Many of us think a dark, rich suntan is a symbol of vitality and glamour. The reality couldn't be more different. The fact is, there is no such thing as a healthy tan.
Tanning is the skin's natural response to the damaging rays of the sun.
Melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer, is linked to sun exposure. Physicians at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas say fair-skinned people with light hair and blue or green eyes are most at risk for skin cancer because they sunburn easily. But darker-skinned people need to protect themselves from the sun, too. Everyone should use a good sunscreen consistently, even on cloudy days. Apply it at least 20 minutes before going outdoors, and reapply it every few hours.