Tan

Tanning is a natural and scientific process that plays a vital role in our skin's defense mechanisms. Historically, it has been considered a symbol of beauty and health, but in reality, tanning in the sun or in a tanning bed can cause many problems, so we need to think more about this issue.

Tanning is not just a cosmetic pigmentation of the skin, it is a biological defense mechanism against the damaging effects of radiation. When the skin is exposed to ultraviolet rays from the sun or tanning lamps, specific cells in the skin – melanocytes – produce the pigment melanin. The pigment melanin absorbs ultraviolet rays and helps scatter them so that they penetrate less deeply into the skin. This protects us from DNA damage and the development of various cancers.

Melanin

When exposed to radiation, biochemical changes begin in the pigment already present in skin cells, which leads to a change in color in a short time. In addition, radiation activates signaling molecules that cause melanocytes to increase the production of the pigment melanin.

Melanin is a natural sunscreen. It occurs in two forms: eumelanin, which causes blackish-brown pigmentation, and pheomelanin, which creates reddish-yellow pigmentation.

Solar spectrum

The sun emits three types of ultraviolet (UV) rays: UVA, UVB და UVC.

UVC radiation It is absorbed by the Earth's ozone layer and does not reach us.

UVA rays Causes tanning with delayed appearance of pigmentation, resulting in a deeper tan.

UVB rays It mainly causes sunburn, but is also involved in the tanning process.

Tanning methods: natural vs. Artificial

Exposure to direct sunlight leads to the development of a natural tan. The process is quite rapid and a tan appears within a few hours. However, there are risks of skin burns, premature aging, and skin cancer.

The risk of skin cancer increases even more if tanning leads to burns. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, blistering skin lesions from sunburn nearly double the risk of developing melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.

Tanning beds, which emit the same ultraviolet radiation as the sun, are used to achieve an artificial tan. Existing data suggests that artificial sources of radiation may increase the risk of developing melanoma and other skin cancers.

Skin health

The desire to get a tan quickly is sometimes linked to overexposure to UV rays, which can damage skin cells and cause them to peel. This is a result of cell turnover, the body's attempt to get rid of skin cells that are already damaged or at high risk of developing cancer.

Some skin types tan easily and without problems. However, people with fair skin, freckles, and blond hair are less protected from ultraviolet radiation. This is because they have a lower ability to produce the pigment melanin, which reduces the sun-protective function of melanin and causes skin damage.

Myths and facts about tanning

Myth: A "base tan" protects us just as much as sunscreen.

Fact: A base tan refers to the slow, gradual tanning of the skin by exposure to natural or artificial sunlight. Essentially, it is a tan that is achieved over time, rather than as a result of prolonged exposure to the sun in a short period of time.

As is known, basic tan is characterized by insufficient protective function (SPF3-4).

Myth: Solariums are safer than the sun.

Fact: The ultraviolet (UV) rays emitted by tanning beds are sometimes 10-15 times stronger than those emitted by the midday sun. Despite this, people believe that a basic tan obtained in a tanning bed will protect them from sunburn.

Myth: Sun exposure should not be excessively limited, as it promotes the production of the active form of vitamin D.

Fact: It takes much less time for the inactive forms of vitamin D in the skin to be converted to the active form when exposed to sunlight than it does to tan.

How to tan safely?

There has been debate for years about safe levels of sun exposure.

To get a tan safely, it is necessary to get it gradually. Starting with short periods of exposure to the sun or solarium, using protective SPF products, and wearing sun-protective clothing will help you avoid sunburn and other skin damage.

The earlier a person starts tanning, the greater the risk of skin damage and skin cancer. This is especially true for teenagers who spend a lot of time in the sun or in tanning beds.

If having a healthy tan is your goal, try to follow a few rules:

• Regularly use sunscreen with at least SPF 30
• Change your position frequently when in the sun or in a tanning bed – to evenly distribute the radiation over different parts of your body and avoid burns.
• Eat foods containing beta-carotene, this will help you avoid skin burns.
• Use oils with natural SPF to moisturize your skin.
• Distribute your tanning time correctly – don't be exposed to the sun or tanning bed for too long.
• Prepare your skin for tanning – exfoliating and moisturizing your skin beforehand will prevent post-tan peeling.

When tanning, we should always remember that there is a risk of skin damage and subsequent development of skin cancer, especially in people with a hereditary predisposition to cancer.

To identify genetic variants associated with hereditary cancers, "Synevo" We offer research:

Resources

https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/problem-tanning-myth-base-tan-2017041211528

https://www.broadrippletan.com/blog/the-science-of-tanning-what-happens-to-your-skin/

n.manjaparashvili@synevo.ge