Just 12 minutes and sun can scorch you

Melbourne, Jan 4 (UNI) You thought it was a perfect time to enjoy sunbathing on beaches and basking in the glory of gorgeous suntan but experts have cautioned against the idea as only 12-minute exposure in the sun can singe your skin.

With hordes of people enjoying the sunbake, doctors have declared that there is no such thing as ''safe tan''.

Skin cancer specialists are reissuing their warning to teenagers and young adults to ditch the trendy suntan which could lead to burning of skin.

''Anyone can develop skin cancer or melanoma. Young people shouldn't feel that they are immune to the health risks of sun exposure,'' The Daily Telegraph quoted Australian Medical Association president Rosanna Capolingua as saying.

''Teenagers and young adults tend to have a false sense of security when it comes to sun exposure and their health.

They assume skin cancer is something that happens to older people.'' One in two can develop skin cancer, and young girls were at the devastating danger of tanning. As soon as a tan has developed, the risk of skin cancer increases.

A lot of people spent time in the sun playing sport or at outdoor events which exposed them to tanning.

Despite health advice that Australians need at least 15 minutes of sun several times a week to boost vitamin D, the Cancer Council warns against specifically exposing skin.

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