Toss Your Plan to Tan

Toss Your Plan to Tan

Now that sweater weather is behind us, most people are itching to ditch their winter wardrobe and feel the need to get some color! For some, that means hitting the tanning bed for a base tan, but we at Derick Dermatology don’t recommend it. And we’re not the only ones.

It’s no secret that too much time in the sun is harmful to your skin, but did you know that using tanning beds exposes you to UV rays as well? Indoor tanning can be just as damaging as overexposure to the sun and have been designated as a cancer-causing agent by the World Health Organization. So, you might want to think twice before buying that bronze!

In fact, most states have restrictions on the use of indoor tanning beds by minors, requiring parental consent if the customer is under a certain age. Indoor tanning is deemed almost as dangerous tobacco, which is why the American Academy of Dermatology supports a ban on the industry for use outside of medical purposes.

So, what can you do instead? We recommend trying a topical self-tanning product, such as a bronzing lotion. Follow the instructions on packaging to get an even, natural-looking tan that doesn’t increase your risk for skin cancer — it’s a win-win! Just make sure that you continue to use sunscreen in conjunction with whatever self-tanner you choose, to continually protect that great glow!

If you have questions about sun safety, contact us today! We have convenient locations in Arlington Heights, Barrington, Bartlett, Buffalo Grove, Crystal Lake, Elgin, Libertyville, Lindenhurst, McHenry, Park Ridge, Naperville, Oak Brook, and soon in Skokie.