As the summer holiday season approaches, the desire for a tan persists despite widespread awareness of the dangers of excessive UV exposure, including premature aging and skin cancer. Consultant dermatologist Dr. Justine Hextall addresses common questions about achieving a safe glow, strongly advising against the use of sunbeds.
Sunbeds are often falsely promoted as a way to 'prime' skin for holidays by creating a 'safe' base tan. However, this is a myth. Sunbeds emit 95% to 99% UVA rays, which penetrate deeply into the skin, increasing the risk of malignant melanoma and accelerating skin aging. The UVA exposure from tanning beds can be three to eight times stronger than that from the sun. Research indicates that any use of sunbeds by individuals under 35 can increase their relative risk of melanoma by 59%. The British Association of Dermatologists and the British Medical Association have called for a ban on sunbeds, and the World Health Organization classifies them as a Group 1 carcinogen, alongside alcohol and tobacco.
The purported 'protection' offered by a tan from a sunbed is minimal because it does not significantly increase UV-protective melanin or thicken the skin's top layer in the way UVB from sun exposure does. Even a tan from the sun provides only an SPF of around 5, and fundamentally, a tan is a sign of skin damage.
Regarding fake tans, Dr. Hextall warns about the dangers of Melanotan, a hormone often sold online and in gyms as injections or sprays, nicknamed the 'Barbie drug.' This illegal and unregulated substance stimulates melanin production for a rapid, deep tan. Unregulated products may contain over 100 unknown substances, and Melanotan can have serious side effects on cardiovascular, hormonal, and reproductive systems, including nausea, vomiting, headaches, and severe flushing. More concerning are its effects on moles, causing them to darken and enlarge, potentially leading to new moles and obscuring existing ones, making assessment difficult. There have been reported cases of melanoma in individuals using Melanotan injections and sprays.
However, many modern fake tan products utilizing dihydroxyacetone (DHA) are effective and safe when used correctly. DHA, sometimes combined with erythrulose, reacts with proteins in the skin's outer layer to create temporary browning compounds called melanoidins, resulting in a gradual tanned appearance. While these products mimic a tan, they offer no UV protection. It is advisable to patch-test sensitive skin, use provided masks during spray tans, and hold breath to avoid inhaling DHA.
For sun protection during holidays, Dr. Hextall recommends investing in UV-protective clothing, such as UV-swim tops and long-sleeved rash vests for children, along with wide-brimmed hats and UV-protective sunglasses.
Proper sunscreen application is crucial. The face and neck require approximately a teaspoon of sunscreen, and the entire body needs the equivalent of a shot glass. Sunscreen should be reapplied every two to three hours. A person may need up to 600ml of sunscreen for a week's holiday, considerably more than a standard 200ml bottle. Dr. Hextall advises using factor 50 sunscreen with 5-star UVA protection, recommending brands like La Roche-Posay UVMune 400 and Altruist for good protection and affordability. Mineral UV sticks can provide an extra layer of protection for high-risk areas like the nose and ears.
Concerns about sunscreen blocking vitamin D production are largely unfounded. A study published in the British Journal of Dermatology demonstrated that individuals who applied sunscreen regularly maintained similar vitamin D levels to those who did not, while the latter group experienced more sunburn. This indicates that proper SPF application protects against sunburn without significantly hindering vitamin D synthesis.