Natural Tanning
There are not a million ways to tan the skin
naturally. Tanning is a reaction of the skin to the damage initiated by
UV rays. UV rays cause existing melanin in the skin to darken and
further incite the skin cells to release additional melanin. Melanin is
the pigment that darkens the skin and produces the golden brown skin
tone that much of us look for at the end of an arduous winter.
Suntan
As its name suggests, the suntan results from exposure to UV radiation
that the sun sends to us. Natural UV radiation consists of UVA and UVB.
UVA is responsible for burning the skin and the redness that follows
sunburn. It causes melanin to darken, producing a tan. UVB penetrates
deeper into the skin and incites melanocytes to release more melanin.
Risks of Sun Tanning
Sun tanning was long sported as a healthy activity in the 1950-1980
period. However, the increase in skin cancer rates and the scientific correlation between tanning and cases of skin cancer have
increased awareness of the dangers of unrestrained exposure to UV light.
Benefits of Sun Tanning
Controlled exposure to the sun exposure is necessary for good health;
it lifts your mood, strengthens your bones, and may lower your risk for
certain cancers. More importantly, it also allows the body the produce
vitamin D, which boosts the body's immune system. Sun tanning is
safe provided adequate precautions are taken.
Some precautions for sunbathing are detailed below:
• People with fair skins, or who tan poorly, or with many freckles or
moles should take additional precautions and preferably should avoid
prolonged exposure to the sun.
• Do not stay in the sun for long stretches of time. Rather start
tanning for small periods of time and build up your tan over many days.
• Avoid staying in the sun at noon (when the sun is hottest).
• Use an appropriate sun block that allows tanning but limits
exposure to UV. The level of sun block needed will depend upon the
harshness of the sun, your skin's natural pigmentation (the lighter the
skin, the higher the level needed) and the amount of time you plan to be
exposed to the sun's UV rays. 30+ is the strongest sun block.
• Sun block to be applied before one dresses in order not to miss any
areas.
• Use lip screens for lips.
• Wear a hat to avoid the face being damaged by excess sun.
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