Your best friend this summer: sunscreen. Graphic courtesy of sophomore Sophia Chaves.
With summer hitting the end of July, most San Luis Obispo High School students are spending their days frolicking in the sun, lathering on tanning oil, and enjoying our nice SLO weather. Our current beauty standard appreciates a nice bronzy tan, with sunkissed skin and freckles, but to achieve this look, what are the risks?
There is no safe way to sun tan, in fact, it increases your risk of skin cancer incredibly.
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun penetrates deep into your skin, damaging your epidermis and other DNA. Over time, this can lead to premature aging, sun spots, and most seriously, skin cancer-including melanoma, the deadliest form.
“Two summers ago I got really badly burned. I couldn’t get off my couch for two days, or do any sports stuff. And then I got a degree of a burn, and my entire body started blistering. I fell asleep in the sun,” said sophomore Keira Dube.
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, just one blistering sunburn in childhood can double your chances of developing a melanoma later in life. And if you think a “base tan” can prevent sunburns, it only adds about 4 SPF, which is not nearly enough to protect you from UV rays.
“Whenever the UV is really high, I tan like once or twice a weekend, for like an hour or two. I don’t use sunscreen because I don’t really get sunburnt, and if I do, it just turns into a tan,” said sophomore Arden Brandow.
It’s easy to get caught up in the summer trends and feel pressure to have a “perfect” tan, but the cost may be far too high. Instead of risking your health, you can use safer options like self tanning lotions or sprays that give you a bronze look, without the harmful exposure.
“Self tanning is a lot of work, you have to put it on before you sleep or during the day, and you feel gross. Or you have to put it on earlier in the day, and wear clothes that don’t touch your body,” said sophomore Kate Fouhy.
Although self-tanning is a great option, the time and effort it takes may not be worth it.Thinking in the long run, of sun damage, sunspots, premature aging and possibly skin cancer, the effort it takes to self-tan may be worth it.
No matter your summer plans, wearing sunscreen with at least SPF 30, seeking shade, and protecting your skin with hats and clothing can go a long way in keeping your skin healthy and beautiful for years to come.
Sources: fda.gov
