From the American Academy of Dermatology survey of people about sun exposure at http://www.aad.org/media/background/news/Releases/New_Survey_Exposes_the_Most_Common_Myths_About_Tan/
"Myth: Getting a base tan is a healthy way to protect skin from sun damage.
Only 48 percent of respondents knew this statement was false.
Fact: A tan is a sign of damage to the skin from UV radiation. Every time a person tans, the skin becomes damaged and this damage accumulates over time. This accumulated damage, in addition to accelerating the aging process, also increases a person’s risk for all types of skin cancer.
“A base does very little to protect your skin, and since tanning damages the skin, getting a base tan could do more harm than good.” said Dr. Draelos. “The only way to prevent sunburn is to protect your skin through using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing and seeking shade.”
I did read at another site what you refer to about the SPF of 4, which is really no protection, plus you are exposing yourself to a lot of UV rays to get that. So getting a "base" tan is not reducing your risk of skin cancer.
In terms of "oxybenzone", I agree there is reason for concern about its presence in sunscreen and given the choice, finding one without it is probably better. However, not wearing sunscreen for fear of exposure is not a better choice. The link below from the Enviromental Working Group has a link to sunscreens they feel are safer others may want to check this out. Thank you for your comment and suggestion to search.
http://www.ewg.org/node/26776
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From the American Academy of Dermatology survey of people about sun exposure at http://www.aad.org/media/background/news/Releases/New_Survey_Exposes_the_Most_Common_Myths_About_Tan/
"Myth: Getting a base tan is a healthy way to protect skin from sun damage.
Only 48 percent of respondents knew this statement was false.
Fact: A tan is a sign of damage to the skin from UV radiation. Every time a person tans, the skin becomes damaged and this damage accumulates over time. This accumulated damage, in addition to accelerating the aging process, also increases a person’s risk for all types of skin cancer.
“A base does very little to protect your skin, and since tanning damages the skin, getting a base tan could do more harm than good.” said Dr. Draelos. “The only way to prevent sunburn is to protect your skin through using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing and seeking shade.”
I did read at another site what you refer to about the SPF of 4, which is really no protection, plus you are exposing yourself to a lot of UV rays to get that. So getting a "base" tan is not reducing your risk of skin cancer.
In terms of "oxybenzone", I agree there is reason for concern about its presence in sunscreen and given the choice, finding one without it is probably better. However, not wearing sunscreen for fear of exposure is not a better choice. The link below from the Enviromental Working Group has a link to sunscreens they feel are safer others may want to check this out. Thank you for your comment and suggestion to search.
May 28, 2010 - 8:40amhttp://www.ewg.org/node/26776
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