By now, you know that sunburns are bad. But so is getting a so-called “base tan.” The “base tan” is a term popularized by tanning salons and refers to the practice of slowly and gradually developing a suntan through sun exposure or a tanning bed, often before a tropical vacation or other sun-soaked event. The thinking is that this can prevent a sunburn or sun damage. Unfortunately, this just isn’t true.
The UV rays that tan your skin in a tanning bed are identical to the UV rays that come 
from the sun. And while years of advertising have taught us to love the look of a tan, there is no such thing as a healthy tan. Sun exposure damages skin, and the pigment you see as a tan is the body’s reaction to this injury. And there’s nothing “healthy” or pretty about damaged skin.
Going out into the sun with a “base tan” will not prevent a sunburn nor minimize damage. And although that bronze look might be nice, it can also disguise the signs that skin is burning.
If you want to sport a healthy-looking glow for your next vacation, trade the tanning salon for a sunless tanner, and use a broad spectrum sunscreen when you go out in the sun.
Check out Rodan+Fields Dermatologists for your healthy Skincare needs. You are worth staying alive. Time to take care of it before it’s too late.
Visit debi.myrandf.com and let me be your Skincare Concierge. To find out what’s right for you and to get your personal online consultation from the doctors visit our Solution Tool. No doctor’s appointment needed.