Sun Tan
What it is:
There is no such thing as a safe tan. The increase in skin pigment, called melanin, which causes the tan color change in your skin is a sign of damage.
Why it happens:
Once skin is exposed to UV radiation, it increases the production of melanin in an attempt to protect the skin from further damage. Melanin is the same pigment that colors your hair, eyes, and skin. The increase in melanin may cause your skin tone to darken over the next 48 hours.
Symptoms:
Skin tones that are capable of developing a tan, typically skin types II through V, will probably darken in tone within two days.
The Bottom Line:
Evidence suggests that tanning greatly increases your risk of developing skin cancer. And, contrary to popular belief, getting a tan will not protect your skin from sunburn or other skin damage. The extra melanin in tanned skin provides a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of about 2 to 4; far below the minimum recommended SPF of 15.
According to the National Cancer Institute, women who use tanning beds more than once a month are 55 percent more likely to develop malignant melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer. Long-term exposure to either tanning beds or the sun's rays increases the risk of skin cancer.
Features
When skin is exposed to ultraviolet radiation (UV), cells known as melanocytes produce the brown pigment called melanin, which darkens the skin. The skin darkens as a natural defense against the ultraviolet radiation. Both the sun and tanning beds expose the skin to UV rays
Artificial vs. Natural
Tanning, whether by artificial means or the sun's rays, presents a risk. According to SkinCancer.org, there is no such thing as a safe tan. Repeated sun exposure damages the DNA, causing genetic defects that can result in skin cancer. Sun exposure can also cause premature aging effects such as wrinkles and sagging skin. The ultraviolet rays used in tanning beds are not safe either and increase the risk of skin cancer. The National Cancer
There is no such thing as a safe tan. The increase in skin pigment, called melanin, which causes the tan color change in your skin is a sign of damage.
Why it happens:
Once skin is exposed to UV radiation, it increases the production of melanin in an attempt to protect the skin from further damage. Melanin is the same pigment that colors your hair, eyes, and skin. The increase in melanin may cause your skin tone to darken over the next 48 hours.
Symptoms:
Skin tones that are capable of developing a tan, typically skin types II through V, will probably darken in tone within two days.
The Bottom Line:
Evidence suggests that tanning greatly increases your risk of developing skin cancer. And, contrary to popular belief, getting a tan will not protect your skin from sunburn or other skin damage. The extra melanin in tanned skin provides a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of about 2 to 4; far below the minimum recommended SPF of 15.
According to the National Cancer Institute, women who use tanning beds more than once a month are 55 percent more likely to develop malignant melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer. Long-term exposure to either tanning beds or the sun's rays increases the risk of skin cancer.
Features
When skin is exposed to ultraviolet radiation (UV), cells known as melanocytes produce the brown pigment called melanin, which darkens the skin. The skin darkens as a natural defense against the ultraviolet radiation. Both the sun and tanning beds expose the skin to UV rays
Artificial vs. Natural
Tanning, whether by artificial means or the sun's rays, presents a risk. According to SkinCancer.org, there is no such thing as a safe tan. Repeated sun exposure damages the DNA, causing genetic defects that can result in skin cancer. Sun exposure can also cause premature aging effects such as wrinkles and sagging skin. The ultraviolet rays used in tanning beds are not safe either and increase the risk of skin cancer. The National Cancer