Health experts warn against pre-tanning

"Vorbräunen" for sun protection brings nothing

Tanned skin is still regarded as a beauty ideal by many Europeans. Therefore, some people try to get rid of the pale complexion already at the first rays of sunshine in the spring. Some even go to the solarium for that. However, health experts advise against the so-called "pre-tanning" from. A healthy suntan does not exist. With a tan, the skin tries to protect itself from the UV rays.

Sunbathing endangers your health

Although experts repeatedly point out that the tan achieved by sunbathing is not healthy, but many Germans love to lie in the sun at hot temperatures. Especially in people with fair skin, the skin then burns quickly. However, this should be avoided at all costs and the health risks should not be underestimated. Because every single sunburn is added to your own skin account. This increases the risk of skin cancer. Even the so-called "Vorbräunen" brings nothing here. Health experts advise against it.

Health experts strongly advise against a visit to a solarium. Pre-tanning brings nothing, it only harms the skin. (Image: nd3000 / fotolia.com)

Sun-tanned skin is no longer considered as attractive

As the Swiss Cancer League writes in a recent release, a tanned skin is no longer as attractive and healthy today as it was just a few years ago.

According to the experts, the ideal of beauty changes rightly, "because there is no healthy suntan."

A skin that tans, struggles. Under the influence of the short-wave and high-energy UVB rays, the pigment cells form the dye melanin, which causes the skin to turn brown. So the skin tries to protect itself from the UV rays.

The longer-wave UVA rays penetrate deeply into the skin and damage the connective tissue. The skin loses its elasticity. The result is wrinkles, age spots and premature aging of the skin.

"Vorbräunen is not a suitable means to protect yourself from the summer sun," warns the Krebsliga. It only harms the skin.

Solariums increase the risk of cancer

From a visit to a solarium advise the experts urgently from: Vorbräunen brings nothing. The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified tanning beds in the top category of cancer risks.

UV rays are the main cause of skin damage and development
of skin cancer.

The incidence of skin cancer has been steadily rising for decades. Differences are the so-called black skin cancer (malignant melanoma) and the bright skin cancer.

According to WHO estimates, there are two to three million new cases of light skin cancer each year and more than 250,000 new cases of malignant melanoma each year.

According to information from the German Cancer Society, up to 190,000 people a year now contract skin cancer here in Germany.

Early recognized, there are good chances of successful treatment.

Always pay attention to adequate sun protection

Even now you have to be careful. The strength of the spring sun is usually underestimated.

To minimize the risk of skin cancer, you must protect yourself from too much UV rays.

The Swiss Cancer League recommends for the months of March and April: Do not go out in the sun over lunch and cream with unprotected skin between 11 and 15 o'clock with sunscreen.

A sunscreen should protect against both UVA and UVB rays. In addition, one should always orientate on the UV index.

But beware: the risk of skin cancer persists despite sun protection. (Ad)