Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a safe tan when it involves UV rays from the sun or indoor sunbed tanning. The UV radiation that reaches the Earth’s surface is mostly UVA (95%) and some UVB (5%).

Even on a cloudy day, you can be sunburned by UVB radiation. UVB is the ray that burns your skin and UVA is the ray that damages your skin.

Sunbeds, sun lamps and tanning booths gives out the same type of harmful radiation as sunlight. UVB have higher energy levels than UVA rays, and typically damage the outermost layers of your skin, causing sunburn. These rays directly damage DNA and are the cause of most skin cancers. The increase in skin pigment, called melanin, which causes the tan colour change in your skin is a sign of damage. Why it happens: Once skin is exposed to UV radiation, it increases the production of melanin, in attempt to protect the skin from further damage. This skin cell damage not only increases your risk of developing skin cancer but also accelerates wear and tear on your skin, such as wrinkles and sagging.

AURA says protect your skin with sun protection daily to maintain healthier, younger skin, whilst staying hydrated throughout the day!