There's No Safe Way To Tan, Health Officials Warn

According to National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), there is no such thing as safe tan. Hence, it is very important for the people to use sunscreen to protect themselves from the harmful UV rays.

The health watchdog said that there is no safe or healthy way to get a tan from sunlight --noting that a tan can only provide a little protection for the skin. Thus, sunscreen products should be reapplied liberally or according to its instructions.

NICE also urged people to take extra care of their skin to avoid skin damage, especially children, individuals with fair skin, people with lots of freckles or moles and those people with a family history of skin conditions. Moreover, they are also reminding parents to protect their babies under six months from direct sunlight exposure, especially during March and October.

And as part of the agency's advice, people should stay under the sun "short less than the time it takes for skin to redden or burn" or just enough to build up vitamin D. The guidance further suggested that in able for the people to protect themselves from skin cancer, they need to apply sunscreen with higher SPF such as 30.

The health officials said higher SPF can provide better protection for the skin. However, "it does not necessarily mean that people can spend more time in the sun without the risk of burning."

They said people need to apply sunscreen products half an hour before going out. Then people should also apply twice if they are going to be out on the street for long. And for the people who loves to swim, they should re-apply liberally, including after swimming, after toweling dry or whenever they may have rubbed off the sunscreen.

The health advice came after Hugh Jackman warned his fans to protect themselves from the harmful rays, following his treatment to remove another skin cancer growth.