The sun emits high levels of light that can help us and harm us. This is known as ultraviolet (UV) radiation. There are three different types of UV rays: UVA, UVB, and UVC.
UVA radiation is the most common form of sun exposure. UVB rays create less exposure to the sun but much more intense. UVC rays are very bad. Fortunately, we are not exposed to UVC radiation. The earth's ozone layer blocks the formation of radiation.
Even if you cannot see UV radiation, it can pass through your skin. The outer layer of the skin is the epidermis. The inner layer is called the dermis. Your nerves and blood vessels are located in the dermis. The epidermis cells contain a pigment (or dye) called melanin. People with fair skin have less melanin than black people. That is why white people burn easily.
Melanin protects our skin and creates vitamin D. When your body protects itself from UV rays, your skin becomes darker or darker. Excessive sun exposure allows UV rays to reach the layers of your inner skin. This is known as sunburn. This can cause skin cells to die, get injured, or get cancer. Symptoms of sunburn include:
Redness. Your skin will turn red due to increased blood flow. It can happen sooner or later. You may not know it until you are back inside.
Hot skin. You can also find goose bumps or cold.
Pain.
Itchy or firm skin.
Blisters.
Dehydration.
Peeling. This is your body's way of releasing dead cells.
There are advantages and disadvantages to exposure to the sun.
A small amount of UV radiation is good for us. It forms vitamin D, which absorbs calcium. Your body needs calcium to build and maintain healthy bones. You can also get vitamin D from certain foods. If you have low vitamin D, your doctor may suggest taking a supplement.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), UV rays can be helpful in treating certain health conditions. Doctors may prescribe it for people with eczema, psoriasis, rickets, or jaundice. UV rays can also be used to kill germs or to sterilize.
Excessive exposure to the sun can be harmful. It can lead to:
The skin changes. Some skin cells with melanin can build up. This creates freckles and moles. Over time, these can become cancerous.
Aging is premature. Time spent in the sun causes your skin to age faster than usual. Signs of this are wrinkled, hard, or dark skin and dark spots.
Decreased immune system. White blood cells work to protect your body. When your skin burns, white blood cells help to form new cells. Doing so could put your immune system at risk in some areas.
Eye injuries. UV rays can damage the tissues in your eyes. They can burn your outer layer called the cornea. They can also blur your vision. Over time, you can create a cataract. This can lead to blindness if left untreated.
Skin cancer. Most skin cancers are not melanoma. It is very common, but also very curable. Melanoma skin cancer is rare but very serious. Skin cancer can spread to other parts of your body, especially if left untreated.
Everyone is vulnerable to the effects of sun exposure. It doesn't matter how old you are or what color your skin is. Your risk increases with increasing length and depth of exposure. You are most at risk if you have white skin or moles. The family history of skin cancer is also a factor. People who work in the sun all day are also in great danger. Farmers, construction workers, and fishermen need extra protection.
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