You hear it every year: “I need a base tan so I don’t burn this summer.” Or maybe it’s just simply, “I need to get out and get some color.” Regardless, the belief remains: if you get a base tan you’ll be less likely to burn when you’re out in the sun.
But is it true?
There is some basis to this, actually. By definition, a base tan would protect your skin from burning. The tan that you develop from your time in the sun is the skin’s way of toughening up and protecting itself. If you get too much sun, your skin has an inflammatory reaction: a burn.
However, getting base tan is a double edged sword. The base tan requires you to DAMAGE your skin in order to “protect it.” When ultraviolet light hits the skin, it damages the DNA in the skin cells, causing them to send melanin to the surface to protect your skin. While you may love that golden tan, it’s actually there because you have already damaged the DNA in the skin cells.
On top of that, those base tans from previous years don’t protect you against sunburns down the road, which means you are causing more and more damage year after year.
The bottom line? There’s no such thing as a good tan. Damaged skin is damaged skin.
So instead of laying out this year to start to get that base tan or exercising outside without sunscreen, check out one of our great options for sunblock. There are lots of options available to meet your preferences.
One of our favorites is the Obagi SPF 50 Sunshield Matte. Not only does it provide a high level of protection, it’s also non-greasy, PABA-free, fragrance-free, and great for all skin types. One of our favorite parts, however, is that it applies completely sheer for a matte finish, which makes it easy to wear every day as part of your normal beauty routine.
