Because the rays of the sun can be so damaging, many people believe that sun tanning should no longer be something we engage in at all.



Damage to the skin from the sun is widespread now and in part due to the obsession our society has with a beautiful tan and one may well wonder if they can sun tan safely or not.

Is sun tanning dangerous? The rays from the sun which contain ultra violet light can indeed damage our skin. People with fair and light skin and light coloured eyes are particularly prone to burning easily while those with naturally darker skin can usually take a little more sun before their skin is damaged.

The skin reacts to the ultra violet rays by darkening. It darkens in order to protect the skin from the rays. In effect, a tan is actually a sign of skin damage. Continued exposure to sun keeps the skin reacting and producing a tan to protect itself.

After awhile, though the skin cannot fight off the intrusion of the ultra violet rays effectively and the damage begins to show in the form of wrinkles, dry patches, discolouration, and skin diseases. Skin cancer is a disease that is almost always due to too much exposure to the sun.

A person should have some sun exposure to stay healthy. The sun helps our bodies produce wonderful things like serotonin and vitamin D. These are essential to our good health.

It would be unreasonable to avoid the sun at all costs and deprive oneself of the benefits and the simple joy that comes from some time in the sun.

Is there such a thing as safe tanning? For all those who still just cannot abide living in their pale skin and want a little colour that sun tanning or tanning at the salon can provide there is, of course the law of moderation.

Certainly a little time in the sun or the tanning salon is not something that should be seen as a sure path to skin cancer. Some very simple things should be taken into consideration for those wanting a little colour.

Short intervals of tanning with the protection of a sunscreen at first are a good idea. Your intervals may increase a little when you get used to the tanning and you can lighten or eliminate the sunscreen after awhile.

It may seem like it will take forever to get a tan that way but it is a healthier way to get a tan. Think long term and relax knowing you are doing it the right way.

When you are (slowly) working at that tan, make sure that you avoid burning at any time and that you moisturize your skin after tanning.

There are some great products out there to help your skin deal with the invasiveness of the ultra violet rays. When you have acquired a little colour, consider backing off on the time spent tanning. To maintain it, spend as little time as possible tanning.

Remember to drink lots of water as well. Keeping your skin moisturized is done more from the inside than it is from anything you can do to the outside. Drinking water can keep the moisture balance well which will keep your skin looking good.