Letters from the May 1, 2004, issue of Science News
By Science News
Skins game
I know some people who carefully shield their bodies from the sun with sunscreen and clothing, and their skin is extremely pale. But if tanning acts as a protector (“Sunny Solution: Lotion speeds DNA repair, protects mice from skin cancer,” SN: 3/6/04, p. 147: Sunny Solution: Lotion speeds DNA repair, protects mice from skin cancer), is it actually safer to maintain a “healthy” tan?
Chris Esse
Beverly Hills, Calif.
Scientists continue to debate this question vigorously. Some say any tanning indicates skin-cell damage, but others disagree.—J. Travis