Getting a sun tan can be dangerous: and so can not getting one

Getting a sun tan or tanning is simply darkening skin color, often for a desired look. It's a common by-product of a relaxing holiday somewhere near a beach. Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is the traditional way to get the tanned look, but in recent years tanning beds or solariums have become extremely popular ways to achieve a tan. There are also creams, gels, lotions, and sprays that can provide a tan without the use of solariums or tanning using the sun.

So, how do you get the tanned look you desire without risking your health?

To avoid sunburn, most people apply sunscreen to skin exposed to the sun, but others use oils to accelerate the tanning process. Some people tan or sunburn easier than others do. This may be the result of different skin types and skin colors, and can make judging the right amount of sun for individuals difficult.

No matter how cautious you are about the sun, always remember that you need it to produce vitamin D. Vitamin D deficiency can lead to Rickets in children (softening of the bone, symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency can include aching bones, delayed tooth formation, dental deformities, muscle cramps, spine or other bone deformities, stooped posture, tingling and weakness.

For some interesting articles relating to Vitamin D deficiency see the bottom of this article.

Sunless Tanning

To avoid exposure to UV rays, or in the cooler seasons, some people darken their skin by using different forms of sunless tanning (also known as self-tanners). A number of types of sunless tanning options are available to consumers, including stainers, bronzers, and tan accelerators. Some people use make-up to create the tanned appearance we’re all used to seeing on models and Hollywood stars.

Another option is to tan using a tanning bed or sunlamp. The use of a tanning bed exposes the user to similar UV radiation as that of the sun but safety concerns about this type of sun tanning increase as time goes by.

Many sunless tanning products are available in the form of creams, gels, lotions, and sprays that are self-applied on the skin. Another option is the use of bronzers which are cosmetics that provide temporary effects. There are also professional spray-on tanning providers or “tanning booths” and are offered by spas, salons, and tanning businesses.

Controversy involving Tanning

Overexposure to ultraviolet radiation is known to cause skin cancer, make skin age and wrinkle faster, mutate DNA and reduce the immune system. Frequent tanning bed use triples the risk of developing melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. The US Public Health Service states that UV radiation, including the use of sun lamps and sun beds are "known to be a human carcinogen.