IMO...tanning definitely helps...

#1...the sun/fake bake dries out the skin

#2...the darker skin helps hide the blemishes/breakouts

#3...the release of the skin darkening chemical in your body (i can't remember the name, perhaps, melanin?) causes an increase in testosterone <----this tid bit is for you "natural" guys. Some people reading this post don't need an increase in testosterone, hehehe...