Summer Skin Care
Did you Know?
It’s a myth that people with dark skin don’t need sunscreen. No matter your race or ethnic origin, or whether or not you already have a base tan everyone needs to protect themselves from overexposure to the sun.
The dangers of sun exposure have been the source of much debate in recent years. Some experts have gone as far as advising people to avoid the sun at all times. Others argue that the risks of sun exposure have been overblown and that spending time in the sun offers many health benefits (provides Vitamin D, helps fight certain kinds of depression, etc.).
There are merits to both sides of the sun exposure debate. It is important to note that overexposure to UV light, whether it is from natural sources or from a tanning bed, has been proven to be dangerous. The reality is that most people like to be outside and many of them enjoy the look and feel of having a tan; it is important to educate yourself and have accurate information in order to tan responsibly.
The Suns Effect On Your Skin
Your skin tans when it comes in contact with ultraviolet light. In response to its exposure to UV light, the skin reacts by secreting melanin. Melanin is your body’s way of protecting you from sunburn.
Getting a sunburn in NOT good for you. It is a misconception that one must burn before they get a tan or that a burn is part of the normal process of tanning.
The rate at which your skin produces melanin is determined by your genetics and the intensity and length of time you are in contact with UV. If your exposure to the sun exceeds the amount of melanin your skin has produced, you will burn.
UVA and UVB - What’s the Difference?
Ultraviolet (UV) light comes from the sun (and indoor tanning bulbs), but it cannot be seen by the human eye. UV is broken into four groups; UVA, UVB, UVC, and Vacuum UV. There are two UV light groups that you should be concerned with when making decisions about tanning and sun exposure: UVA and UVB. UVA and UVB are the light spectrums that normally affect our skin when we are outside in the sunlight. These light spectrums are also emitted from the lamps (bulbs) that you will find in a tanning bed.
UVC and Vacuum UV light are filtered out by the Earth’s ozone layer. It would be hazardous to be exposed to this kind of light - this is one of the main reasons we should all be highly concerned about maintaining the integrity of the ozone layer.
UVA light waves cause your skin’s melanin pigment to change (darken). UVA causes only mild erythema (sunburn). You would have to expose yourself to extreme levels of UVA light before a burn would occur. However, excessive overexposure to UVA radiation over a long period of time is directly linked to a breakdown of the elastic fibers in your skin. This fiber breakdown causes the skin to wrinkle. UVA is not a significant source of Vitamin D.
UVB produces melanin at a rate of 10 to 1,000 of UVA. The increase of melanin production makes your skin tan faster. UVB is also a great source of Vitamin D.
The downside: UVB is the most dangerous light spectrum because it easily causes your skin to burn.
UVB rays are more harmful that UVA as they cause DNA damage that the body finds harder to repair. This explains why UVB is more likely to cause skin cancer.
