Who is at an increased risk for skin damage during tanning?

Individuals with fair skin are indeed at an increased risk for skin damage during tanning. This is primarily due to the lower levels of melanin— the pigment that provides some degree of protection from UV radiation—found in fair-skinned individuals. With less melanin, fair-skinned people are more susceptible to the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) rays, which can lead to sunburn, premature aging, and a higher likelihood of developing skin cancer.

People with darker skin types have more melanin, which offers some natural protection against the sun's rays, although they still need to practice sun safety. Those over 60 may also face increased risks for skin damage due to factors such as thinning skin and a less effective repair mechanism, but the fair-skinned population is directly correlated to the immediate risk during tanning.

While all skin types can experience skin damage from tanning, fair-skinned individuals are particularly vulnerable, which is why they're identified as having a heightened risk.