Fact or Fiction?

Getting a base tan prevents sunburn.

Fiction.  According to www.mayoclinic.com, getting a base tan provides protection equivalent to SPF 4 or less and any change in skin color is a sign of damage from ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Repeated exposure to UV radiation — whether from the sun or a tanning bed — increases your risk of premature skin aging and skin cancer. 

Melanoma is now the number one cancer in young people aged 25-29, and the second most common cancer in 15-29 year olds.  According to a study published in 2010, use of a tanning bed before the age of 35 increases your risk of developing melanoma by 75%!

Since so many of us work outside regularly, remember to apply that sunscreen.  It's not just for the beach!