When it comes to tanning, it’s imperative to know the truth—both for your health and your appearance. Test your knowledge with this tanning quiz:
1. Tanning darkens the skin, thereby masking the appearance of acne.
TRUE
FALSE
POSSIBLY
(Read: The shocking truth about Hyperpigmentation)
2. Pale skin looks terrible in the summer.
TRUE
FALSE
POSSIBLY
3. It’s important to get a ‘base tan’ before exposing your skin to serious rays.
TRUE
FALSE
POSSIBLY
4. Tanning treats acne by drying out existing blemishes and preventing new ones.
TRUE
FALSE
POSSIBLY
(Read: What to eat if you have acne)
5. Freckles are cute
TRUE
FALSE
POSSIBLY
6. Darker skin tones don’t need to wear sun protection
TRUE
FALSE
POSSIBLY
Answers:
1. TRUE
We hate to admit it, but this statement is true—TEMPORARILY. Spend the day on the beach and you’ll have a fun night out looking glowing and bronze. But what happens the next day? The next week? Worse—what happens years from now?
First, it’s likely your skin will break out in response to your ‘tan.’ The term ‘tan’ is actually synonymous with ‘sun damage.’ This type of damage also dries out the skin, forcing it to produce more oil and potentially cause additional acne. Second, you’ll start to notice that acne scars and other discolorations have darkened. Over time, virtually every bit of sun damage you’ve accumulated will start to show on your skin year-round in the form of permanent hyperpigmentation.
(Read: 5 tips for acne scars)
2. FALSE
Okay, this one is a little subjective. However, we believe that all skin tones are beautiful, no matter where you are or what time of year it is. All skin tones, when properly cared for all year ‘round, will look beautiful twelve months of the year.
3. POSSIBLY
Tanning is never recommended; the sun is the number one cause of aging and can lead to serious (even fatal) types of skin cancers. However, if you’re going to do the worst possible thing to your skin anyway, exposing winter-sheltered skin to serious sun without preparation may be a bad idea. In fact, a ‘base tan’ may provide your skin with protection equivalent to an SPF of 2 or 3. IF you’re going to do this, remember that you’ll still need a higher SPF when you go outdoors to tan. (Have we mentioned what a bad idea it is to purposely ‘tan?’)
4. FALSE
Tanning masks red areas and dries the surface of the skin, making it appear as though it is treating acne. However, any type of irritation can aggravate acne, and drying out the skin this way may cause even more acne. Worse, ongoing skin damage from tanning can make the skin thicken over time, making it even more difficult to deep-clean the skin.
5. TRUE
Freckles are adorable! Freckles are normally the result of your genetic background. However, sun damage can cause freckles to darken; those with freckles tend to have a lower concentration of melanin and thus are more vulnerable to the effects of UV radiation. Be sure to keep the skin well protected if you are freckle-prone.
6. FALSE
Darker skin contains more melanin, offering it a bit more protection against aging and skin cancer when compared with paler skin tones. However, it is possible for all skin tones to experience skin cancer and sunburns. Exposure to excessive sun can also darken hyperpigmentation and cause aging in darker skin tones. The lesson here? Everyone needs sun protection every day.
