The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays cause significant damage to your skin and increase your risk of skin cancer. Tanning oil harnesses the effect of UV rays, so it is unsafe for use.

Tanning oils only serve to get a tanner shade and do not protect your skin. Tanning oil and sunscreen actually counteract each other, so they can’t be used simultaneously.

If you aren’t willing to give tanning oils up, ensure you don’t spend more than 2 to 3 hours outside, stay away from direct sunlight, and don’t tan during peak hours of the day.

Spray tans and self-tanning lotions are safe alternatives to tanning oil. For a long-term tan, coconut and olive oils have a low level of SPF, which is better than nothing.