Pg. 8 2026-27 Health & Wellness Magazine Lincoln Daily News Chasing a sun-kissed tan? What you should know. Do you know what UV exposure means? Every summer, reminders about sunscreen seem to come from everywhere: doctors, family members, public health messages, and weather reports. Those reminders matter because ultraviolet, or UV, radiation can damage skin even when the day feels mild or cloudy. According to the Mayo Clinic, a tan is evidence of skin injury rather than a sign of health. That matters because the appeal of a tan can make UV damage seem harmless, even though the color change reflects stress on the skin. UV exposure means the skin or eyes are exposed to ultraviolet radiation, an invisible form of energy from the sun or tanning beds. There are two main types that matter for tanning and skin damage: • UVA rays: These rays penetrate deeper into the skin and are strongly linked to tanning, wrinkles, aging, and some skin cancer risk. • UVB rays: These rays affect the outer layers of skin and are the main cause of sunburn; they also raise skin cancer risk. In other words, tanning is not the skin becoming healthier; it is the skin producing more melanin after UV exposure has already caused damage. UV exposure is also cumulative, meaning repeated small amounts can add up over time. A person may not burn every time they are outside, but that does not mean the skin has avoided damage. Regular unprotected exposure can contribute to changes in skin texture, uneven pigmentation, and a higher risk of developing skin cancer later in life. This is why a “base tan” is misleading. A light tan may make someone feel less likely to burn, but it does not provide reliable protection from UV radiation. In some cases, it can create a false sense of safety and lead people to stay outside longer without enough sunscreen, shade, or protective clothing. Why suntanning is not risk-free There is no truly safe way to suntan from UV exposure, whether from the sun or from tanning beds, because tanning shows that skin cells are responding to injury. The damage may not always be visible right away, but the long-term risks are significant: •Skin cancer risk: UV exposure increases the risk of melanoma and other skin cancers.
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