The long term effects of too much sun can be scary, but a few preventative measures will reduce the dangers of tanning

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 Home: The effects of tanning

The effects of tanning

Skin is the largest organ of the body, and one of the most fragile. A small dose of sunlight is necessary for good health, but too much can be harmful, and perhaps even deadly. Tanning is a defensive measure when the sun’s rays hit the skin, and increases a person’s SPF factor by about 3 or 4. It’s not enough to protect you from sunburn, but you can stay outside for longer periods without burning.

Why you tan

When ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun hit your skin, it begins to stimulate the top layer of skin cells. A few small doses produce vitamin D and warm you up. However, a longer dose begins to damage the cells, and triggers a defensive response. A pigment called melanin will begin to darken the skin in an attempt to prevent further damage. The more UV rays, the darker your skin gets. However, this process takes a few days, while it only takes a few hours (or as little as 15 minutes for a very fair person), to completely damage the top layer of skin beyond repair. You’ve got a sunburn. Repeated burns vastly increase the chance of skin cancer, as the damaged skin cells have more of a chance to pass on defective genetic information to new skin cells. This process may take years.

Long term effects of too much sun

Sunburns are caused by the stronger UVB radiation. UVA rays, which are less intense, actually penetrate the skin more deeply, damaging the connective tissue that gives skin its elasticity. Over time, the result is premature aging, wrinkles, sun spots from dead melanin cells, and a leathery texture. It is certainly not something you think about when you’re 20, but something you will regret when you’re 40.

Preventative measures

Think moderation. The safest way to tan is slowly, in short periods. Although there is no such thing as a completely safe tan, you could protect yourself by applying an SPF of between 4 and 8, depending on your skin type. This will give you an adequate amount of protection while also building a tan. Moisturize yourself before and after tanning to keep your skin healthy, and try not to expose yourself when the sun is at its strongest, between 11 AM and 2PM.

Take care of your skin, and it will stay healthy as you grow older. Or at least grow with the same pace as yourself!