We all know the risks of too much UV, but sometimes it’s tempting to chase that summer glow anyway. The thing is, you can protect your skin and still look radiant—no need for risky shortcuts. At our Kelowna medical spa, we focus on preparing your skin for sun exposure with treatments that actually make a difference, strengthening and protecting where it counts.
The Risks of Sun Exposure and Tanning Beds
Let’s be upfront: when your skin meets UV radiation, it’s not doing you any favours. Both sunlight and tanning beds bombard your skin with ultraviolet rays, which damage DNA, speed up aging, and increase your risk of skin cancer. Sounds harsh, but it’s the truth. Tanning beds are especially worrying—they blast your skin with concentrated UV. The World Health Organization even lists them as carcinogenic, right up there with cigarettes. That “safe base tan” myth? It’s just that—a myth. Any tan at all is really your skin trying to cope with UV damage.
Here’s what UV exposure can do:
- Breaks down collagen and elastin (so much for firm, bouncy skin)
- Creates free radicals that make you look older, faster
- Damages melanocytes, causing uneven pigmentation
- Weakens your skin’s natural barrier
- Raises your risk of melanoma and other skin cancers
We see people every week dealing with sun damage that could have been avoided. That leathery texture, stubborn dark spots, and broken capillaries? Not really worth it for a fleeting tan.
Benefits of a Sunless Tan for a Bronze Glow
Now, sunless tanning—while we don’t do any tanning or sunless tanning at our medical spa—has come a long way. There are some impressive spray and self-tanning products on the market these days if you’re after that bronze look without the UV damage. Modern sunless tanning uses DHA, a sugar molecule that reacts with the amino acids in your skin’s top layer. This creates a temporary glow that fades naturally as your skin renews itself. It’s considered safe and Health Canada approved, which is a relief for anyone who wants colour without the consequences.
We don’t offer tanning or sunless tanning services at our medical spa, but if you go that route elsewhere, the perks are pretty clear: an even, streak-free tan that lasts around a week, and you can keep it up year-round without risking sun damage.
Some of the upsides of sunless tanning products:
- No UV damage or cancer risk
- Instant, adjustable colour
- Even coverage—no awkward tan lines
- No speeding up the aging process
- Safe option before vacations
Essential Pre-Summer Skin Treatments
We’re big believers in readying your skin for summer—whether you’re heading outside more or just want your skin looking its best. The right treatments beforehand really do make a difference in how your skin handles the sun (and everything else summer throws at it).
Microneedling is a favourite for building up your skin’s resilience before sun season. By boosting collagen and strengthening your skin barrier, it helps you face summer with confidence. We usually recommend doing this at least 4-6 weeks before you’ll be in the sun a lot, so your skin has time to fully heal and renew.
Chemical peels are another great way to slough off damaged cells and reveal fresher skin. Light peels work well for pre-summer, but timing is everything—we like to schedule these in early spring so your skin isn’t extra sensitive when the UV index climbs.
Hydration treatments are a must. Sun exposure just zaps moisture from your skin, so we use medical-grade serums and masks that really soak in, building up a moisture reserve to help you get through those dry, hot days.
Our medical spa has combination packages with exfoliation, hydration, and antioxidant infusions. These set you up for a healthy glow and give your skin the best shot at resisting sun damage—not to mention making any makeup look smoother and more even.
Marissa is the clinic founder and owner, known for her exceptional and discerning eye. She’s an aesthetic educator for Clarion Medical Technologies, founder of MAIA training program, and on the board of directors for CSASN.
