Ban The Tan

When it comes to sun exposure, there's no such thing as a "healthy tan". Tanning and sunburn are your body’s physical response to DNA damage caused by exposure to ultraviolet light (UV). And damaged DNA can lead to skin cancer, including deadly melanoma.

During recent prom seasons, Outrun the Rays partnered with area high schools to host a Ban the Tan program, encouraging students to go indoor-tanning free in preparation for prom and summer! Congratulations to the winners who won Amazon gift cards, an Apple Watch, and cash towards their school's prom/after prom.

Thank you to our local schools for supporting this mission!

Cascade High School
Dewitt Central High School
Western Dubuque High School
Beckman Catholic High School

Dubuque Senior High School
Dubuque Hempstead High School
Wahlert Catholic High School
Clinton High School

Here are some common misconceptions to consider before tanning:

• Tanning beds are not safer than tanning from the sun. Tanning beds use the same type of UV rays (UVA) that come from the sun, and the rays are more intense and concentrated.
• Base tans DO NOT protect against sunburns. Many people think they need a "base tan" to avoid getting a sunburn on vacation. The problem is, a tan in and of itself is evidence of skin damage. The skin appears darker because it redistributes melanin in an effort to protect itself.
• The effects of tanning, whether from the sun or from a tanning bed, are cumulative. The more you tan, the greater your risk.
• Even if you're not getting a sun burn, tanning is still causing damage to your skin. Any tan whatsoever can set your skin up for future issues. Acute sunburns are painful and may increase the risk of melanoma, but any tanning can cause skin-aging and predispose you to skin cancer.