5 Things You Need to Know About Tanning

If your family plans to spend time outdoors this weekend or you have a teen who loves to tan, here are some things to consider:
1. Approximately 58% of adults from 18-29 think people look more attractive when tan - 25% of those adults were unsure if sun exposure could cause wrinkles.
2. Sun damage is cumulative - it can lead to premature aging and cancer. UVA/UVB rays are directly involved in the breakdown of proteins that maintain the structural integrity of skin and are a form of radiation that damages the DNA of skin cells.
3. If you get a tan while wearing sun block, you aren't using it correctly.
4. Self-tanning products do not provide UVA/UVB protection - you must still use sunscreen.
5. Broad-spectrum sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB rays.

To read Dr. Cameron Rokhsar's full article "Can you safely tan?", visit the July/August 2014 issue of HealthyLivingMadeSimple.com.