Effects of tanning
Whether you go to a tanning salon or down to the beach, you should know about the effects of tanning on your skin and your health. When the sun starts to beat down, the beaches, pools and shopping centers tend to get filled to the max with people who enjoy being out and about. One of the most popular practices that occur when the heat wave comes on is tanning. Both teens and adults alike crave that bronze and sun kissed look and will go to any length to get it.
There is nothing wrong with tanning but there is a way to go about this without putting yourself at risk. The more you understand about its effects, the better informed you'll be and the more likely you are to heed the warnings and practice good sun care habits.
One of the main effects is that your skin becomes darker in color. The skin contains a substance known as melanin. This substance alone is responsible for the natural color of your skin. The more melanin someone has in their system, the darker their skin will be. There are a number of tanning products that work inside the body to increase the production of melanin, creating a deeper, richer and more natural looking tan without the need for ultraviolet rays. Tanning accelerators, which often come in lotion or pill form, are the most likely candidates for stimulating melanin within the body.
Sunburn is another of the main effects of tanning. When you get sunburned, that means your skin has been penetrated by UVA and UVB rays. Often this results in skin that is sore to the touch, red, and inflamed. After a few days the skin of the sunburned area will begin to peel off. While there are millions of people each year that get sunburned, it is critical to know that with each case of sunburn, you potentially put yourself at risk for developing skin cancer.
The possibility of skin cancer is one of the greatest concerns when it comes to tanning. If the skin has been exposed excessively to ultraviolet rays, this can lead to the development of skin cancer. The most deadly form is melanoma and if not diagnosed and treated early, it can be fatal. Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are others types of skin cancer that can occur.
The effects of tanning vary, some bad and some good, but regardless, the most vital piece of information to know is that practicing good sun care habits is the only way to keep your skin from becoming damaged and putting your health at risk.
