Expert recommends self-tanner as the safest way to achieve a sun-kissed glow

Self-tanner is the best way to get a bronzed look without damaging your skin, according to a leading Danish dermatologist, as health authorities warn against the dangers of sunbathing.

With summer approaching, many are eager to spend time outdoors, but Peter Bjerring, chief physician at Aalborg University Hospital’s dermatology department, stresses that a tan is a sign of skin damage. “The skin darkens because it’s being harmed,” he explains. Over time, this damage appears as wrinkles, broken capillaries, age spots, and eventually skin cancer.

Bjerring identifies self-tanner as the safest alternative for achieving a bronzed appearance. “It’s harmless and makes people feel they don’t need to stay in the sun as long,” he says, noting that fragrance-free options are ideal for sensitive skin. He adds that parabens are rarely found in Danish products, so they are not a major concern.

While carrot consumption can slightly alter skin tone—making it more yellowish than brown—Bjerring does not strongly recommend it. He also dismisses most supplements claiming to protect against UV rays, except for one derived from a Central American fern, which offers minimal protection. “Sunscreen is far more effective,” he states.

For those determined to spend time in the sun, Bjerring advises strict precautions: limit exposure, especially between 12:00 and 14:00, and apply high-SPF sunscreen generously. “Most Danes don’t use enough—applying SPF 50 might only give SPF 10 coverage if not applied thickly enough,” he warns. The best protection, however, remains staying indoors or covering up. “People should see the skin cancer cases I treat—often patients who neglected sunscreen,” he says.

The advice comes as the Danish Cancer Society launches a new campaign targeting young adults aged 18–24, who continue to pursue tanned skin despite repeated warnings about its risks.