You want to look your best at homecoming — whether you’re in a little black dress or sporting your school colors. But one color you shouldn’t wear is the shade you get from ultraviolet (UV) tanning. A tan is bad for your health — and your looks.

Skin tans or burns when it is exposed to the UV radiation emitted by the sun, or tanning beds and lamps. UV rays can harm your skin, and a tan indicates such damage, since skin darkens in an attempt to protect itself from further UV injury. Repeated exposure to UV radiation adds up, and can lead to skin cancer, as well as signs of skin aging, like wrinkles; rough-textured and sagging skin; and brown spots. That’s not a look you want to sport — at homecoming, or anywhere else. So even if you’re tempted by special offers at your local salon, or ads promising a so-called “healthy” look, don’t believe the hype: UV tanning won’t give you anything but damaged skin. Research has shown that first exposure to tanning beds in youth increases risk of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, by 75 percent. And people who use tanning beds are 2.5 times more likely to develop squamous cell carcinoma and 1.5 times more likely to develop basal cell carcinoma than non-tanners.

We urge everyone to go with their own glow and embrace their natural skin tone. Whatever your hue, you’ll enhance your skin’s health with daily use of sunscreen with an SPF of 15+, and proper cleansing, morning and night. (For more information on sun safety, please see the Foundation’s Guidelines). Beyond that, you may need nothing more than a dab of lipstick and some mascara for a big event. But if you’re determined to deepen your skin color, do it safely. Doris Day, MD, clinical assistant professor of dermatology at New York University’s Langone Medical Center, explains how:

Makeup is an easy, low maintenance option, and is perfect for when you want just a hint of color on your face. “If you have pale skin, a light pink blush will give you a natural-looking glow,” says Dr. Day. “For darker skin, a bronzer or blush in deeper colors looks great.” To apply, “Use a large, densely-bristled brush with a slightly flared, fluffy head to apply color to the apples of the cheeks (the fleshy, round skin that’s most visible when you smile) as well as to other areas the sun would tan — the center of the forehead, bridge of the nose, and chin.” But, Dr. Day warns, use a light hand: “You can always apply more! The idea is to have definition, not to look like you’re wearing a lot of makeup.”

If you plan to celebrate your school spirit in a strapless dress or bare legs and want all-over color, opt for a sunless tanning lotion, cream, or spray. “Sunless tanners come in many different formulations, including lotions that darken your skin gradually, as well as options for people with naturally lighter or darker skin,” Dr. Day explains. “Added fragrances have improved the way they smell, and special ingredients minimize streaking or uneven tanning.” Sunless tanners require a bit more effort, but may be just what you’re looking for.

Dr. Day’s Tips for Applying Self Tanner:

• Wait at least 12 hours after shaving to apply, and don’t use sunless tanner on skin with active eczema.
• First, exfoliate your skin with a scrub or loofah.
• Next, moisturize everywhere you’ll be applying self tanner, to ensure it will be absorbed evenly.
• Apply carefully! Self tanners can cling to typically dry skin like the knees and elbows, leaving you with an uneven color.
• Follow the directions on the package.
• Unless specifically indicated, sunless tanners do not supply sun protection, so be sure to apply sunscreen to all exposed skin 30 minutes prior to heading outside. And be sure to reapply SPF 15+ sunscreen after two hours outdoors or immediately after swimming or sweating heavily.

Want to learn more? Visit The Skin Cancer Foundation’s Go With Your Own Glow campaign.