More than a century ago, when the upper classes began to take their vacations in sunny locales and returning with noticeable darker coloring, the myth of the “healthy tan” began to spread.

In truth, a suntan is anything but healthy. On the contrary, it is now believed to be an indicator of the harmful effects of too much sun, and something that is to be avoided whenever possible.

Diane V. Duvall, M.D. graduated from Emory University School of Medicine where she served as Chief Resident in dermatology. She is a Board-Certified dermatologist with Georgia Skin Care Specialists and lives in Atlanta with her husband and two children. Here she discusses the difference between tan skin and healthy skin:

Skin cancer is on the rise

Melanoma, which is a potentially deadly skin cancer, is increasing at an astronomical rate, says Duvall. Currently, one in 70 people will develop melanoma during their lifetime, and it’s estimated that by 2010 the risk of malignant melanoma will approach one in 50 individuals.

Tan skin is damaged skin

Despite the still-prevalent belief that people with deep tans look healthy, a tan is actually evidence that the sun has already done harm to a person’s skin. According to Duvall, there is no such thing as a safe tan at any point in an individual’s life.

Pale skin is healthy skin

Duvall also believes that the media are sending both children and adults the wrong message by showing images of models with suntanned skin. Pale skin is far healthier than skin that has been tanned, and it should therefore be seen as more attractive and more desirable.