Many people want to add a beautiful, healthy look, or even a golden glow to their skin. For some, this glow is achieved by exposing the skin to the sun, which means tanning it and darkening it a bit. We also call this 'tanning'. So there are good and bad sides to this exposure to the sun. Although we get vitamin D from sunlight, those rays can also be a big threat to our skin. So today, let's talk about exactly this.
What does it mean to 'tan' the skin?
Simply put, your skin 'tans', meaning it turns black, when it is exposed to ultraviolet rays (UV rays) from the sun. There are two main types of these ultraviolet rays. These are UVA and UVB rays.
To understand this better, let's take a look at the structure of our skin. Imagine that our skin is like a three-layer cake.
- Epidermis (E PID ermis): This is the top layer of skin that we can see with our eyes.
- Dermis: This is the second layer. It contains most of the nerves, sweat glands, and hair follicles.
- Subcutaneous tissue: This is the third and final layer. It contains things like fatty tissue and blood vessels.
The main reason your skin gets tanned, that is, turns brown, is UVA rays . These rays penetrate the epidermis, the top layer of the skin, and reach the lower layers. Then, a type of cell in our skin called ' melanocytes ' gets stimulated and starts producing a brown pigment called melanin .
Melanin is actually a protective shield that our bodies create to protect our skin from UVA rays. It's like raising an umbrella to protect us from the sun. The more you are exposed to the sun, the more your body produces this protective pigment, melanin. That's why your skin darkens.
UVB rays are what cause sunburn. They mainly affect only the top layer of the skin.
People with naturally dark skin have more melanin. That's why their skin doesn't burn as easily, but it tans beautifully. But remember, no matter what your skin color, anyone can be vulnerable to the harmful effects of the sun's rays if they don't wear sunscreen or other protection.
How long does it take for the skin to tan?
The time it takes for your skin to tan depends on several factors.
- Your skin's natural color.
- How sensitive your skin is to sunlight.
- The intensity of the sun's rays in your area.
- The altitude of your location (above sea level).
- Do you use sunscreen, and if so, what is its `SPF` ( sun protection factor) value?
The important thing is, there is no safe way to tan. Every tan is a form of skin damage. The best way to know how much sun exposure your skin can tolerate is to talk to your doctor, preferably a dermatologist.
How does tanning affect your health?
There are some benefits to sun exposure. It provides vitamin D, improves mood, and some studies suggest it can help lower blood pressure and help you sleep better. However, unprotected sun exposure can be very harmful to your skin.
Prolonged exposure to the sun can permanently change your skin. It can also cause serious damage to your skin and make it look older than it is . This is a major cause of dark spots and wrinkles.
Skin cancer risk
This is the most serious matter.
- UVA rays: These can cause the most serious type of skin cancer, called melanoma . This can be fatal. If melanoma cancer is not detected early, it can spread rapidly throughout the body and affect other organs.
- UVB rays: These cause two types of skin cancer , basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma . When these cancers occur, doctors usually surgically remove the cancerous cells. These surgeries can leave scars on the skin.
How to protect yourself from the sun's rays?
The good news is that you can reduce your risk of skin cancer and stay safe outdoors by using a good sunscreen. Just follow these tips.
| Action | Description |
|---|---|
| Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen. | 'Broad-spectrum' means it provides protection from both UVA and UVB rays. Be sure to check the label. |
| Wear sunscreen every day. | Choose one with at least SPF 30 or higher. Don't be fooled by cloudy days. Clouds can sometimes make the sun's rays more intense. |
| Reapply. | Sunscreen's effectiveness decreases if you swim, sweat, or rub yourself with a towel. So reapply after each such occasion. |
| Avoid direct sunlight during the day. | Whenever possible, avoid being in the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. This is when UV rays are strongest. |
Let's also learn about tanning beds.
Some places advertise special tanning beds that can quickly tan your skin. But these are very dangerous. And they don't provide any of the benefits of vitamin D that you get from sunlight.
These machines mainly emit UVA rays. As we discussed earlier, these are directly linked to melanoma cancer. These tanning beds have been shown to increase the rate of melanoma cancer, especially among young women. Also, using them can make the skin look older very quickly.
Sunless Tanners
Fortunately, there is a solution for those who want to get a tan without the risk of sun exposure. These are called 'sunless tanners'. These come in the form of creams or lotions. When applied to the skin, they produce melanin, giving the skin a brownish color.
Some of these products contain a chemical called `DHA (Dihydroxyacetone).` This gradually stains the top layer of your skin, giving it a temporary tan. Be careful when using these. For example, products containing `DHA` are not approved for use on certain parts of the body, such as the lips.
Since these sunless tanners are made with different ingredients, you'll need to do some research to find the one that works best for you. This is the only safe way to get a tan.
Take-Home Message
- Getting a tan from exposure to the sun is actually damage to the skin. It is not a sign of protection.
- Prolonged exposure to the sun without protection causes premature skin aging (wrinkles, age spots) and increases the risk of developing severe skin cancer (melanoma).
- Always use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher whenever you go outside, especially between 10 am and 4 pm.
- Tanning beds are very dangerous. Avoid them completely.
- If you want a tanned look, the only safe way is to use sunless tanners.
- If you are concerned about new spots or changes in your moles (shape, color, size), see your doctor immediately.
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