What's Up Docs? Is it ever safe to tan?
Jul 15, 2025
The hosts humorously navigate the world of tanning, discussing its psychological perks and lurking dangers. They break down the risks of UV exposure, highlighting the fine line between enjoying the sun and protecting skin health. Insights from a dermatologist reveal the importance of sunscreen across different skin tones and the need for sound sun practices. Listeners will learn how to safely soak up vitamin D while debunking common tanning myths. It's a blend of education, laughter, and a fresh take on sun safety!
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No Such Thing As Healthy Tan
- A tan means skin cells have DNA damage from UV radiation, so there's no such thing as a healthy tan.
- Both tanning and burning cause skin cell damage that increases skin cancer risk.
Burn Or Tan Both Damage Skin
- Burning causes acute inflammation while tanning shows slower skin damage but both involve DNA damage.
- There's no safety difference between slowly tanning or tanning after burns; both increase cancer risk.
Base Tan Offers Minimal Protection
- A base tan only offers SPF 3-4 protection and does not significantly lower burn risk.
- To induce a base tan, skin must already suffer DNA damage and elevated cancer risk.