What do uv rays got to do with suntans?
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Many people want a tan, but do you know how skin tans? A great amount of money, time and effort goes into getting, and keeping, tanned skin. Our teens are often preoccupied with having a “perfect” and even tan. But how does it happen?
Ultraviolet Rays
Our sun produces three main types of ultraviolet rays: UVA, UVB and UVC. UVC rays are caught by our ozone layer and don't play a factor in tanning. Most, but not all, of UVB rays are also caught in the ozone layer, so some UVB rays play a factor in tanning. When we are talking about tanning by the sun's ultraviolet rays, UVA and some UVB rays are what causes the tan.
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How UV Rays Cause a Tan
UV rays cause tanning by the way they affect the melanin in our skin. Melanin is a pigment in our skin produced by cells called melanocytesand is what gives our skin its color.
UVA causes a tan by oxidating the melanin. Essentially, the melanin undergoes a chemical reaction after being exposed to UVA, causing it to become darker. When the melanin looks darker, the skin itself looks tanned and dark.
UVB causes a tan by a different method. UVB causes an increase in production of melanin in the skin and other changes to the cells that the melanin is stored in. These UVB effects cause the skin to become darker or tanned.
What About Tanning Beds?
Tanning beds and tanning lights used to be thought to be a safe alternative to tanning outside, but those claims are absolutely not true. Older tanning beds used to produce UVB waves that caused more burning, so these beds were changed to use UVA waves. These waves don't burn the skin the same way that UVB waves burn, but that does not mean they are safe. UVA waves are thought to cause skin cancer and immune system issues. If you have ever seen someone who has tanned extensively throughout their lifetime, you can see that the UVA waves damage the skin in a way that promotes deep wrinkling.
Damaging Effects of UV Rays
Both UVA and UVB rays can cause skin damage, but just like how they differ in how they cause the appearance of a tan, they differ in their ability to damage the skin. As noted with the information on tanning beds, it was once thought that UVB rays were the most dangerous. We are learning, however, that UVA can be every bit or more dangerous, as they penetrate the skin more deeply.
Vitamin D and UV Rays
As with so many things in medicine, we're learning that while the sun can cause skin damage leading to premature wrinkling and skin cancer, there are also some benefits of time in the sun.
Wearing sunscreen may help to prevent skin cancer, but on the downside, may result in vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D deficiency, in turn, is linked with many diseases ranging from several cancers to multiple sclerosis to depression.
What are the sources of vitamin D? One of the primary ways our body's obtain vitamin D is through absorption from sun exposure. You may think of dietary sources, but this is hard with the average diet. Studies on cancer prevention are recommending an intake of 1,000 top 2,000 IU's daily. A glass of milk contains around 100 IU's. In other words, it might take 20 glasses of milk daily to absorb adequate vitamin D, a practice which does not fit with a healthy diet. Supplements are available as well.
In contrast, spending 10 to 15 minutes in the sun without sunscreen on a summer day in light clothing may result in the absorption of 5,000 IU's.
Since the majority of Americans have lower than recommended vitamin D levels, many of the dermatology organizations are now reconsidering their previous sunscreen recommendations to perhaps include a short period of time in the sun before application of sunscreen. If you are worried about your teen, a simple blood test can determine where her level is at, and your pediatrician can help you decide if a supplement or some time in the sun is needed. In addition, keep your eyes out for dermatology recommendations regarding healthy sun exposure which may be changing.
Bottom Line on Skin Tans
UVA and UVB rays, from the sun or from a tanning bed, are what cause the skin to tan. There are risks to tanning, and it is important to discuss your concerns with your teen. In fact, discussing the risks and benefits of sun exposure are a good way to discuss the importance of moderation in many activities in their lives.
Hope it's helpful to you.
Ultraviolet Rays
Our sun produces three main types of ultraviolet rays: UVA, UVB and UVC. UVC rays are caught by our ozone layer and don't play a factor in tanning. Most, but not all, of UVB rays are also caught in the ozone layer, so some UVB rays play a factor in tanning. When we are talking about tanning by the sun's ultraviolet rays, UVA and some UVB rays are what causes the tan.
Healthy Little Monsters
Get diet and wellness tips to help your kids stay healthy and happy.
How UV Rays Cause a Tan
UV rays cause tanning by the way they affect the melanin in our skin. Melanin is a pigment in our skin produced by cells called melanocytesand is what gives our skin its color.
UVA causes a tan by oxidating the melanin. Essentially, the melanin undergoes a chemical reaction after being exposed to UVA, causing it to become darker. When the melanin looks darker, the skin itself looks tanned and dark.
UVB causes a tan by a different method. UVB causes an increase in production of melanin in the skin and other changes to the cells that the melanin is stored in. These UVB effects cause the skin to become darker or tanned.
What About Tanning Beds?
Tanning beds and tanning lights used to be thought to be a safe alternative to tanning outside, but those claims are absolutely not true. Older tanning beds used to produce UVB waves that caused more burning, so these beds were changed to use UVA waves. These waves don't burn the skin the same way that UVB waves burn, but that does not mean they are safe. UVA waves are thought to cause skin cancer and immune system issues. If you have ever seen someone who has tanned extensively throughout their lifetime, you can see that the UVA waves damage the skin in a way that promotes deep wrinkling.
Damaging Effects of UV Rays
Both UVA and UVB rays can cause skin damage, but just like how they differ in how they cause the appearance of a tan, they differ in their ability to damage the skin. As noted with the information on tanning beds, it was once thought that UVB rays were the most dangerous. We are learning, however, that UVA can be every bit or more dangerous, as they penetrate the skin more deeply.
Vitamin D and UV Rays
As with so many things in medicine, we're learning that while the sun can cause skin damage leading to premature wrinkling and skin cancer, there are also some benefits of time in the sun.
Wearing sunscreen may help to prevent skin cancer, but on the downside, may result in vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D deficiency, in turn, is linked with many diseases ranging from several cancers to multiple sclerosis to depression.
What are the sources of vitamin D? One of the primary ways our body's obtain vitamin D is through absorption from sun exposure. You may think of dietary sources, but this is hard with the average diet. Studies on cancer prevention are recommending an intake of 1,000 top 2,000 IU's daily. A glass of milk contains around 100 IU's. In other words, it might take 20 glasses of milk daily to absorb adequate vitamin D, a practice which does not fit with a healthy diet. Supplements are available as well.
In contrast, spending 10 to 15 minutes in the sun without sunscreen on a summer day in light clothing may result in the absorption of 5,000 IU's.
Since the majority of Americans have lower than recommended vitamin D levels, many of the dermatology organizations are now reconsidering their previous sunscreen recommendations to perhaps include a short period of time in the sun before application of sunscreen. If you are worried about your teen, a simple blood test can determine where her level is at, and your pediatrician can help you decide if a supplement or some time in the sun is needed. In addition, keep your eyes out for dermatology recommendations regarding healthy sun exposure which may be changing.
Bottom Line on Skin Tans
UVA and UVB rays, from the sun or from a tanning bed, are what cause the skin to tan. There are risks to tanning, and it is important to discuss your concerns with your teen. In fact, discussing the risks and benefits of sun exposure are a good way to discuss the importance of moderation in many activities in their lives.
Hope it's helpful to you.
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