You might be surprised to learn that in a world where fair skin is often idealised, there are people who actually prefer having a tanned complexion. Skin tanning is a process where people soak up the sun or lie in an artificial tanning bed to darken their skin tone. This happens due to the exposure to Ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Some people believe that having a tanned complexion gives their skin a healthy glow, evens out skin tone, and can temporarily mask blemishes like acne or scars. However, experts warn against certain risks that come with excessive tanning. One of our experts, Dr Bhavuk Dhir, Consultant Dermatologist, PSRI Hospital, Delhi, talks about them in detail. Also Read: Beware Of Beer Tanning: Reasons Why You Should Never Try This TikTok Trend

Potential Skin Health Risks Of Tanning “Tanning, whether through sun exposure or artificial means, can pose several risks to the skin,” shares Dr Dhir, adding that the most common issues include sunburn, premature ageing (wrinkles, fine lines, and loss of elasticity), uneven skin tone, and hyperpigmentation. Over time, repeated tanning damages the skin’s DNA, which weakens its ability to repair itself. This can lead to long-term structural changes, making the skin more prone to sunspots, a leathery texture, and increased sensitivity. Tanning also accelerates the breakdown of collagen and elastin, the two key proteins responsible for youthful skin.

Skin Cancer Risk Due To Tanning Tanning, as discussed, refers to the darkening of the skin due to UV exposure from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. When your skin is exposed to UV rays, the cells in the skin, called melanocytes, are stimulated, leading to the production of melanin, the pigment that gives skin its colour. It is believed that melanin acts as a natural sunscreen, offering some protection against further UV damage. However, excessive tanning can increase a person’s risk of skin cancer in the long run. According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), UV radiation can contribute to skin cancer risk in two different ways:

As global cancer rates continue to rise, including a 1-5 percent annual increase within Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, health experts are emphasizing the need for targeted awareness campaigns to combat preventable risk factors — particularly those related to skin cancer, which remains one of the most common forms of the disease worldwide. According to recent statements from the Gulf Cancer Control Center in Riyadh, the growing incidence of cancer in the region requires renewed focus on public education.

While risk factors such as smoking, poor nutrition and lack of physical activity are often highlighted, experts warn that the dangers of excessive sun exposure remain underrepresented in health discourse, despite its well-documented link to skin cancer. Although sunlight plays a key role in the body’s synthesis of vitamin D, which is vital for bone and immune health, excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation — especially during peak hours — is a major contributor to skin cancers, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma, the most aggressive and potentially fatal type.

Globally, millions of new skin cancer cases are diagnosed annually. Health studies estimate that up to 90 percent of melanoma cases are caused by overexposure to UV radiation, whether from the sun or artificial tanning devices. While countries such as Australia report higher incidence rates due to fair skin and intense UV levels, Kuwait’s darker skin tones offer some level of protection. Nonetheless, local statistics from 2020 recorded 24 cases of skin cancer, accounting for 7.3 percent of total cancer diagnoses in the country.

In Kuwait, the Ministry of Health and the National Cancer Awareness Campaign (CAN) continue to lead vital outreach efforts. Their public health advisories recommend avoiding sun exposure between 10 am and 4 pm, especially during Kuwait’s scorching summer months. Residents are urged to wear protective clothing, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses, and to apply sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30, reapplying every two hours for maximum protection.

Raising awareness among children and families is particularly important, experts stress. Parents are encouraged to educate their children about sun safety and ensure they avoid outdoor play without appropriate precautions. “Having witnessed firsthand the suffering of patients with melanoma and other aggressive cancers, especially during the difficult treatment journey, it becomes clear that awareness is the first and most critical step toward prevention,” a cancer specialist noted. “Our partnership with media outlets is key to spreading accurate information and promoting healthy behaviors.”

Health advocates are also calling for greater integration of cancer prevention strategies into school health programs. The presence of Dr. Wafa Al-Kandari at the helm of school health initiatives presents a promising opportunity to expand outreach to young students. Known for her dedication, Dr Al-Kandari’s leadership is seen as pivotal in advancing health education in schools. With cancer cases continuing to rise, experts stress that prevention is not a luxury — it is a necessity that grows more urgent with each passing year.

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Usually, playing and exercising outside boosts a child’s physical and mental health in many ways. However, a heat index at or above 90°F, as identified by the National Weather Service, poses a significant health risk.

How extreme heat affects children & families

High temperatures and extreme heat can cause children to become sick very quickly . It can cause dehydration, heat exhaustion, heat cramps and heat stroke. Heat stroke is a medical emergency.

. It can cause dehydration, heat exhaustion, heat cramps and heat stroke. Heat stroke is a medical emergency. High heat can also make everyone feel more more irritable. Add to that the fact that extreme heat is becoming more common in parts of the U.S. because of climate change. News about ways this is impacting communities and the health of the planet can also be upsetting and stressful. (See “How to Talk With Children About Climate Change.”)

Keep reading (and watch this heat safety video, below) for steps you can take to protect your children from extreme heat as much as possible. Also learn symptoms of heat illness to watch for, and when to call your pediatrician.

Tips to play it cool in extreme heat

When it’s very hot, going to the swimming pool or beach for a short time or staying inside to work on crafts, reading or playing board games may be a good idea.

Plan ahead if you know there will be several days of high heat in a row.

Consider creative ways to have kids switch up their activities and avoid “cabin fever” at home. To help them stay active, suggest some easy yoga stretches, playing indoor hide-and-seek or making up fun physical challenges that aren’t too strenuous.

What to do if you don’t have air conditioning at home

If your home does not have air conditioning, find a nearby building that does. Libraries and shopping malls can be great places for a cool retreat from the heat.

If you live in a place where there are frequent power outages or your air conditioning does not always work, have a plan. Identify a safe place for your family to go during times when temperatures are extremely high and you would otherwise be home. Many towns and cities offer cooling centers in gyms or other large buildings for those who need relief from the heat.

While you’re home, close your window blinds and curtains. Also keep in mind that lower floors tend to be cooler.

Do fans help in hot weather?

Fans may be helpful in cooling down if you have no access to any air conditioning. But, keep these safety tips in mind: If you do use a fan, keep it at a safe distance from you and your children to avoid safety hazards (such as pinched fingers or fans connecting with water).

Don’t point the fan directly at you in extreme heat. Fans can help hot air flow out or draw cooler air into a room. But avoid directing the flow of fans toward yourself when the room temperature is hotter than 90°F. The dry blowing air can raise dehydration risk. Fans may be helpful in cooling down if you have no access to any air conditioning. But, keep these safety tips in mind:

Ways to beat the heat when you go out

If you are going to be outside, there are several steps you can take to protect children from heat-related illness and hazards:

Stay hydrated: Encourage your children to drink water frequently. Have water readily available—even before they ask for it. Take water bottles with you if you go out. On hot days, infants being fed breast milk in a bottle can be given additional breast milk in a bottle; however, they should not be given water, especially in the first 6 months of life. Formula-fed infants can be given additional formula in a bottle.

Dress lightly: Light-colored clothing can help kids stay cool because they absorb less heat that darker colors. However, darker colored clothes typically provide slightly better sun protection. Choose loose fitting clothing that allow air flow as well as protection from direct sun exposure. Clothing made with just one layer of absorbent material can help sweat evaporate; this has a cooling effect (kids have lower sweat rates than adults). Use plenty of sunscreen.

Plan for extra rest time: Heat can often make children (and their parents) feel tired. High heat can not only make people feel tired, but put them in a bad mood. Come inside regularly to cool off, rest and drink water.

Cool off with water. When your child is feeling hot, give them a cool bath or water mist to cool down. Swimming is another great way to cool off while staying active. Remember that children should always be supervised while swimming or playing in water to prevent drowning.

Never leave your child alone in a car: The inside of a car can become dangerously hot in just a short amount of time, even with the windows open.

Watch for signs of heat illness

Contact your pediatrician immediately if your child develops any of these symptoms after prolonged exposure to heat and symptoms don’t improve quickly in a cool environment.

Feeling faint or extremely tired (such as being unusually sleepy, drowsy or hard to arouse)

Confusion

Loss of coordination

Severe or unusual headache

Fever

Intense thirst

Not urinating for many hours

Nausea and/or vomiting

Breathing faster or deeper than normal

Skin numbness or tingling

Muscle aches or spasms

Protecting kids in sports & other outdoor activities during extreme heat

Exercise in high temperature and high humidity puts kids at serious risk for heat illness. It can harm even well-trained athletes. (See “How to Keep Young Athletes & Active Kids Safe in Hot Weather.”) It can be especially dangerous when the heat index is greater than 105 degrees F).

Try to schedule heavy activities (sports practice, exercise) during the cooler parts of the day; cancel or delay if it is extremely hot. In some cases, gradually increasing exercise intensity and duration over a couple weeks can allow time to adjust to the heat. Frequent breaks, ensuring plenty of water—not sugary drinks—and snacks during activity as well as throughout the day is key. A healthy, nutritious diet helps, too.

Also keep in mind that extreme heat and humidity can worsen certain medical conditions, such as asthma or other underlying heart, lung or kidney disease.

Preventing heat illness at school

Schools should also take steps to lower the risk of heat-related illness. This includes carefully monitoring children and make sure they stay well hydrated. Young children, in particular, are often unable to recognize if they are getting dehydrated and won’t know the steps to take to prevent it.

Arizona—a state with very high summer temperatures—has recognized the need for schools to address student health during extreme heat. State health experts have suggested several steps schools should take, such as monitoring the National Weather Service HeatRisk page, modifying students’ time outside and designing play spaces that help keep kids cool.

Remember

Talk with your child’s pediatrician for more guidance on how to protect your child during extreme heat.

More information

About the authors

Dele Davies, MD, MS, MHCM, FAAP, is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics Council on Children and Disasters Executive Committee. Dr. Davies is the senior vice chancellor for academic affairs and dean for graduate studies at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. He also has served on the National Biodefense Science Board for the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, co-chairing its Readiness and Resilience Working Group. Dr. Davies received his MD, as well as a master’s degree in Community Health, from the University of Toronto and holds a degree in health care management from the Harvard School of Public Health.

Clayton Mowrer, DO, MBA, FAAP, is a member of the Nebraska Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

David Schonfeld, MD, FAAP, is an Executive Committee member of the AAP Council on Children and Disasters and Section on Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics. He also serves as Director of the National Center for School Crisis and Bereavement at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, and Professor of Clinical Pediatrics, Keck School of Medicine of USC.

AUSTIN (KXAN) — As outdoor activities increase during the summer months, dermatologists warn people of the consequences of excess sun exposure.

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, according to a study from the American Academy of Dermatology Association. With July being Ultraviolet (UV) Awareness Month, experts said it is important to educate people on the dangers of excessive sun exposure and the importance of protective measures.

KXAN’s Avery Travis and Will DuPree spoke with Doctor Eric Bernstein, a dermatologist and laser surgeon, to talk about the risks of excessive sun exposure and protective measures.

The full transcript below has been edited for clarity.

Will DuPree: Skin cancer has become the most commonly diagnosed form of cancer here in the US, according to the American Cancer Society. And experts want everyone to know, roughly 90% of skin cancers are caused by excess sun exposure.

Avery Travis: As we head into the thick of summer and spend more time outside, experts are also warning that the increasing intensity of ultraviolent radiation poses a lot of other health risks, such as premature aging, damage to the immune system, and even some impacts and risks for our eyes.

So we want to bring in an expert, Dr. Eric Bernstein, dermatologist and laser surgeon to explore more of this. Thank you so much for joining us today.

Eric Bernstein: I appreciate you having me. It’s my favorite topic.

Travis: So first back up and explain for us what UV radiation really is. People may see it on labels, hear about it, but how does it work? And how does it interact with our bodies?

Bernstein: So the sun puts out all kinds of rays, right? It’s like a continuum, and the short wavelength rays are the most energetic and most dangerous. And the reason they’re called ultraviolet is because we can’t see them. So they’re below purple in terms of the wavelength. They’re shorter wavelength than purple, very high energy, and it damages our DNA, and so we have to protect ourselves from that.

The part people don’t get is you can’t see it and you can’t feel it, so it’s invisible. Really what you feel the heat of the sun is the infrared.

A couple things I tell all my patients, number one, obviously SPF 30 sunscreen — reapply in the sun. The best sunscreen is the one you use, so find one that you like.

But people only count the sun when they’re at the beach, and you’re getting some when you’re walking around, going to the mailbox. Even when you’re driving in your car you need clear UV blocking window film on the side windows in your car — windshields have plastic to prevent shattering that blocks UVA, but typical windows without tint that’s been applied don’t have that. And you can get clear film because you want to be able to see at night, and blocking that UV means you can still see because it’s invisible. You can block all of it and not affect your ability to see.

DuPree: Well, we just want to point out as well that July is UV Awareness Month, and Dr. Bernstein, what are some things that you think people do not know or maybe understand about protecting their skin from damage?

Bernstein: Well, one of the big things is two organs that see the sun right, our skin and our eyes. So for our eyes, I wear, I hope you don’t mind if I mention brands. I’m not affiliated with any brands. But I wear sunglasses, these Vuarnets, that have side shields to prevent the light from coming in the sides when the sun’s behind me. I wear brown sunglass lenses to block the blue wavelengths of light. I have a filter in my eyeglasses called Crizal that blocks blue light, so that’s protecting your eyes.

What most people don’t realize is the sun is the sun. Doesn’t matter if you’re at the beach. Doesn’t matter if you’re trying. You’re getting UV exposure.

Where we study this is the American Society of Photobiology, or the ASP. They do all the science to research how much sun protection you get from a hat, from the car, whatever you know, how much UV you get in the car. And then we translate that into plain English. So you’ll get a lot of sun wearing a hat. It helps, but you get a lot of reflection from the ground and from, for example, the beach, from sand. When you’re under an umbrella, you’re cool, right? And it’s dark, but that UV is almost the same as what you’re getting, not under the umbrella. I mean, it gives you an SPF depending on the umbrella, maybe two. So just remember that when you don’t think you’re getting sun, you’re getting sun.

I wear sun protective clothing. In fact, I’m at the beach now. I’m literally at the beach now, and I’m wearing a shirt like one of those rash guards, and then I got these real thin pants on. It kind of look a little ridiculous, you know, I’m covered up, but I’m cool and I’m protected, and SPF 30 is enough, but you got to reapply in the sun. That’s really what you need to know.

Travis: Okay, the last thing. We just have a few moments with you, but we know your work also focuses on photo aging. People may know the risks of skin cancer and some of those skin diseases, but talk about, you know, even just some of the aging of their skin that the sun can cause, and maybe some ways to treat that.

Bernstein: Well, first of all, it’s all from the sun; the aging, right? There’s five key signs of skin aging, fine lines and wrinkles and large pores, sagging skin, brown spots and redness. These are 100% from the sun. If you don’t believe me, look at the skin on your bottom, and then look at the skin on your face, in the back of your neck, and there’s a massive difference, and it’s only from the sun. Drivers are more aged on the driver’s side, passenger on the passengers.

And what can you do to repair the skin? Well, obviously, you start with the sunscreen, then in the evening, Alpha hydroxy acids, or the AHA’s, glycolic acid being the most common, retinoids like tretinoin or Retin A, and also lasers.

We use lasers to rejuvenate the skin, and we use different lasers depending on what the main aspects of aging are, whether it’s redness, whether it’s wrinkles and fine lines. And you know, obviously I’m a dermatologist, and I’m biased, but I think starting with your dermatologist is really where to get the questions answered.

Travis: Dr. Bernstein, thank you so much for these amazing reminders as folks maybe head on trips or even just like you said, walking out their front door today.

Bernstein: I appreciate that, and you can go to the ASP website for American Society for Photobiology and get a lot of good information as well. I really appreciate you having me on, this is super important.

DuPree: We hope that you enjoy your time there at the beach and stay safe too.

Weather forecasts usually include a UV index, a measure of the intensity of ultraviolet radiation from the sun. The higher the number, the greater the risk to people.

Most of the radiation that reaches the earth is UVA, which can penetrate deep into the skin, lead to tanning and burning and contribute to cancer risks.

UV radiation levels are high in Phoenix partly because of its latitude on the Earth. In 2024, levels were very high or extreme on 151 days.

The summer sun is returning to Phoenix in full force, and with it comes an invisible hazard that can be just as potent as the heat: ultraviolet radiation. As triple-digit temperatures dominate the Phoenix forecast, UV levels are also climbing. Unlike heat, UV radiation can’t be seen or felt, but it can damage the skin in minutes and leave lasting health problems. “We deal with all different types of radiation that comes from the sun,” said Erinanne Saffell, Arizona’s state climatologist. “Ultraviolet radiation helps bring that suntan to our skin, but we all know if we stay out in the sun for too long, it can turn into a sunburn.”

Weather forecasts often include the UV index for the day, a scale ranging from low to extreme. The higher the number, the greater the risk. In 2024, UV levels were very high or extreme on 151 days.Here’s everything to know about UV radiation, why it hits harder in Arizona, how it affects human health and ways you can protect yourself:

What is UV radiation?

Ultraviolet radiation is a form of energy emitted by the sun. Although it is just outside the visible spectrum, meaning we can’t see it, it has powerful effects on the environment and the human body.There are three types: UVA, UVB and UVC. They vary depending on wavelength — the shorter the wavelength, the more harmful the radiation. UVC is the most damaging type of radiation, but it is completely blocked by Earth’s ozone layer. “But UVA and UVB can make it through,” Saffell said. “The clouds don’t block that radiation, so even when it looks cloudy outside, we still have that exposure.” UVB, the medium wavelength radiation, cannot penetrate beyond the skin’s superficial layers. It causes delayed tanning and burning, skin aging and is responsible for most skin cancers. UVA is the longest wavelength, accounting for about 95% of the UV radiation that reaches the ground. This type of radiation can penetrate deeper layers of the skin, leading to immediate tanning and burning and contributing to aging and skin cancer risk. The UV index is categorized by exposure categories ranging from low to extreme. The scale is from 1 to 11+. Low exposure is 1 to 2, moderate is 3 to 5, high is 6 to 7, very high is 8 to 10 and extreme is 11+. Different levels of UV exposure come with various risks. There is less danger during low and moderate exposure, but unprotected skin can burn in minutes with extreme exposure.

How intense is UV radiation in Phoenix?

UV radiation levels change throughout the year depending on the season, the time of day and geographic location. In Phoenix, late spring and early summer bring the highest UV readings as the sun reaches its highest angle in the sky in the northern hemisphere. Other factors like altitude affect UV intensity. The higher you are, the less atmosphere there is to absorb radiation. UV levels increase by roughly 10% with every 1,000 meters or 3,280 feet of elevation. Various surfaces can increase UV reflection and resulting exposure, like water, sand and concrete. In Phoenix, UV radiation is especially intense due to its southern latitude and high sun angle during the summer. On the summer solstice, the sun reaches its peak and climbs to nearly 88 degrees overhead at noon, meaning its rays hit the ground more directly than in cities farther north. “If you go up to New York City, they’re at a different latitude than we are in Phoenix,” Saffell said. “The sun angles don’t get as high in New York City as they do down here. The closer you are to the equator, the higher your sun angle is going to be, so you get more radiation.” Phoenix’s dry air and frequent clear skies only intensify exposure, especially compared to places with thick cloud cover and higher humidity. The atmosphere above Phoenix does little to filter out UV rays. Number of days in each UV exposure categoryin Phoenix in 2024Extreme – 16 daysVery high – 135 daysHigh – 45 daysModerate – 124Low – 45

What are the health risks of UV radiation?

Arizonans are familiar with the effects of sun exposure, with sunburns, freckles and tan lines. But doctors say the health risks go far deeper.“There are two main categories of skin damage that come with the sun,” said Dr. Clara Curiel-Lewandrowski, co-director of the Skin Cancer Institute at the University of Arizona. “One is skin cancer, and the second is photoaging.” Over time, UV exposure breaks down elastic fibers and collagen in the skin, leading to early wrinkling and pigmentation changes. Curiel-Lewandrowski said doctors can even see how the sun affects the skin under a microscope, comparing skin from the face or forearms with protected areas like the lower back with protected areas like the lower back reveals dramatic contrasts. But the biggest risk is skin cancer. UV radiation is a known carcinogen, and skin cancers, including both melanoma and more common non-melanoma types, are sharply increasing. But mortality from skin cancer is decreasing, according to Curiel-Lewandrowski.“When you think about UV exposure and skin cancer, it’s no different than thinking about smoking and lung cancer,” Curiel-Lewandrowski said. “The more sun you put into your skin early in life, the more skin cancers you’re going to have later.” Arizona’s high UV index puts people at an elevated risk, especially during its long summers and the outdoorsy lifestyles. The most common skin cancers arise from long-term exposure accumulated over years. “Sun protection is key,” she added. “Enjoy your time out there early in the morning or later in the day. Cover up, wear protective clothing and apply sunscreen.”

How to protect yourself from UV radiation

Here are some ways to reduce your risk:

Avoid midday sun – UV is strongest from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Wear protective clothing – long sleeves, brimmed hats and UV-blocking sunglasses can help

Use sunscreen – broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, reapplied about every two hours

Seek shade – especially during prime UV hours or when outside for long periods

Living in the desert means living with the sun, as well as understanding how to stay safe. You’ll feel the sun’s heat before a sunburn, but UV damage can happen just as quickly.