Spray, Don’t Bake: Indoor Tanning Alternatives for This Spring

Just one indoor tanning session can increase your melanoma risk

Spring is just around the corner, and for many young women, that means memorable events like prom. It may be tempting to achieve a bronzed, “sun-kissed” look for occasions like these, and studies show women are more likely to use indoor tanning devices than men. We’ve known for a while however, that any young women considering indoor tanning should think twice.

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a proven human carcinogen, and there has been plenty of research linking melanoma incidence in young women to tanning bed habits. One study shows just how closely the two are connected: according to researchers, 97% of women diagnosed with melanoma before age 30 have engaged in indoor tanning. Additionally, a woman doesn’t even need to use tanning beds frequently for them to pose a threat to her health. Just one indoor tanning session before the age of 35 increases a person’s risk of melanoma by 75%.

There is no such thing as a healthy UV tan. Whether you’re laying out on the beach or in a tanning bed, the damage your skin sustains can lead to skin aging and potentially deadly skin cancer. It’s so important that young women avoid UV tanning beds and opt for a sun safe beauty routine.

Tanning doesn’t only increase your risk of developing melanoma— it increases your risk of developing other types of skin cancer as well. A single session causes a 67% increased risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and a 29% increased risk of developing basal cell carcinoma (BCC). Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer, but BCC and SCC are the two most common forms of cancer.

If an increased risk of skin cancer isn’t enough of a reason to steer clear, indoor tanning also contributes to premature skin aging. That means wrinkles, leathery skin, sagging, and age spots. Still can’t resist that bronzed look? Opt for a spray tan or sunless tanners.

The Skin Cancer Foundation advocates that no tan is a safe tan, and that regardless of whether women decide to go with their own glow or use sunless tanning methods, they avoid UV tanning.

Professional spray tans are an option for those who want to safely achieve a bronzed look in a hurry. Kissed by the Caribbean uses Australian manufactured solutions. All ingredients in this amazing brand are handpicked by the brand owner and contain natural and organic ingredients. The main tanning ingredient, DHA, is EcoCert and COSMOS approved.

Don’t rely on a spray tan or sunless products for sun protection. Even if your self-tanner contains sunscreen, reapply a separate broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher every two hours when outdoors. Sunscreen alone isn’t enough, however. The Skin Cancer Foundation has always recommended that everyone take a comprehensive sun protection approach that includes seeking shade and covering up with clothing, including a wide-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses, in addition to daily sunscreen use.