What Happens To Your Skin When You Get A Tan? Dermatologi...

What’s Happening

Listen up: Make your summer plans accordingly.

If sporting a sun-kissed tan is on your summer to-do list, welcome to the club. For years, tanning oil was a poolside staple, and now, Gen Z is (dangerously) obsessing over tanning beds and the UV Index to achieve their idea of a glamorous complexion. (let that sink in)

But here’s the thing: Doctors are cringing at the mere thought of these growing trends.

The Details

Because tanning does a lot more harm to your skin than good. “Tanning is a sign of distress, not health,” says Nicole Lee , MD, a dermatologist, cosmetic and laser surgeon, and founder of Epoch Dermatology.

Here’s a quick primer on why: The sun emits three types of ultraviolet radiation: UVA, UVB, and UVC rays. Exposure to UVA rays are what tan—and ultimately age—your skin, exposure to UVB rays can cause your skin to burn and raise your risk of skin cancer, and UVC rays (fortunately) don’t make it past the earth’s atmosphere.

Why This Matters

You’re naturally exposed to UVA and UVB rays when spending time outside (yep, even when exercising outdoors ) which is why the sun causes you to tan and or burn. Tanning beds, meanwhile, primarily emit artificial UVA rays, so your skin appears darker with less risk of burning, though using them still majorly raises your risk of skin cancers. Meet the the experts: Anna Chacon , MD, is a dermatologist specializing in medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology.

Health experts are weighing in on what this means for people.

Key Takeaways

• Nicole Lee , MD, is a dermatologist, cosmetic and laser surgeon, and founder of Epoch Dermatology.
• Maya Thosani , MD, is a dermatologist, micrographic dermatologic surgeon, and owner of Modern Dermatology.
• But what fr happens to your skin when you get a tan?
• According to dermatologists, a lot more than you may think.

The Bottom Line

Here’s a breakdown everything the experts want you to understand about tanning your skin, including the science behind a tan, and how to keep yourself safe. Exactly What Happens to Your Skin in the Sun You may think a tan looks good, but it’s actually a sign of something that’s anything but.

Are you here for this or nah?