Let’s talk about the base tan myth: should you get one before you head off to your beach holiday?The idea is tempting, right? A bit of pre-holiday colour, a “head start” tan so you don’t burn when you finally hit the beach. It sounds logical. Strategic, even. What could go wrong? EVERYTHING. The base tan myth is just a myth. That bronzed look isn’t protection. Far from protecting you from sunburns, a base tan increases your chances of cancer. Here’s why:
Can A Base Tan Protect you From Sunburns?
Every myth has a grain of truth. In this case, it’s indeed true that a base tan provides some sun protection. As much as a sunscreen with SPF 3-5! Seriously-SPF 3?! That’s the protection level of a sad lip balm you forgot at the bottom of your bag. You’d get more from standing in the shade of a palm tree. For five minutes. On a cloudy day.
The worst part? People who get a base tan usually end up feeling way too confident. So they stay out longer, skip the SPF reapply, and end up frying without even noticing. That tiny bit of colour tricks you into thinking you’re safe, when really, you’re just pre-cooked.
And let’s not forget: your base tan might slightly help with UVB (aka the burn rays), but it does nothing for UVA – the ones that go deep and mess with your collagen and your DNA. So even if you don’t burn right away, you’re still getting hammered with damage that shows up years later as lines, spots, and fun little biopsies.
So yeah, your base tan is basically false confidence in skin form. Useless. Dangerous. And honestly? Not even that cute when you know what’s going on underneath. And SPF 3 is like, nothing. You may just as well not have bothered. If you want to increase your sun protection, this ain’t the way to go about it.
Related: 7 Ways To Protect Your Skin From The Sun
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The Truth About A Base Tan
Thank that bronzed, tanned skin is healthy? Think again. Truth bomb: there is no such thing as a safe tan. It doesn’t matter if you get your tan from lying on the beach or in a tanning bed. A tan is your body’s self-defence mechanism against UV rays.
When UV rays hit your skin, they damage the DNA in your skin cells. These cells then signal your body to produce melanin as protection from the harmful effects of UV rays. But that’s not an excuse to stay in the sun. Just because your body is upping its defences, it doesn’t mean you should keep damaging it!
Quite the opposite, my smart friend. By the time your body’s reacting with a tan, the damage’s already’s done. Put another way, a tan is always a sign of damaged skin. If you see your skin getting darker, get out of the sun, pronto. And top up your sunscreen while you’re at it.
P.S. Right now you may only see a beautiful tan, but all that damage WILL show up in the form of wrinkles and dark spots in a few years’ time. It may increase your chances of developing cancer, too Don’t risk it!
Related: A Tan Isn’t Worth Dying For
Is A Spray Tan A Safer Alternative?
Yup, but with a disclaimer. Spray tans and self-tanners give your skin a bronzed look without actual UV damage. That’s a win. But don’t get cocky. People often assume their faux glow means they’re protected from the sun. Spoiler: you’re not. Fake tan = zero SPF. So you still need your sunscreen, shade, hat, and all the usual sun-smart habits. A fake tan is a cosmetic tint, not a force field.
What About Tanning Beds? Aren’t They Safer Than Real Sun?
Nope. In fact, they’re worse. Tanning beds blast your skin with concentrated UVA rays – the ones that penetrate deeper into the skin and cause long-term damage like wrinkles and skin cancer. They don’t cause sunburns, which tricks people into thinking they’re “safe.” But the UVA damage runs silent and deep. Studies show using tanning beds before the age of 35 increases your melanoma risk by 75%. That’s not a typo. Seventy-five. Tanning beds are not a shortcut to safety. They’re just a faster track to skin damage.
Related: 5 Tanning Beds Myths Debunked
Common Excuse: “But I Never Burn”
You’ve heard it. Maybe you’ve said it. But just because you don’t burn doesn’t mean you’re not getting damaged. Burns are the immediate, painful reaction. But skin cancer and premature aging happen slowly, and silently. People who tan easily still accumulate DNA damage over time. You may not see it now, but you’ll wear it later in the form of age spots, fine lines, sagging, and more. Sun damage is sneaky like that.
Already Got A Tan? Still Need Sunscreen?
Yup. 100%. Just because your skin’s looking a bit darker doesn’t mean it’s done taking hits. That colour? It’s not a shield. It’s literally your skin going, “Hey, we’ve been attacked, better send in some melanin.” That’s it. It’s a reaction, not protection.
If anything, you need sunscreen even more now. Your skin barrier’s already taken a hit, and the last thing it needs is another round of UV beatdown. It’s lik, -if you sprain your ankle, you don’t start running marathons on it, right? Same deal. Keep slathering on that SPF like it’s your job.
How Can You Enjoy The Sun Safely?
Don’t fret. You don’t have to spend the summer hidden indoors to protect yourself from sun damage. Phew! You just need to take the appropriate precautions:
- Use a brod-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. SPF 15 may be the minimum recommended by dermatologists, but in summer, it doesn’t hurt to use something more powerful. The higher the SPF, the better protected you are.
- Apply sunscreen generously before leaving the house, and then every 2 hours. Sunscreen doesn’t last forever. As it neutralises UV rays, it gets used up. Not to mention, all the sweating, swimming and towel drying can rub it off your skin easily. Apply a generous amount (1/4 of a teaspoon for the face and a small glass shot for the body) and touch it up frequently.
- Wear sun-protective clothes like broad-brimmed hats, UV-blocking sunglasses, and tightly woven, dark- or bright-colored clothes. You may feel weird at first, but trust me, you’ll age better than all your friends.
- Seek the shade between 10am and 4pm. That’s when the sun is strongest and does the most damage to your skin. Don’t let it happen!
Related: Take A Number: What Level Of SPF Is Right For You?
The Bottom Line
The base tan myth is just that, a myth. A base tan won’t protect you. A fake tan won’t save you. And a “healthy glow” is just a fancy way of saying “UV damage.” If you want to age slower, skip the myths and start wearing SPF like it’s your skincare religion. Your future self (and face) will thank you.
About Gio
Hi, I’m Gio. I’m a no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is skin coach and writer on a mission to help you achieve your best skin day ever – every day. I bust skincare myths and debunk marketing jargon to help you figure out what’s worth the splurge and what’s best left on the shelf – using science, not hype. I also offer skincare consultations to help you create the best skincare routine for your unique needs.
