Buzz
Whether you're trying to steer clear of a sunburn or, more importantly, skin cancer, having a tan when summer begins won’t really do you any favors.
That tan provides just about the protection equivalent to SPF 4. While it's better than nothing, it's far wiser to use proper sunscreen than to spend the spring developing a so-called 'base tan', particularly if you frequent tanning salons.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified tanning beds as carcinogenic to humans, placing them in a more dangerous category than glyphosate pesticide, and equal to cigarette smoke. (Curious about IARC's decision-making process? Watch this video to learn more.)
Though your tan may offer some defense against the UVB rays that cause sunburn, it does nothing to protect against the UVA rays that lead to skin thickening and wrinkling over time. Both types of radiation are associated with cancer. For optimal protection, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen, and don't rely on your base tan.
Photo credit: Alex Liivet.
