Four common myths about tanning

There are many myths about sun tanning out there. Ignore the myths and get the facts.

Too much ultraviolet (UV) radiation increases your skin cancer risk. Find out how to reduce your risk of skin cancer.

Myth: "When a melanoma is cut out, it's gone"

One reason melanoma is the most lethal of all skin cancers is because at only 1mm deep it can get into your blood stream and easily spread to other parts of your body.

Even if you have a melanoma removed, secondary cancers can form in your bones, your lungs, your heart or your head. Regular health checks are necessary.

Overexposure to UV radiation causes more than 95% of skin cancers.

It's important to get regular skin checks so melanomas are found and treated early, but preventing a melanoma from occurring in the first place by protecting your skin is even more important.

Myth: "I look healthier with a tan"

There is nothing healthy about tanning your skin. Once you understand what is happening to your skin, you'll think again.

• UV radiation from the sun is a carcinogen - it causes damage to your skin that can lead to cancer.
• Tanning is skin cells in trauma trying to fix the damage from UV. Skin cells produce melanin to protect themselves. When your skin cant repair the damage, a deadly melanoma can grow.
• Sun baking causes premature ageing, scarring and can cause nasty burns.

Tanning is skin cells in trauma, trying to protect themselves from cancer.

There's nothing healthy about getting a tan. 

Myth: "I need lots of sun to get Vitamin D"

We all need Vitamin D for good health and the main natural source of Vitamin D is from the sun. It can also be obtained from some foods or a supplement.

A balance is required between UV exposure for Vitamin D production and other health benefits while protecting the skin from damage and skin cancer.

Most people receive enough Vitamin D from daily incidental exposure to the sun. Going about normal day-to-day outdoor activities, such as walking to the train station, while still protecting your skin when the UV index is 3 or above, is enough for most people to maintain adequate Vitamin D levels.

Some groups of people may be at risk of vitamin D deficiency and should consult their doctor. For example: people with deeply pigmented skin; people who cover most of their skin for religious or cultural reasons; people who live mostly indoors over a long period of time; and people with certain medical conditions.

Quick tips: 

• Exposing your skin to the sun when the UV index is 3 and above increases your risk of developing skin cancer so protect your skin.
• People concerned about their Vitamin D levels should talk with their doctor.
• To maintain adequate Vitamin D levels, short bursts of sun are better, as the body can only absorb a set amount at a time.
• Your body can rely on its stores of Vitamin D for 30 to 60 days.
• Exposing yourself to UV radiation in a solarium or collarium will damage your skin and increase your risk of developing skin cancer. Commercial solaria are illegal and not an effective way to obtain Vitamin D. 
• For good bone health, maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly.

Myth: "I only need to use sunscreen"

Sunscreen is one of 5 sun protection behaviours you should practice to protect your skin from UV radiation. Its important not to rely solely on sunscreen. Many people dont apply at the rights times and dont apply enough.

Use sunscreen on exposed skin in combination with protective clothing, a broad-brimmed hat, creating or finding shade and sunglasses (Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek and Slide).

For sunscreen to be effective it needs to be applied 20 minutes before going outside. A generous amount of sunscreen is needed, but many people don’t apply enough.

As a guide, about a teaspoon (5ml) is required for each arm, leg, front of body, back of body and half a teaspoon for the face.

Its a good idea to apply sunscreen to your face, ears and other exposed skin as part of your morning routine, like brushing your teeth.

The average sized adult needs about 7 teaspoons of sunscreen for their whole body (35ml).

• Use a SPF 30-50+ broad spectrum sunscreen on all areas of exposed skin.
• Apply at least 20 minutes before going outside and reapply at least every 2 hours, and after swimming. Sunscreen can be wiped off by clothing, water, sand and rubbing.
• Apply one teaspoon to each part of your body and don't miss areas such as behind the ears and knees.
• Use water resistant sunscreen if you participate in water sports or sweat often.
• Ensure the sunscreen complies with the current Australian and New Zealand Standard for Sunscreens (AS/NZS 2604:2012)
• Check the expiry date.
• The only people who dont need to apply sunscreen routinely is people with deeply pigmented skin (people with skin types 5 +6 [link].

Remember: Sunscreen is not meant to be used to extend the amount of time you spend in the sun, and should definitely not be used to help you get a tan.

If snorkelling or swimming near coral wear a protective rashie or stinger suit to protect your skin. Apply sunscreens with titanium dioxide or zinc oxide as the active ingredients to any exposed skin.  Check the active ingredients of sunscreen on the packaging and at this website.