Getting a tan doesn't protect you from sun damage
A new Practice Safe Sun Survey from the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) shows that a majority of folks think tanning is safe if you don't burn and many believe it can even reduce your cancer risk. But the truth is that when melanin is produced by your skin (that's what gives you the tan), it is an indication that sun damage has already happened.
Did you know that getting a tan provides a sun protection factor (SPF) of only about 2 to 4? And according to the Skin CANCER Foundation, tanning directly damages DNA, which can cause skin cells to grow abnormally, leading to basal cell, squamous cell and melanoma cancers. Every tan adds more long-term, irreversible damage.
If you want radiant skin, embrace aerobic exercise and high-intensity interval training. A healthy glow is truly wonderful looking. Daily, wear a micronized zinc oxide sunscreen with an SPF of 35 or more. (You can go for 10-20 minutes in the sun without sunscreen to get a good shot of vitamin D.) And if you want a tan, fake it, don't bake it. Skin bronzers contain Food and Drug Administration-approved dihydroxyacetone, which is made from beets and sugar cane. Check out the AAD website (aad.org) for "How to Apply Self-Tanner."
For more info on how to have younger-looking, healthy skin, check out "The RealAge Makeover: Take Years Off Your Looks and Add Them to Your Life" and sign up for my free newsletter at michaelfroizenmd.substack.com.
Health pioneer Michael Roizen, M.D., is chief wellness officer emeritus at the Cleveland Clinic and author of four No. 1 New York Times bestsellers. Check out his latest, "The Great Age Reboot: Cracking the Longevity Code for a Younger Tomorrow," and find out more at www.4YOUngevity.com. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Mike at questions@4YOUngevity.com.
(c)2026 Michael Roizen, M.D.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
(c) 2026 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
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