Myths and Facts About Suntan and Its Effects on the Skin

The rays of the sun consist of two kinds of ultraviolet (UV) radiation that affect the skin. UVB radiation scorches the upper layer of the skin and causes sunburn. UVA radiation penetrates to the lower layer of the skin and boosts the production of melanin - the pigment that results into tanning. As the levels of melanin are higher in darker-skinned individuals, they have deeper tans than lighter-skinned individuals. Melanin guards the skin against sunburn but does not prevent other diseases associated with excessive exposure to sunlight. Tanning is perceived to be highly fashionable by most people but there are a number of myths and misperceptions about the tanning process that need to be cleared first.

Internal organs get 'fried' by too much tanning

This is one of the commonest myths associated with using tanning beds and started circulating some time during the late 1980s. The truth is it is impossible for the internal organs of the body to be fried. Excessive exposure to sunlight enables UV rays to penetrate the skin and can lead to skin cancer, but it cannot 'fry' or 'cook' the internal organs as in a microwave oven.

Tanning beds can spread the HIV virus and cause AIDS

This belief is absolutely baseless. Scientific evidence has shown that the HIV virus can be transmitted only through sex or injecting bodily secretions via blood accidentally and the possibility of getting AIDS via tanning beds is a remote one. Professional tanning salons sanitize beds each time they are used and follow high standards of hygiene.

Melanoma can be caused by skin tanning

Although no direct link between melanoma and skin cancer has been discovered, anything in excess, including exposure to the sun, is always harmful in the long term. It is advisable to acquire a tan through gradual, moderate and controlled exposure to sunlight rather than spending hours in tanning salons or soaking in direct sunlight.

Skin cancer can be caused by any kind of exposure to sunlight

This belief is partially true, but it is sunburn rather than sun exposure that can cause skin cancer. Other factors like diet and heredity have also been known to cause skin cancer. Sunlight is necessary for survival and for good health because it boosts levels of Vitamin D in the body.

Outdoor tanning is safer and healthier than indoor tanning

Both indoor and outdoor tanning methods work on the same principle, facilitating the absorption of ultraviolet (UV) radiation into the body in order to produce the bronzed look. The rays of the sun consist of both UVA as well as UVB radiation. UVB radiation causes sunburn while UVA radiation leads to tanning. Indoor tanning takes place in a controlled environment and uses only UVA rays which are considered to be a safer alternative for getting a golden tan. 10 to 15 minutes of daily sun exposure too is necessary for survival and good health but it is necessary to use adequate amounts of sunscreen or sun block before venturing out. The ideal method of acquiring a tan is through gradual, moderate and controlled exposure to sunlight rather than spending hours on the beach or in a tanning salon.

In conclusion

Too much tanning in direct sunlight has been known to cause sunburn and skin cancer. It can also damage the eyes and produce unattractive blotches and freckles instead of the perfect sun-kissed look. Indoor tanning methods too are not totally free from risks. If the skin has already been damaged by sunlight it can lead to sunburn, which is used by the body as a technique of healing the damage caused by over-exposure to sunlight. Mild sunburn can be treated by the regular application of aloe vera, while it is important to see a doctor immediately in case of severe sunburn. Acquiring a tan takes time and patience and adopting a few precautions can protect the skin against long term damage.

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