How much is your ‘base tan' really protecting you against sun damage and cancer? Melanoma expert weighs in
'There's no such thing as a safe tan,' Krista Rubin, nurse practitioner at Mass General Brigham's Center for Melanoma, told The Post. 'It's an injury to the skin.'
But what about the popular belief that a 'base tan' can protect your skin from sun damage? The answer is more complicated than you might think.
Advertisement
4 Gen Z youths are bringing back tanning as skin cancer cases are on the rise.
Studio Firma/Stocksy – stock.adobe.com
Across the country, about 1 in 3 US adults intentionally tan outdoors — with women and younger adults leading the pack, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
And while indoor tanning beds have declined since their '90s heyday, research shows that roughly 7.8 million Americans still regularly use them.
Rubin said she often hears from patients who believe a 'base tan' will help prevent sunburn. While there's some truth to that, the protection it offers is minimal at best.
Advertisement
When your skin is exposed to ultraviolet radiation from the sun or tanning beds, it causes genetic damage to the DNA in your skin cells.
In response, your skin produces more melanin — the pigment that darkens your skin and acts as a natural defense mechanism by absorbing and scattering UV rays to reduce further damage.
'It's like the body's way of putting up a fence to protect its DNA,' Rubin explained.
Advertisement
4 Approximately one-third of American adults experience at least one sunburn each year.
Pattarisara – stock.adobe.com
But experts estimate that natural 'fence' only provides about SPF 2 to 4 protection. 'That isn't enough to rely on alone,' Rubin warned.
Crucially, tanning itself means DNA damage has already occurred — and your risk of skin cancer has gone up.
Advertisement
'People with darker skin tones may be less likely to get skin cancer, but anybody with skin can have damage at the cellular or DNA level,' Rubin said.
Some people maintain a year-round tan, whether from spending long hours outdoors or artificial methods like tanning beds. This, Rubin said, is a sign of chronic sun damage.
'They're more likely to have wrinkles, premature aging, and especially as they get older, a higher risk of skin cancer,' she said.
4 Skin cancer risk increases as you get older, but people of any age can be affected.
WavebreakMediaMicro – stock.adobe.com
That should serve as a wake up call for Gen Zers, who are bringing the bronzed look back into fashion with Y2K aesthetics and viral tanning trends dominating social media.
On TikTok alone, the hashtag #tanlines has racked up over 236 million posts — many featuring influencers hawking tanning hacks, from slathering on accelerators for a faster glow to timing their sunbathing with the UV index.
But all that fun in the sun comes with a price.
Advertisement
Skin cancer rates are rising among teens and young adults — and melanoma, the deadliest type, is now the third most common cancer in Americans ages 15 to 39, according to the NIH.
Despite this, 20% of Gen Zers say that being tan is more important to them than protecting themselves from skin cancer, and 30% admit they'd rather look 'great' today with a tan 'even if it means looking worse later in life,' according to survey data from the American Academy of Dermatology.
4 Tanning beds are having a resurgence despite concerns about their risks.
Drazen – stock.adobe.com
'There are a lot of influencers out there giving false information, and unfortunately, a lot of young people are getting burned,' Rubin said. 'It's dangerous; if you have skin, you should want to protect it because it's with you for the rest of your life.'
Advertisement
If you're planning to spend time outdoors, she recommends using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher — and reapplying every two hours, or more often if you're sweating or swimming.
Rubin also advises seeking shade and wearing sun-protective clothing whenever possible, especially between 10 am and 2 pm, when the sun's rays are strongest.
'Babies under six months really shouldn't be in direct sun at all,' Rubin warned.
'Their immune systems are too immature to properly filter ultraviolet radiation, so inflammation from sun damage can start early — and their bodies may not be able to repair it.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Hill
an hour ago
- The Hill
AARP endorses bill to prevent upcoding in Medicare Advantage
In a statement Thursday, AARP noted that upcoding is expected to increase care costs for Medicare Advantage enrollees by $40 billion this year. The No UPCODE Act was introduced by Sens. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) earlier this year. The bill would disincentivize upcoding by developing a risk-adjustment model using two years of diagnostic data as opposed to one, limiting the use of unrelated medical conditions when estimating the cost of care, and bridging the gap between how patients on Medicare Advantage and traditional Medicare are assessed. In a letter to Cassidy and Merkley, AARP senior vice president for government affairs Bill Sweeney wrote, 'While many Medicare beneficiaries appreciate the flexibility and ease of use that MA provides, we are concerned that upcoding leads to both inflated payments to insurance plans and higher premiums for American seniors.' 'These resources would be better spent strengthening Medicare, such as by providing dental, hearing, and vision coverage,' Sweeney added. 'This bill addresses a problem both Republicans and Democrats have labeled as waste, fraud, and abuse. AARP agrees the No UPCODE Act protects seniors by preserving benefits and eliminating waste,' Cassidy said in a statement Thursday. 'When companies upcode, taxpayers foot the bill and patients get nothing. That's wrong.' While the Trump administration has railed against waste, fraud and abuse in Medicare and Medicaid, the vast majority of Medicare payments are made properly. As KFF found in its analysis of fiscal year 2024 payments, 94.4 percent of Medicare Advantage payments were made properly, with improper Medicare payments totaling $54.3 billion.
San Francisco Chronicle
an hour ago
- San Francisco Chronicle
Planned Parenthood closes 5 Northern California clinics, citing Trump budget bill
President Donald Trump's budget cuts to Medicaid have forced Planned Parenthood Mar Monte to shutter five clinics across Northern California and the Central Coast, including one in South San Francisco, the group said Thursday. The GOP-led federal spending bill that Trump signed into law earlier this month eliminated federal Medicaid funding for any type of medical care to organizations that perform abortions. Mar Monte is the largest Planned Parenthood affiliate in the country, with health care centers from Bakersfield, the Bay Area, Stockton and Sacramento. The now-shuttered facilities also include San Mateo, Santa Cruz, Gilroy and Madera. The closures represent the first wave of how the recent federal budget cuts will have real-life consequences for health clinics across the country — particularly for low-income Americans. They are also a crushing blow to a state that set it up to be an abortion haven after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022. In the year after the decision, political leaders in California — led by Gov. Gavin Newsom and the Democratic-controlled Legislature — passed more than a dozen new laws and invested more than $200 million to increase access across the state. Thursday's announcement drives home the extent of the federal government's tremendous power to impact abortion access. Roughly 80% of Mar Monte's patients received Medi-Cal, California's version of Medicaid. Ten million people are expected to lose their health insurance because of nearly $1 trillion in Medicaid cuts over the next decade in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office. Meanwhile, the wealthiest Americans will receive a disproportionate share of the tax cuts funded by those cuts, according to the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities. In just one week since Mar Monte stopped billing Medicaid, the Planned Parenthood affiliate with 35 locations said it saw 5,000 patients — amounting to about $1.7 million in care costs it covered without reimbursement — Mar Monte Chief of Staff Andrew Adams told the Chronicle Thursday. 'It's just not sustainable,' said Adams. 'We can't keep our doors open if we continue doing that.' Mar Monte said the funding law also forced it to end services in family medicine, behavioral health and prenatal care. The Planned Parenthood affiliate estimates it will lose $100 million in annual revenue from care that can no longer be reimbursed under the law because they provide abortion care. Americans tend to support abortion rights, according to public polling. A May 2025 Gallup Poll found that 51% of respondents described themselves as 'pro choice' while 43% described themselves as 'pro life.'Of those respondents who said they were 'dissatisfied' with the nation's abortion polices, 42% said they would like to see them made 'less strict' while 14% wanted them to be 'stricter.'
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Eating This Food Could Add Years to Your Life, According to Dietitians
Reviewed by Dietitian Karen Ansel, M.S., RDN Who doesn't wish for a long, healthy life? The foods you eat can help, especially nuts. 'Nuts are little powerhouses of nutrition!' says Lauren Manaker, M.S., RDN, LDN. 'They're packed with healthy fats, fiber, protein, vitamins and minerals that can help reduce inflammation, improve heart health and even lower the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and certain cancers.' They are so promising that one study found that switching from an unhealthy eating pattern to a healthy pattern rich in foods like nuts was linked to a 10-year increase in life expectancy among 40-year-olds. No wonder dietitians are huge fans! Read on to learn how nuts support longevity, tips to enjoy them, plus other foods that may help you live longer. How Nuts May Add Years to Your Life May Promote Brain Health A sharp brain can help you stay vital and active as you age. Conversely, cognitive decline can substantially reduce your quality of life and even shorten your lifespan. In fact, dementia and Alzheimer's disease are leading causes of death worldwide. But what if there were foods that might keep your brain spry, like nuts? 'Studies so far suggest that nuts could help maintain brain health and possibly prevent cognitive decline, especially in older adults or those at higher risk for conditions like dementia,' says Manaker. This may be due to their cocktail of brain-healthy unsaturated fats, fiber, B vitamins, polyphenols and minerals. While studies have found benefits from eating nuts in general, walnuts may be especially advantageous. 'Among nuts, walnuts stand out because they're rich in a plant-based omega-3 fat called alpha-linolenic acid, which is thought to be especially good for the brain,' says Manaker. Can Support Heart Health Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of Americans. Eating more nuts may help protect against this all-too-common cause of death. One large review study found that a nut-rich eating pattern may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by as much as 25%. What makes them so effective? 'Nuts provide unsaturated fats that support vascular health and reduce risk of cardiovascular diseases that lead to heart attack and stroke,' says Ayanna Smart, RD. That's not all, though. Nuts also boast a cocktail of heart-healthy fiber, antioxidants, minerals and plant protein. May Protect Against Chronic Disease 'Nuts are a key part of the healthiest dietary patterns linked to longer life, including Mediterranean and plant-based diets,' says Sapna Peruvemba, M.S., RDN. In addition to protecting against heart disease, research shows regular nut consumption lowers the risk of death from other chronic diseases, such as diabetes and cancer, she says. A nut-rich eating pattern has even been linked to lower all-cause mortality, she adds. For instance, one large review study found people who ate roughly 1 ounce of nuts per day were 11% less likely to die from cancer and 22% less likely to die from any cause. Might Preserve Muscle Mass As we age, it's common to lose muscle mass and strength. That doesn't just make it harder to lift the heavy box that just dropped on your doorstep or carry a giant bag of groceries. Advanced muscle loss, known as sarcopenia, also increases the risk of falls and fractures. In older folks, it may also raise the risk of infection, postoperative complications and mortality. A small yet encouraging body of research has found that nuts may help preserve muscle mass and prevent sarcopenia. While the mechanisms have yet to be determined, one review study suggests that nuts' combination of vitamins, minerals, unsaturated fats, antioxidants and protein may work together synergistically to protect against age-related muscle loss. Tips to Enjoy Nuts While nuts are a tasty, convenient snack on their own, there are loads of ways to add more of these healthy treats to your meals and snacks. These dietitian-approved tips can get you started. Toss them into trail mix. Whether you're at your desk or on a long hike, trail mix makes a satisfying snack. Make your own by combining nuts with dark chocolate, no-sugar-added dried fruit and seeds. Blend them into smoothies. Nuts are an easy way to add protein and healthy fats to your smoothie. Softer nuts like pecans and walnuts work particularly well. But almond, cashew and peanut butters are also fantastic ways to add creamy, nutty goodness to your smoothie. Add them to your snack plate. Think charcuterie board with crunch! For a tasty, well-balanced snack plate, arrange nuts, cheese, whole-wheat crackers and fruit on a platter and enjoy! Sprinkle them on cereal and yogurt. Enhance a bowl of yogurt, cereal or overnight oats with a sprinkling of chopped or sliced nuts. In addition to adding extra crunch and flavor to your bowl, they'll help you stay full longer. Mix them up! All nuts are great for you. But if you always go for the same kind, try switching things up. 'The key is variety,' says Manaker. 'Mixing up your nut choices ensures you get a range of nutrients.' Other Foods That May Improve Longevity Whole grains. There's a reason nutrition experts recommend making at least half of your grains whole grains. Research has found that whole grains are strongly linked to a longer lifespan. Oats, barley, corn, quinoa, farro, brown rice and whole-wheat bread and pasta are all outstanding choices. Leafy greens. 'Leafy greens are linked with a reduction in cognitive decline,' says Lisa Andrews, RD, LD. Dark, leafy greens, like spinach, kale and chard, are loaded with antioxidants that may reduce inflammation in the brain. They may also indirectly support brain health by enhancing gut health. Your gut is in constant communication with your brain via an internal superhighway called the brain-gut axis. So, when your gut is healthier, your brain thrives, too. Legumes. 'Beans, lentils and chickpeas are high in fiber and plant-based protein, which can help lower cholesterol and support gut health,' says Manaker., They're also central to eating patterns linked to longevity, like the Mediterranean diet. Berries. 'Blueberries and other berries are beneficial, as they provide antioxidants to prevent cellular damage and aging and are associated with a stronger gut microbiome,' says Andrews. One study found that frequent berry eaters were less likely to die from any cause compared to people who rarely consumed berries. Our Expert Take Nuts have loads of health benefits and may add years to your life. They've been linked to brain and heart health, less muscle loss, fewer chronic diseases and a longer lifespan overall. Don't just save them for snacks, though. Crunchy, tasty nuts are a fantastic addition to trail mix, yogurt, smoothies, cereal or overnight oats. As healthful as nuts are, it's important to remember that one food alone won't make or break your health. 'Think of nuts as a small but mighty part of a much larger lifestyle approach to wellness,' says Manaker. For even more benefits, include them in an eating plan rich in other foods linked to longevity, like whole grains, leafy greens, legumes and berries. Read the original article on EATINGWELL
