The Dangerous Myth of the Base Tan, According to Dermatologists

As soon as the weather warms up and I swap my tights for bare legs, I can’t help but think about how pale they are—and I’m not alone. According to board-certified dermatologist Hallie McDonald, the one comment she hears most from patients this time of year is, “I just want to get a base tan to prepare my skin before summer starts.”

I’ve been a beauty editor for nearly two decades, and I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard this too—from friends, from readers, and yes, from my younger self. Everyone figures that easing into sun exposure slowly can “train” skin not to burn. They couldn’t be more wrong.

The “Base Tan” Myth

“Let me be clear,” Dr. McDonald says. “The idea of a base tan offering protection from sunburn is a dangerous myth.” And here’s the kicker: any tan—even the kind that comes from a careful day at the beach—is actually a sign of DNA damage in your skin.

“When your skin darkens, it’s producing more melanin to defend itself from UV rays,” she explains. “But that defense is weak—and the damage is already being done.” The idea of sun-kissed skin doesn’t sound so sexy anymore.

Your Tan = SPF 3 (At Best)

I don’t know about you, but I need more than SPF 3, which is roughly the protection you get from a tan. For comparison, dermatologists recommend SPF 30 every single day.

And the long-term risks? They’re real. Dr. McDonald explains that UV exposure—whether from the sun or a tanning bed—causes DNA mutations that can lead to skin cancers like basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.

Confession Time: I Used a Tanning Bed for Prom

Yep. I did. Like a lot of us, I thought looking tan meant looking hot. Now, I know better. That “glow” came with a price—wrinkles, dark spots, and a higher risk of skin cancer. If I could go back and whisper one thing to my 17-year-old self, it would be: you’ll regret this.

Want the Glow Without the Damage? Here’s How

Here’s the good news: you can still get that JLo glow without hurting your skin. “I recommend using a sunless tanner with dihydroxyacetone (DHA),” says Dr. McDonald. These products temporarily stain the top layer of your skin—no UV exposure required.

There are so many great formulas out there now that don’t smell weird, won’t streak, and actually leave you with a believable, golden finish. I keep one in my beauty stash at all times.

Don’t Ditch Your Sunscreen—Even on Cloudy Days

If you’re adjusting your skincare for spring—switching to a gel moisturizer or gently exfoliating away winter dullness—don’t forget the most important step: sunscreen. “Even on cloudy days, up to 80% of UV rays still reach your skin,” says Dr. McDonald. Her advice: wear a broad-spectrum SPF 30 (or higher!) every single day, and reapply every two hours when you’re outside.

Bottom Line: Love the Sun, but Protect Your Skin

Here’s the truth: we all want to look good in the summer. But healthy skin looks—and feels—better in the long run. So go ahead, enjoy that sunshine. Just don’t skip the SPF, and leave that “base tan” in the past where it belongs.