Dermatologists Warn: That Summer Tan Is a Sign of Skin Damage

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, and dermatologists say the way many people chase a summer glow is making it worse.

Dr. Spencer Dunaway, a dermatologist with the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, says tanning, whether outdoors or in a salon, exposes skin to ultraviolet radiation that damages DNA. "People are looking at that kind of bronze glow and feeling like it's a sign of health," he said, "but what we really know is that all tans are a sign of DNA damage." That damage raises the risk of several cancers, cataracts, and premature skin aging.

Indoor tanning can be even more dangerous than lying in the sun. Tanning beds and sunlamps can emit UV radiation up to 15 times stronger than the midday sun, and Dunaway says the evidence is clear. "We have tons of evidence that tanning beds cause cancer, and they're in the same group as tobacco, smoke, and things like asbestos."

Concern is growing this summer after the FDA withdrew a proposed rule last month that would have banned anyone under 18 from using tanning beds, leaving regulations to individual states instead. Dunaway says starting young dramatically raises long-term risk. "If you start tanning under the age of 18, you have a dramatic increase in the risk of skin cancer, and you're also at four times the risk of becoming a lifelong or long-term tanner."

For those still wanting a summer glow, Dunaway says self-tanner is a safe alternative. The lotions and wipes create a pigment-like reaction on the surface of the skin without UV exposure. "That's absolutely safe," he said. "However, there's no such thing as a safe natural tan."