Sun-kissed

What you need to know about tanning

It’s that time of year when the sun is shining 
and scorching hot. It’s also the time when so many people indulge in and soak up the 
sun. It’s the season when tanning is hot and having a skin with a sun-kissed glow is the way to go. Most people believe they look better and natural with a bit of a tan. But what can tanning do to your health?

Sun tanning, or simply tanning, is a process of making the outer layer of the skin a bit dark or tanned, and this can be achieved by exposing the skin to the sun naturally or by going to tanning 
salons. The latter are places at which skin tanning services are offered, based on a person’s preference. Some prefer ready-to-use tanning products to 
increase the tanning results, but with less exposure to the sun or UV radiation.

Some people who are fans of tanning also 
have sun rooms or sun lounges — also known as solariums — in their homes. This enables them to get a tan without necessarily going out and being exposed to the sun. These rooms — which are 
popular in western countries — are usually treated as a patio room.

As for those who are obsessed with tanning, here are some ideas on how to get the ideal tan, using 
different methods, and how you can keep it healthy yet long-lasting. Find the best way to tan, that suits you and your skin; you may opt for the good old 
natural way — under the sun.

* Use at least an SPF15 skin product, or one suitable for your skin type and complexion, before you hit the outdoors. This protects your skin from radiation. Use other skin protection products like lip balms.

* Stay hydrated. Moisturise after you soak under the sun, and make sure you use soothing lotions like aloe vera.

* Don’t overdo it unless you want to burn your skin. Fair skin tends to get sunburnt easily.

* Remember, it is always best to use natural sun 
exposure than tanning beds, as the latter can easily damage your skin and cause skin cancer.

* Wear your sun protection — a hat or sunglasses 
can provide you extra protection for your eyes 
as well as your skin.

* While some use natural exposure to the 
sun — like basking or sunbathing — for a more natural tan, there are underlying side effects of getting too much tan either naturally or the 
artificial way.

It has been claimed that tanning can cause certain health issues such as melanoma, which is a deadly type of skin cancer. UV exposures from natural sun can increase a person’s risk of getting melanoma. Although there are some people who vouch for the safety of tanning beds, other researchers found a link between the use of tanning beds before the age of 35 and the incidence of melanoma.

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer where malignant tumours of melanocytes are boosted, and 
the result is deadly. Most skin-related cancer 
deaths are believed to be caused by high melanoma. Cancer is not the only problem associated with sun or UV exposure.

UVA damages different layers of your skin as you get exposed longer, which results in premature skin ageing. In addition, it can lead to another problem very common in older people: eye cataracts.

Prolonged tanning may not be beneficial for the health of your skin, and so it is very important to know its effects.

If you are planning on using sunless tanners such 
as skin-airbrush or spray-on tans, you should be 
cautious, as these are not medically proven safe for use. If you are unsure, consult your dermatologist about the best way to get a tan for your skin type, 
and also protect yourself.

— Courtesy: Kaya Skin Clinic