Sunlight really benefits the body. But a little tan doesn't have to protect you from the sun. Let's see why.
The sun's rays are a great source of vitamin D and help the body's systems get the calcium they need to build healthy bones. However, most people do not need to spend much time in the sun to get the required amount of vitamin D.
The health of the body can be adversely affected when it is exposed to the sun's rays for a long time, especially if it is unprotected. Damage to the skin and eyes can suppress the immune system and ultimately lead to cancer, even for adolescents.
So let's take a look at the basic facts about sun exposure.
The sun has three types of invisible ultraviolet (UV) rays that reach the earth: UVA, UVB and UVC. When these rays come in contact with our skin, UVA and UVB can have effects - tan, burns, and other reactions (such as acne and cancer).
It is also worth noting that the effects of all UV rays are not the same. Depending on the weather, the time of day, and the location of the sun on the planet - (ie your height and latitude), the intensity of the rays varies. For example, during the summer, UV rays are at their strongest. Between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., the rays are strongest. And near the equator and at an altitude (where the wind and cloud cover is lower, which increases the harmful penetration of UV rays into the atmosphere), the rays are also the strongest.
To protect yourself from harmful UV rays, let's look at the skin's first defense - melanin.
Melanin is a chemical found in most people's skin in different colors and concentrations that helps protect against the sun. Melanin reacts with and absorbs UV rays. Or rather, to be more specific, the rays act on the melanin, causing the melanin to expand or increase, increasing its presence in response to sun exposure. Result? A 'suntan'. The darker the skin color, the higher the melanin to protect the skin. And tanning is included here for darker colors. 'Color' doesn't just have to refer to the actual skin color.
A word of caution;
Tanning may look great on the surface, but the amount and length of a person's exposure to the sun determine the amount of potential damage. It also determines the risk of future damage.
For example, people exposed to large amounts of sun, such as crew, field workers, and beach surfers, have a higher risk of skin damage than indoor workers. What happens when the amount of UV exposure exceeds the amount that can handle melanin in the skin can result in sunburn. And lighter, clearer skin, which has less melanin, absorbs less UV, has less protection.
Since research has shown that UV damage from the sun is the leading cause of skin cancer (20% of people in some populations get skin cancer during their lifetime), we need to avoid harmful skin. Therefore, it is necessary to take an active approach to sun exposure. Damage
As we speak colloquially here in Australia - "slip, slop, slap". (Ie 'slip-on a shirt, 'slip-on a hat, 'slap' on sunscreen). Take care of the skin you get because you will live with it!
You must be logged in to post a comment.