For years, a sun-kissed glow has been associated with beauty and health, but the reality behind tanning is far less glamorous. Whether it’s from the sun or a tanning bed, any change in the color of your skin after UV exposure is a sign of damage. Understanding the truth about tanning is essential if you want to protect your skin and your long-term health.

When your skin tans, it's reacting to injury. UV rays from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds damage the DNA in your skin cells. In response, your body produces more melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color, in an attempt to shield deeper layers from further harm. That darkened color is actually your body’s warning signal—not a sign of health.

There’s a common myth that a “base tan” can protect you from sunburn. This isn’t true. A base tan offers minimal protection—about the equivalent of SPF 3—which is nowhere near enough to prevent UV damage. Worse, starting out with a tan may encourage more prolonged sun exposure, increasing your risk of skin cancer and premature aging.

Indoor tanning is especially harmful. Tanning beds emit UVA rays that penetrate deep into the skin and significantly increase the risk of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, using a tanning bed before the age of 35 increases your risk of melanoma by 59%. No tan from a tanning bed is safe, regardless of how controlled the setting may seem.

Besides the increased risk of skin cancer, tanning also speeds up the aging process. UV exposure breaks down collagen and elastin, leading to wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin. It also contributes to sunspots and uneven skin tone. These effects may not show up immediately, but they become more noticeable over time and are difficult and expensive to reverse.

Some people turn to sunless tanning products as a safer alternative. While self-tanners and spray tans don’t involve UV exposure, it’s important to know that they don’t provide sun protection. If you use these products, you still need to apply sunscreen when going outside to protect your skin from UV damage.

Protecting your skin doesn’t mean you have to avoid the outdoors. You can enjoy time in the sun safely by wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30, covering up with UV-protective clothing, seeking shade, and avoiding tanning beds altogether. If you want the look of a tan, stick with self-tanning lotions or sprays that don’t involve UV radiation.

The truth about tanning is simple: there is no such thing as a safe tan from UV exposure. Skin damage is cumulative, and each burn or tan increases your risk for serious long-term consequences. Embracing your natural skin tone and protecting it from the sun is one of the best investments you can make in your future health.