Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality health cover, is raising awareness about the dangers of tanning and the importance of sun safety during SunSmart Skin Cancer Awareness Month (1 December to 31 January).
While a golden glow may look appealing, the truth is that tanning, whether from the sun or a tanning bed, is a sign of skin damage. Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the leading cause of skin cancer worldwide, and it’s one of the most preventable.
According to the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), over 1.5 million new cases of non-melanoma skin cancer and about 60,000 deaths were recorded worldwide in 2022. In South Africa, skin cancer contributes to the country’s overall cancer burden, although local data do not yet separate melanoma and non-melanoma cases.
UV damage accumulates over a lifetime, and even a single severe sunburn in childhood can double the risk of developing melanoma later in life.

Why Tanning isn’t “Healthy”

When your skin darkens after sun exposure, it’s not a sign of health, but a defence mechanism. UV radiation from the sun damages the DNA in skin cells, triggering the production of melanin (the pigment that gives skin its colour). The extra melanin darkens your skin to protect deeper layers from further damage. But every tan, no matter how light, indicates that DNA damage has already occurred. Over time, this damage accumulates, leading to premature ageing, sunspots, wrinkles, and, most seriously, skin cancer.

Understanding UV Radiation

The sun emits two main types of ultraviolet rays that affect the skin:

• UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin, causing premature ageing, wrinkles, and DNA damage that can contribute to skin cancer. They are present year-round and can pass through glass and clouds.
• UVB rays are shorter and primarily cause sunburn and direct DNA damage, playing a key role in the development of skin cancer.

Both types are harmful, and both are present even on cool or cloudy days. Tanning beds, which emit concentrated UVA and UVB radiation, can be up to 10–15 times stronger than midday sunlight, dramatically increasing your cancer risk.

The Real Risks of Tanning

Whether outdoors or in a tanning salon, tanning exposes the skin to harmful UV radiation that can cause:

1. Skin Cancer

Tanning — whether from sunbeds or other artificial UV sources — is clearly linked to increased risks of all three primary skin cancers: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC), Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and Melanoma. For example, a meta-analysis found that people who first used sunbeds before age 35 had about a 59% higher risk of melanoma.

2. Premature Ageing

Up to 90% of visible skin ageing, including wrinkles, sagging, and dark spots, is caused by UV exposure. This process, known as photoageing, occurs when collagen and elastin fibres in the skin break down.

3. Eye Damage

UV rays can also damage the eyes, leading to cataracts, macular degeneration, and even eyelid or corneal cancer.

4. Immune Suppression

Excessive UV exposure weakens the skin’s natural immune response, reducing its ability to repair DNA damage or fight off infections and abnormal cells.

Common Myths about Tanning

Myth 1: “A base tan protects my skin.”

A tan provides only SPF 3, far too little to prevent burns or cancer. It’s not protection; it’s damage.

Myth 2: “You can’t get sunburned on cloudy days.”

Up to 80% of UV rays still penetrate clouds. You can burn just as easily under overcast skies.

Myth 3: “Tanning beds are safer than the sun.”

Tanning beds expose users to concentrated UVA and UVB rays, which can cause deeper and faster DNA damage than natural sunlight. They’re classified as Group 1 carcinogens, the same category as tobacco and asbestos.

Myth 4: “Darker skin doesn’t need sunscreen.”

While melanin offers some natural protection, darker skin tones can still burn and develop skin cancer. In fact, melanomas in darker-skinned individuals are often detected later, leading to worse outcomes.

How to Protect Your Skin Year-Round

1. Use Broad-spectrum Sunscreen Daily

Choose a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Apply it 15–30 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every two hours, or immediately after swimming or sweating. Don’t forget often-missed areas such as ears, feet, neck, and the back of the hands.

2. Seek Shade during Peak Hours

UV radiation is strongest between 10 am and 4 pm. If your shadow is shorter than you, it’s time to find shade.

3. Wear Protective Clothing

Opt for long sleeves, wide-brimmed hats, and UV-blocking sunglasses. Clothing with a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating adds extra defence.

4. Avoid Tanning Beds

There’s no safe way to tan using artificial UV light. If you want a sun-kissed look, consider self-tanning lotions or sprays that use DHA (dihydroxyacetone), a non-toxic ingredient that temporarily darkens the skin’s surface.

5. Check your Skin Regularly

Early detection saves lives. Once a month, examine your skin from head to toe for new moles or changes in existing spots. Follow the ABCDE rule for warning signs of melanoma:

• Asymmetry: One half looks different to the other.
• Border: Edges are irregular or blurred.
• Colour: Uneven shades of brown, black, red, or white.
• Diameter: Larger than 6 mm (about the size of a pencil eraser).
• Evolving: Any change in size, shape, or colour.

The Bottom Line

There’s no such thing as a safe tan — only safe skin. Every sunburn, tanning session, and “healthy glow” contributes to damage that can lead to cancer, ageing, and long-term skin problems. Protect your skin today to protect your future. If you notice unusual spots or sun damage, Affinity Health offers 24/7 telehealth GP consultations and access to a nationwide network of healthcare providers for early care and peace of mind.

About Affinity Health

Affinity Health is South Africa’s leading health cover provider, offering you a range of options at affordable rates, including access to the widest national provider network. We understand the importance of having medical insurance that meets your needs, budget, and lifestyle. Our healthcare products are designed to protect you and your family when it matters the most. We strive to give our clients peace of mind and the highest standard of service. For more information, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.