Sun Safety- Please Read!!

Is there such thing as a healthy tan?

We all do it- laying out in the sun does feel great, but is getting a temporary tan worth the permanent risk of cancer?

What many people do not realize is that the tan color appearing on the surface of their skin after they sunbathe or visit the local tanning salon is actually an injury response from their skin cells.
"Tanning affects the DNA of cells," says Dr. Driscoll. "This DNA sends a signal to the cell to make pigment, also known as melanin. Making melanin is the cells’ response to injury. So, while the tan may look healthy, the skin cells are actually signaling that they’ve been injured."
How to protect yourself- PLEASE wear sunscreen that protects against BOTH UVA and UVB rays. This way, you can lay out and get your vitamin D. Remember to keep applying every 10 minutes. 


Girls- a tan may look cute now, and it's fun to have little competitions with your girlfriends, but trust me, when you're older, guess who will win the fewer wrinkles competition!? That's right- the girl who used an SPF :) 
Want to learn more? Check out http://www.umm.edu/features/tanning.htm