Life on our planet needs sunlight to survive. And humans are no exception. Unlike plants and animals that daily struggle to stay in the light, we actively work to avoid the sun.

There are a lot of misconceptions about sunlight. After hearing relentless campaigns telling us to lather on the sunscreen, many Americans have been led to believe that ultra violet (UV) light—whether it comes from the sun or from a tanning salon—is something to be feared, rather than cherished. Until now, hope for a balanced message in the public debate on this issue seemed to be lost.

The reality is that UV light provides us with countless health benefits—both physiological and psychological. And the rewards of “soaking up the sun” even outweigh the risks of overexposure. Though there are various methods of getting the recommend amount, such as mowing the lawn or lying by the pool, safe, moderate tanning is the best way to maximize these benefits while minimizing any risks.

TrustTanning.com is devoted to answering the most frequently asked questions about tanning and debunking some of the most pervasive myths.