main tip, don't use the sun to tan. there are other options. spray tans, rub on lotions that tan, yes they are all artificial tans. the sun can cause skin damage but we need the sun for vitamin d. when you are out in the sun use a high spf sunscreen. all over exposed areas of your body. every time i look at my arms i see sun damage from when i was younger. i always used suntan lotion but not sunscreen. because of my skin damage i have to see a dermatologist every year. she looks for pre cancerous spots. there are a lot of companies that have spray on tans. i think there is even one that gradually tans. these cause no harm.