Spring break season is just around the corner, this is the time to get into the tanning bed and “bake beautiful.” More than 1 million people a day visit tanning beds even though rates of skin cancer and melanoma are on the rise.

No tan is safe! Tanning beds emit UVA and UVB rays; both are dangerous and lead to skin cancer. Also, both increase the rate of aging. Tanning causes the degradation of collagen and elastin, which are necessary to keep our skin smooth, young and without wrinkles. Every time you tan, there is cumulative damage to your skin, increasing the rate of aging and skin cancer.

We need our vitamin D! It is true that the sun helps our body produce vitamin D. A little sun goes a long way … actually only 5-10 minutes in the sun (not a tanning bed), just once a week gives us all the vitamin D we need. We can also obtain adequate levels of the vitamin through a complete diet rich in fish, milk and eggs.

What are the alternatives? There are really no alternatives to tanning. Using sunless self tanning products and wearing bronzer makeup are certainly safe and can give you that “tanned” look. .

I feel good when I’m in the sun! Your true tan can make you feel good by increasing endorphins (wellness hormones) in our body. If this is the case, find other ways to increase these hormones: exercise, meditate, laugh and play.

How can I protect myself? Obviously, don’t get a tan or spend time in tanning beds. If you choose to spend time in the sun, be smart. Wear hats, wear light cotton covers, use a broad spectrum SPF of 30 or higher and reapply, try not to sunbathe between 10 a.m. M. And 4 p.m. M. Also, some studies show that the use of antioxidants such as vitamin C and Prevage (ibededone) can protect the skin from free radical damage caused by sun exposure.

I have sun damage … what do I do? Make sure your sun damage is not cancer first. Visit your GP, skin care specialist, or dermatologist and have him or her inspect your skin. Cancer usually must be surgically removed or “frozen.” If you have sun damage or precancer there are other options such as: PDT / ALA, 5-FU, alpha hydroxy acids and retinoids. Of course, avoid further damage by using sunscreens and antioxidants.