce UV radiation – most commonly UVA rays but sometimes UVB rays, too.

Overuse of sunbeds can lead to eye damage (especially if you don’t wear goggles), skin cancer and skin aging. Tanning beds and lamps are just as dangerous as actual sunlight and should be avoided.

Sunless Sprays and Self-Tanners

These creams, lotions or sprays contain color additives that interact with the skin, causing it to look darker. The only FDA-approved chemical for this is dihydroxyacetone (DHA). The FDA recommends that users take protective measures to avoid DHA contact with the eyes, nose and mucous membranes.

Sunless tanning products are low risk. Some people may experience allergic reactions or irritation, but the products don’t cause skin cancer the way actual sun exposure does. However, they don’t protect your skin, so if you’re going outside you still need to use sunscreen.

Tanning Pills

So-called tanning pills contain color additives, usually canthaxanthin (found in carrots), that can tint the skin when ingested. The FDA hasn’t approved any tanning pills, so they’re not available in the United States. Tanning pills are linked to health problems, such as eye and kidney conditions.

Last Reviewed: January 2020