Every summer, millions of people try to get “just enough colour” without getting sunburnt. A light tan is often seen as a sign of health, relaxation, or an enjoyable holiday. As discussed in the previous Daily27 article, “Breaking Free from the Summer Tan Myth“, this perception is deeply rooted in our culture. But beyond social beliefs, what does science actually tell us about tanning?
From a biological perspective, there is no such thing as a healthy tan.
When our skin is exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, it responds by producing more melanin, the pigment responsible for tanning. This increase in melanin is not a sign that the skin is becoming healthier; rather, it is a protective response triggered after UV radiation has already damaged the DNA of skin cells. In other words, a tan is evidence that the skin has activated its natural defence mechanisms—not that it has avoided harm.
This does not mean that everyone responds to sunlight in the same way. Skin phototype, genetics, and the amount of melanin naturally present in the skin influence how quickly someone burns or tans. Individuals with fair skin generally have less natural protection against UV radiation and therefore burn more easily, whereas darker skin contains more melanin and offers greater—but not complete—protection. Importantly, no skin type is immune to UV-induced DNA damage or skin cancer.
Fortunately, this does not mean we should avoid spending time outdoors. Sunlight has important benefits, including its role in regulating circadian rhythms and supporting vitamin D production. The challenge is to enjoy these benefits while minimizing unnecessary UV exposure.
This is where sun protection becomes essential. Sunscreen is an effective tool, but it should not be seen as a way to stay in the sun indefinitely. Experts recommend applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an appropriate sun protection factor (SPF), using enough product to cover exposed skin, reapplying it every two hours—or sooner after swimming or heavy sweating—and combining it with other protective measures such as seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding peak UV hours.
Perhaps the most important message is that sunburn is not the only sign of sun damage. Even without burning, repeated UV exposure accumulates throughout life, accelerating skin ageing and increasing the risk of skin cancer.
Next summer, rather than aiming for the perfect tan, perhaps we should aim for something even better: enjoying time outdoors while protecting the skin we have for life.
References
- International Agency for Research on Cancer. (2012). IARC Monographs on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans. Volume 100D: Solar and Ultraviolet Radiation.
- World Health Organization. Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation.
- Passeron, T., et al. (2021). Photoprotection according to skin phototype and dermatoses: Practical recommendations from an expert panel. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 35(S1), 3–85.
PhD in Sociology from the University of Barcelona. Early Childhood Education Teacher. Substitute Teacher at the Universitat de València.