Tan

What is it

Tanning is an increased pigmentation of the skin due to the production of melanin by certain cells of the epidermis, melanocytes. It is stimulated by ultraviolet rays (UVA and UVB) that make up the light radiation.

Effects

Melanin production protects the skin from damage caused by ultraviolet.

While tanning, ultraviolet rays also stimulate the synthesis of vitamin D, useful for the well-being and growth of bones, circulation and the activity of white blood cells and disinfect the skin.

Complications

Prolonged exposure can cause sunburn (sunburn). UVA rays transmit heat, causing an increase in temperature that breaks the capillaries and destroys collagen and elastin, with the formation of bubbles, edema and, in cases of more severe burn, peeling and leakage of liquid.

The main consequence is premature skin aging, with dehydration and the formation of wrinkles. UVBs are even more harmful, because in addition to causing erythema they damage DNA, increasing the risk of melanomas, skin cancers.

If, on the other hand, protection is not sufficient, discoloration (skin spots) may appear, such as senile lentigo.

Drying in the sun after a bath can promote sunburn and dehydration due to the slow effect of water droplets. Reflective surfaces (water, snow, sand) also increase the amount of rays to which you are exposed.

UV rays can damage the cornea, retina and crystalline lens. Symptoms are corneal pain, photosensitization, tearing and eyelid spasm.

Finally, ultraviolet accelerates hair growth.

Precautions

It is necessary to avoid exposure to the sun when the radiation is more intense, that is, in the late morning and early afternoon.

It is good to gradually accustom the skin to the sun, because only after about a week a lasting tan begins to form. Then, while in motion, the radiation is distributed homogeneously throughout the body.

It is essential to protect the skin with a sunscreen appropriate to your skin type, preferably water resistant. They exist in cream, gel, milk, spray and sunwater.

Oils generally have a low protection factor and are contraindicated for fair complexions. Self-tanners, on the other hand, do not protect against radiation. Wearing sunglasses helps protect your eyes.

After exposure to UV rays it is necessary to moisturize the skin with a refreshing and soothing cream or after-sun.

Nutrition also helps moisturize the skin; wide, therefore, to peppers, citrus fruits and kiwis, which contain vitamin C, eggs and broccoli, rich in vitamin E and vegetables with red or yellow flesh, which supply vitamin A and beta-carotene.

These considerations also apply to tanning lamps. Although the most modern ones are equipped with filters that greatly limit exposure to UVB, the risks are the same as natural tanning.