Having a tan is not a sign of healthy skin. It indicates that your skin is trying to protect itself after being damaged by ultraviolet (UV) rays.
The documentary “La face cachée du soleil” shows exactly how bad the sun is actually for our skin. The dermatologist Joël Claveau adds that a healthy tan is like a safe cigarette; it doesn’t exist.
The risks of sun exposure go way beyond just getting a little red or peeling for a few days. Too much sun can increase the risk of developing skin cancer later in life.
Some studies show that UV exposure can increase the risk of certain skin cancers by 40% over time. Skin cancer is one of the most common and deadly cancers. For example, basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common skin cancer, and the melanoma type is the most dangerous one.
Sun exposure can also lead to wrinkles, dark spots, uneven skin tone, and accelerate aging. Many young people believe these issues only occur when you are older, but sun damage begins early and builds up gradually. Even if you can’t see the damage now, it may appear later.
Protecting yourself does not mean you have to stay inside all day. It just means being cautious. Use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, and reapply every 2 hours, especially if you are swimming or sweating. Try to stay in the shade during the strongest sun hours, and wear sunglasses, a hat, or clothing that covers your skin when you can.
Trends come and go, but your skin will be with you for life. Those tanning lines may look nice for a few days, but they fade quickly. The underlying damage can last much longer.
Taking care of your skin now is one of the best things you can do for yourself in the future.
