How much damage does ONE tan cause?

Question

It's my first time, I pretty much just want a base tan. How much damage would one cause?

Answer 1

For those who choose to tan, some dermatologists recommend the following preventative measures:

Make sure the sunscreen blocks both UVA and UVB rays. These types of sunscreens, called broad-spectrum sunscreens, contain more active ingredients. Ideally a sunscreen should also be hypoallergenic and noncomedogenic so it doesn't cause a rash or clog the pores, which can cause acne.
Sunscreen needs to be applied thickly enough to make a difference. People often do not put on enough sunscreen to get the full SPF protection. In case of uncertainty about how much product to use, or discomfort with the amount applied, switching to a sunscreen with a higher SPF may help.
Reapply sunscreen every 2 to 3 hours and after swimming or sweating. In direct sun, wear a sunscreen with a higher SPF (such as SPF 30). For playing sports the sunscreen should also be waterproof and sweatproof.
The rays of the sun are strongest between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM, so frequent shade breaks are recommended during these hours. Sun rays are stronger at higher elevations (mountains) and lower latitudes (near the equator). One way to deal with time zones, daylight savings (summer time) and latitude is to check shadow length. If a person's shadow is shorter than their actual height, the risk of sunburn is much higher.
Wear a hat with a brim and anti-UV sunglasses which can provide almost 100% protection against ultraviolet radiation entering the eyes.
Be aware that reflective surfaces like snow and water can greatly increase the amount of UV radiation to which the skin is exposed.

Answer 2

Did you know even just a couple of minutes out in the sun without adquate protection can cause a wrinkle to form? People often don't realise just how damaging UVA rays are as well as the UVB rays. Remember UVB = burning and UVA = ageing. UVA rays are there all year round and can even penetrate through cloud. You should always use sunblock and I would recommend using fake tan instead. HTH : )

Answer 3

ONE tan is not bad. Your skin will heal up just fine. Repetative tanning is what is damaging to your skin. Also, burns are bad. Even one burn will cause some damage that may not be reversed, depending on the severity of the burn.

Answer 4

A base tan isn't damaging. A burn is what is very bad. By getting a base tan, it will protect your body from a burn. Think of it like lifting weights... when you lift you are tearing tiny tissue to build large muscles, by tanning you are tanning a layer of skin, to prevent a deeper layer of skin from being burned and damaged severly.

Answer 5

enough, it will make you look a week older when your older, i mean like when your past 40 years of age