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Britons urged to avoid natural tans
February 29, 2012
A fake tan is always safer than one obtained by going out in the sun or using sunbeds, an expert has said.
Britons who want to achieve a tanned appearance should use self-tanning products instead of going out in the sun or using a sunbed, an expert has advised.
According to Kimberley Carter, a spokeswoman for the British Association of Dermatologists, fake tans are always better for the skin than natural ones.
This is particularly the case for people with pale skin, who are more at risk of the dangers posed by ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and sunbeds.
She revealed: "The first places where wrinkles tend to appear are on the face, neck, backs of the hands and forearms - generally the areas most exposed to sun damage.
"If you want to get a tanned look without putting your skin at risk then a fake one is best, especially if you're naturally pale-skinned."
Ms Carter added that self-tanning products are the "ideal" alternative to sunbathing or sunbeds, as they are readily available, effective and safe for the skin.
Consumers who fail to protect their skin from UV radiation could increase their chances of developing skin cancer, as exposure to UV is the main preventable risk factor for the disease.
According to research published in December 2011, almost nine in ten UK cases of malignant melanoma - the deadliest form of skin cancer - were linked to UV radiation from the sun and sunbeds in 2010.
This means that NHS patients and those with private medical insurance may be more likely to need skin cancer treatment if they use sunbeds or fail to cover up in the sun.
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