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Tanning
Any exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation damages your skin – whether it’s from the sun or through an artificial source.
A tan is a sign of skin damage. Even a light tan is a sign that the skin has been exposed to enough UV radiation to be damaged. Exposure builds up over your lifetime, increasing skin damage and your risk of skin cancer.
When your skin is exposed to UV radiation, a pigment called melanin is released. Melanin is in the skin’s top layers and is what makes your skin change colour and tan. The release of melanin is your body’s way of trying to protect itself from UV radiation.
Fake tans
How does a fake tan work?
Fake tanning lotions, sprays and creams contain a dye that temporarily stains the skin, giving you a tanned appearance. The dye binds to the skin and comes off when the dead skin cells flake off. Is it safe?
Using a fake tanning lotion, spray or cream is a safer alternative to exposing your skin to UV radiation to get a tan. Will a fake tanning product protect me from the sun?
No. A fake tanning product will not protect your skin. Some fake tanning products do contain a sunscreen - but this only gives sun protection for the first couple of hours after applying it, NOT for the time the product lasts on your skin. Find out more
Fake tan Position statement from The Cancer Council Australia
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Prevention & early detection 
