Last month's Oscar nominees braved scathing fashion reviews from Joan Rivers as they made their way down the red carpet. But many had already received one shellacking - from artificial tanning products!

Seems with everything that's known about the dangers of artificial tanning, some folks still crave the look.

Full-body spray tans are not always administered safely (they shouldn't get near eyes or mucous membranes, or be inhaled), but tanning beds that zap the body with potentially cancer-causing UVA and UVB rays are far more risky.

Frequent users up their chance of developing the most deadly form of skin cancer, melanoma, by around 80 percent.

Despite that frightening statistic, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says 30 percent of Caucasian gals ages 18 to 25 opt for getting zap-tanned!

Why would they risk cancer for a quick-to-fade tan? Research indicates that it's often done to boost mood and self-confidence.

Our advice? You'll feel a lot better about yourself without skin cancer!

So we want to outline (one more time) the safe, smart way to enjoy the sun and urge you, no matter what your skin color, to avoid tanning beds.

-Get 10 minutes of sun daily to maintain a healthful level of vitamin D, which is essential for bone and immune system strength.

-Then use micronized zinc oxide sunblock (SPF 30) that screens out UVA and UVB rays.

-If you want to try spray tanning, double-check that the area is well-ventilated!

-For outdoor activities, consider clothing with a built-in SPF. You can get sunburned through many thin summer fabrics!

© 2014 Michael Roizen, M.D. and Mehmet Oz, M.D.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.