The Facts About How Skin Tans - Effect of UV Rays The Facts About How Skin Tans Search the site By Barbara Poncelet Updated January 22, 2016 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. Ultraviolet rays are not created equally. UVA rays and UVB rays have different wavelengths, allowing the rays to penetrate different layers of the skin. UVB rays have short wavelengths and penetrate the outermost layers of the skin (the epidermis).

UVA rays have longer wavelengths and can penetrate deeper than UVBs, right into the dermis, the middle layer of the skin. 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 and 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 in 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. 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. It's what's best for their health. Sources: Tanning Tanning El bronceado To many people, summer means hanging out at the pool or the beach, soaking up rays in pursuit of a golden tan. But before you put on your bathing suit and head to the pool (or pay for a bed or booth in a tanning salon ), there are a few things to think about when it comes to your skin and sun exposure. How Tanning Happens The sun's rays contain two types of ultraviolet radiation that reach your skin: UVA and UVB. UVB radiation burns the upper layers of skin (the epidermis), causing sunburns.

UVA radiation is what makes people tan. UVA rays penetrate to the lower layers of the epidermis, where they trigger cells called melanocytes (pronounced: mel-an-oh-sites) to produce melanin. Melanin is the brown pigment that causes tanning. Melanin is the body's way of protecting skin from burning. Darker-skinned people tan more deeply than lighter-skinned people because their melanocytes produce more melanin. But just because a person doesn't burn does not mean that he or she is also protected against skin cancer and other problems. continue Tanning Downsides UVA rays may make you tan, but they can also cause serious damage. That's because UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin than UVB rays. UVA rays can go all the way through the skin's protective epidermis to the dermis, where blood vessels and nerves are found. Because of this, UVA rays may damage a person's immune system, making it harder to fight off diseases and leading to illnesses like melanoma , the most serious type of skin cancer. Melanoma can kill. If it's not found and treated, it can quickly spread from the skin to the body's other organs.

Skin cancer is epidemic in the United States, with more than 1 million new cases diagnosed every year. Although the numbers of new cases of many other types of cancer are falling or leveling off, the number of new melanoma cases is growing. In the past, melanoma mostly affected people in their fifties or older, but today dermatologists see patients in their twenties and even late teens with this type of cancer. Experts believe this is partly due to an increase in the use of tanning beds and sun lamps, which have high levels of UVA rays. Getting a sunburn or intense sun exposure may also increase a person's chances of developing this deadly cancer. Exposure to UVB rays also increases your risk of getting two other types of skin cancer: basal and squamous cell carcinoma. The main treatment for skin cancers is cutting the tumors out. Since many basal or squamous cell carcinomas are on the face and neck, surgery to remove them can leave people with facial scars. The scars from surgery to remove melanomas can be anywhere on the body, and they're often large. Cancer isn't the only problem associated with UV exposure. UVA damage is the main factor in premature skin aging.

To get a good idea of how sunlight affects the skin, look at your parents' skin and see how different it is from yours. Much of that is due to sun exposure, not the age difference! UV rays can also lead to another problem we associate with old people: the eye problem cataracts. previous continue Sun Smarts Staying out of the sun altogether may seem like the only logical answer. But who wants to live like a hermit? The key is to enjoy the sun sensibly, finding a balance between sun protection and those great summer activities like beach volleyball and swimming. Sunscreens block or change the effect of the sun's harmful rays. They're one of your best defenses against sun damage because they protect you without interfering with your comfort and activity levels. The SPF number on a sunscreen shows the level of UVB protection it gives. Sunscreens with a higher SPF number provide more defense against the sun's damaging UV rays. Here are some tips to enjoy the great outdoors while protecting your skin and eyes from sun damage: Wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 every day, even on cloudy days and when you don't plan on spending much time outdoors.

Wearing sunscreen every day is essential because as much as 80% of sun exposure is incidental — the type you get from walking your dog or eating lunch outside. If you don't want to wear a pure sunscreen, try a moisturizer with sunscreen in it, but make sure you put on enough. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays. Ideally, it should also be hypoallergenic and noncomedogenic so it doesn't cause a rash or clog your pores. Reapply sunscreen every 1½ to 2 hours. If you're not sure you're putting on enough, switch to sunscreen with a higher SPF, like SPF 30. No matter what the SPF, the sun can break down the UVA ingredients in sunscreen. Even if you don't get a sunburn, UVA rays could still be doing unseen damage to your skin. Reapply sunscreen after swimming or sweating. Take frequent breaks. The sun's rays are strongest between 10:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M. During those hours, take breaks to cool off indoors or in the shade for a while before heading out again.

Wear a hat with a brim and sunglasses that provide almost 100% protection against ultraviolet radiation. Other things to know when it comes to avoiding sun damage: You probably know that water is a major reflector of UV radiation — but so are sand, concrete, and even snow. Snow skiing and other winter activities carry significant risk of sunburn, so always apply sunblock before hitting the slopes. Certain medications, such as antibiotics used to treat acne and birth control pills, can increase your sun sensitivity (as well as your sensitivity to tanning beds). Ask your doctor whether your medications might have this effect and what you should do. Avoid tanning "accelerators" or tanning pills that claim to speed up the body's production of melanin or darken the skin. There's no proof that they work and they aren't approved by government agencies for tanning purposes. previous continue Trauma-free Tans Even when you're serious about protecting your skin, you may sometimes want the glow of a tan. Luckily, many products on the market — but not sun lamps or tanning beds — will let you tan safely and sun-free. One safe way to go bronze is with sunless self-tanners.

These "tans in a bottle" contain dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which gradually stains the dead cells in your skin's outer layer. The "tan" lasts until these skin cells slough off, so exfoliating or vigorously washing will make the color fade faster. Typically, self-tanners last from several days to a week. You may have to try a few brands of self-tanner to find one that looks best with your skin tone. For a subtle, goof-proof glow, try moisturizers that contain a modest amount of fake tanner, letting you gradually build up a little color without blotches and staining — or the smell that some people dislike. All of these options are cheap, too, usually around $10. Ask a friend to help you apply self-tanner to spots you can't reach, like your back. And be sure to wash your hands as soon as you finish applying the tanner. Areas of your body that don't normally tan (like the palms of your hands or soles of the feet) just look dirty if you leave tanner on them. With self-tanners, you get better results if you exfoliate your skin with a scrub brush or loofah before the tanner is applied.

This evens your skin tone and removes dead skin cells. If you use a sunless tanner, you'll need to wear plenty of sunscreen when you go outdoors to protect you from the sun's rays. Self-tanners don't generate melanin production, so they won't protect you against sunburn (and some scientists believe they might even make skin more susceptible to sun damage). If you're thinking about using a sunless tanner, it's a good idea to avoid airbrush or spray-on tans. The FDA hasn’t approved DHA for use internally or on mucous membranes (like the lips). Spray tans may have unknown health risks because people can breathe in the spray, or the tanner may end up on their lips or eye area. Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation What is the UV Index (UVI)? What is UV Radiation? All radiation is a form of energy, most of which is invisible to the human eye. UV radiation is only one form of radiation and it is measured on a scientific scale called the electromagnetic (EM) spectrum . UV radiation is only one type of EM energy you may be familiar with.

Radio waves that transmit sound from a radio station’s tower to your stereo, or between cell phones; microwaves, like those that heat your food in a microwave oven; visible light that is emitted from the lights in your home; and X-rays like those used in hospital X-ray machines to capture images of the bones inside your body, are all forms of EM energy. UV radiation is the portion of the EM spectrum between X-rays and visible light. More Information on UV Radiation How is radiation classified on the electromagnetic spectrum? Electromagnetic radiation is all around us, though we can only see some of it. All EM radiation (also called EM energy) is made up of minute packets of energy or 'particles,' called photons, which travel in a wave-like pattern and move at the speed of light. The EM spectrum is divided into categories defined by a range of numbers. These ranges describe the activity level, or how energetic the photons are, and the size of the wavelength in each category. For example, at the bottom of the spectrum radio waves have photons with low energies, so their wavelengths are long with peaks that are far apart. The photons of microwaves have higher energies, followed by infrared waves, UV rays, and X-rays.

At the top of the spectrum, gamma rays have photons with very high energies and short wavelengths with peaks that are close together. What are the different types of UV radiation? What are the different types of UV radiation? The most common form of UV radiation is sunlight, which produces three main types of UV rays: UVA UVB UVC UVA rays have the longest wavelengths, followed by UVB, and UVC rays which have the shortest wavelengths. While UVA and UVB rays are transmitted through the atmosphere, all UVC and some UVB rays are absorbed by the Earth’s ozone layer. So, most of the UV rays you come in contact with are UVA with a small amount of UVB. Like all forms of light on the EM spectrum, UV radiation is classified by wavelength. Wavelength describes the distance between the peaks in a series of waves. UVB rays have a short wavelength that reaches the outer layer of your skin (the epidermis) UVA rays have a longer wavelength that can penetrate the middle layer of your skin (the dermis) More Information on the Types of UV Radiation What effect does UV radiation have on my body? Both UVA and UVB rays can cause damage to your skin.

Sunburn is a sign of short-term overexposure, while premature aging and skin cancer are side effects of prolonged UV exposure. Certain oral and topical medicines, such as antibiotics, birth control pills, and benzoyl peroxide products, as well as some cosmetics, may increase skin and eye sensitivity to UV in all skin types. Check the label and ask your doctor for more information. Sunlight is not the only source of UV radiation you may encounter. Other sources include: Tanning booths Mercury vapor lighting (often found in stadiums and school gyms) Some halogen, fluorescent, and incandescent lights Some types of lasers More Information on Health Effects of Overexposure to the Sun Are there health benefits of exposure to UV radiation? Exposure to UVB radiation helps the skin produce a type of vitamin D, (vitamin D3), which plays an important role - along with calcium - in bone and muscle health. However, the amount of UVB exposure needed to obtain a benefit depends on several factors, such as: the amount of vitamin D in your diet, skin color, sunscreen use, clothing, where you live (latitude and altitude), time of day, and time of year.

Also, the FDA has not cleared or approved any indoor tanning device for producing Vitamin D. UV radiation, in the form of lasers, lamps, or a combination of these devices and topical medications that increase UV sensitivity, are sometimes used to treat patients with certain diseases who have not responded to other methods of therapy. Also known as phototherapy, this method of UV exposure is performed by a trained healthcare professional under the supervision of a dermatologist. Studies suggest that phototherapy can help treat unresponsive and severe cases of several diseases, including: Reflection Geography UV rays are strongest in areas close to the equator. Because the sun is directly over the equator, UV rays only travel a short distance through the atmosphere to reach these areas. UV radiation is also the strongest near the equator because ozone in these areas is naturally thinner, so there is less to absorb the UV radiation. UV exposure is lower in areas further from the equator because the sun is farther away. Exposure is also decreased because UV rays must travel a greater distance through ozone-rich portions of the atmosphere to reach the earth’s surface. UV exposure is also greater in areas of snow, sand, pavement, and water due to the reflective properties of these surfaces.

Altitude Altitude is another contributing factor to the amount of UV. Higher altitudes have greater UV exposure because there is less atmosphere to absorb UV rays. Time of Year The sun’s angle in relation to the Earth varies according to season. During the summer months the sun is in a more direct angle, resulting in a greater amount of UV radiation. Time of Day UV is most intense at noon when the sun is at its highest point in the sky, and UV rays have the least distance to travel through the atmosphere. Especially in the hot summer months, it is a good idea to remain indoors during the peak sun hours of 10am and 4pm. Weather Conditions Many people believe that you cannot get sunburned on a cloudy day; this is simply not the case. Even under cloud cover it is possible to damage your skin and eyes, and cause long-term damage. It is important that you protect yourself with sunscreen, even in cloudy weather. Reflection Some surfaces, such as snow, sand, grass, or water can reflect much of the UV radiation that reaches them. Sunglasses rated for 100% UV protection, a wide-brim hat, and broad-spectrum sunscreen can help protect your eyes and skin from reflected UV rays.

More Information on Environmental Factors of UV Exposure What is the UV Index (UVI)? The Ultraviolet Index (UVI) is a rating scale, with numbers from 1 to 11, which indicate the amount of skin-damaging UV rays reaching the Earth’s surface during the day. The daily UVI forecasts the amount of UV reaching your area at noon when the sun typically reaches its highest point in the sky. The higher the UVI number, the more intense the UV rays you will be exposed to. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) offers UVI forecasts by ZIP code on their UV Index page . Many illustrations of the UVI use a system of colors to designate levels of UV exposure for a particular area on the map. The World Health Organization (WHO) has developed an internationally recognized system of colors corresponding to levels of the UVI. Category Sun Exposure: Benefits Beyond Vitamin D Production 0 By Dr. Mercola While discussions about the health benefits from sun exposure typically center around vitamin D, which your skin produces in response to UVB rays, UVB exposure actually has a number of other health effects unrelated to vitamin D production – whether it's from the sun or a tanning bed.

New evidence presented in the April-June issue of Dermato-Endocrinology 1 confirms that exposure to the sun in appropriate and measured timeframes has a number of health benefits unrelated to vitamin D production, such as: Enhancing mood and energy through the release of endorphins Protecting against and suppressing symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS) Treating skin diseases, such as psoriasis, vitiligo, atopic dermatitis, and scleroderma. UV radiation also enhances skin barrier functions Inducing nitric oxide (NO), which helps protect your skin against UV damage and offers cardiovascular protection, promotes wound healing through its antimicrobial effect, and has some anti-cancer activity Melatonin regulation through the "third eye" of the pineal gland photoreceptors Relieving fibromyalgia pain Protecting against melanoma and decreasing mortality from it May be effective in treating T Cell lymphoma UV Radiation has Long History of Use as Treatment of Disease According to the featured Dermato-Endocrinology article: 2 "Solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation has been used since ancient times to treat various diseases. This has a scientific background in the fact that a large number of molecules (chromophores) in different layers of the skin interacts with and absorbs UV.

...Phototherapy is a valuable option in the treatment of many psoriatic and nonpsoriatic conditions, including atopic dermatitis, sclerosing skin conditions such as morphea, scleroderma, vitiligo, and mycosis fungoides. Phototherapy is the treatment of certain skin disorders with UV radiation which can be produced by the sun, fluorescent lamps, short arc lamps with UV filters and lasers. Depending on the shape of the spectrum of radiation emitted by the source, phototherapy can be divided into broadband UVB (290-320 nm), narrow band UVB (310-315 nm), monochromatic UVB (308 nm from an excimer laser), broadband UVA (320-400 nm) and UVA-1 (340-400 nm). ...Traditionally, broadband UVB phototherapy has been used to treat psoriasis, which is an inflammatory skin disease, characterized by keratinocyte hyperproliferation with 1-2 percent prevalence in the general population. However, now more often narrowband UVB or monochromatic UVB are used for the clearance of psoriasis.

Narrow-band UVB clears psoriasis faster and produces longer remissions than broadband UVB. Action spectra for UV-induced erythema, DNA damage, photoimmunesuppression, squamous cell carcinoma and vitamin D synthesis are very similar, all in the UVB spectral region of 280-310 nm. Narrowband UVB do not contain the most erythemogenic and carcinogenic wavelengths. ...Sunbathing or tanning beds seem to have a potential to reduce pain in patients with fibromyalgia. Patients with the chronic pain condition fibromyalgia have reported a greater short-term decrease in pain after exposure to UV compared with non-UV radiation exposure..." [Emphasis mine] Why I Strongly Advise Using the Sun or Tanning Bed Another article written by Richard J. Wurtman 3 , while over 40 years old, still contains loads of interesting information about the health benefits of sunlight, and is well worth a read-through. If you have any interest, I strongly recommend you download this classic, superbly written 11-page PDF from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. This article reveals the benefits of sun exposure and not merely swallowing a vitamin D tablet or capsule.

I am beyond convinced that you are missing the benefits of vitamin D if you merely rely on swallowing pills or capsules. If you are on the fence about this or don't believe me, please read Dr. Wurtman's classic article. Just as an example, he rightfully points out the role of sunlight on synchronizing the hormonal rhythms of your body. Melatonin , for example, which is synthesized by your pineal gland, is profoundly affected by light and dark, and proper exposure to bright sun during the day is important for maintaining your internal rhythm. Melatonin, as you may recall, is also a potent antioxidant with cancer-fighting properties, so please do not underestimate the importance of daily UV exposure – as well as the avoidance of artificial light after sunset. Sensible Sun Exposure Actually Protects Against Melanoma While the sun has gotten a bad rap, being portrayed as little more than a skin cancer-inducing object in the sky to be avoided at all cost, it's important to consider that exposure to UVB light is actually protective against melanoma (the most lethal form of skin cancer).

As documented in The Lancet: 4 "Paradoxically, outdoor workers have a decreased risk of melanoma compared with indoor workers, suggesting that chronic sunlight exposure can have a protective effect." Another study in Medical Hypotheses 5 suggested that indoor workers may have increased rates of melanoma because they're exposed to sunlight through windows, and only UVA light, unlike UVB, can pass through window glass. (While UVB light gives you that tanned look and causes your skin to produce vitamin D, UVA rays are the ones associated with skin damage and skin cancer.) Since indoor workers, who get three to nine times less solar UV exposure than outdoor workers, are missing out on exposure to the beneficial UVB rays, they will have lower levels of vitamin D and therefore miss out on the "built-in" cancer protection offered by regular exposure to the sun, or a sun lamp. The study even noted that indoor UV actually breaks down vitamin D3 formed after outdoor UVB exposure, which would therefore make vitamin D3 deficiency and melanoma risk even worse. A number of associations between regular sun exposure and decreased melanoma risk can be found in the medical literature.

For example: Occupational exposure, such as farmers and fishermen, and regular weekend sun exposure are associated with decreased risk of melanoma Sun exposure appears to protect against melanoma on skin sites not exposed to sun light, and melanoma occurring on skin with large UV exposure has the best prognosis Patients with the highest blood levels of vitamin D have thinner melanoma and better survival prognosis than those with the lowest vitamin D levels Vitamin D Deficiency Common in Sick Kids Still, there's no getting around the fact that vitamin D, produced by your skin in response to UV radiation is a primary health benefit of sun exposure, as vitamin D influences an estimated 10 percent of all the genes in your body. This makes it a profoundly important factor for maintaining optimal health! Two recent studies of critically ill children found that vitamin D deficiency is very common in sick children, and is associated with worse outcomes and extended hospital stays. 6 Earlier studies had already linked vitamin D deficiency with worse outcomes in critically ill adults. One study 7 showed that two out of five children admitted to the study center's pediatric hospital ward were deficient in the vitamin (below 20 ng/ml), and had more severe illness on admission.

Children admitted with life-threatening septic shock had a median vitamin D level of just 19.2 ng/ml. The authors concluded: "We found a high rate of vitamin D deficiency in critically ill children. Given the roles of vitamin D in bone development and immunity, we recommend screening of those critically ill children with risk factors for vitamin D deficiency and implementation of effective repletion strategies." The other study 8 , which included children and teenagers, found that nearly 70 percent of the participants were vitamin D deficient, with deficiency independently associated with longer ICU stays and more severe illness. Low Vitamin D Levels May Raise Death Risk in Older Adults Similarly, frail seniors with low levels of vitamin D have an increased risk of death, according to data analyzed by Oregon State University researchers. While the study, which was published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition 9 , showed that those with low vitamin D levels had a 30 percent greater risk, researchers said they couldn't determine whether low vitamin D levels contributed to frailty, or if frail people had low vitamin D levels due to health problems. According to the university's news release 10 , about 70 percent of Americans and up to one billion people worldwide have insufficient levels of vitamin D.

As I previously mentioned, the solution for this is not to inundate the food supply with supplemental vitamin D but merely encourage people to get as much safe sun exposure as possible to increase their vitamin D levels the way they were designed to. This will also help them reap some of the benefits mentioned in the table above. Research has also found that sunlight exposure and higher vitamin D levels are both associated with decreased knee cartilage loss 11 in patients with knee osteoarthritis. All of these recent findings support previous research showing that vitamin D may lower your risk of dying from ANY cause. 12 Truly, the health benefits of vitamin D levels are so numerous, I believe measuring your vitamin D levels may be your most important blood test, and optimizing your vitamin D levels through appropriate sun exposure or use of a tanning bed may be one of the most important things you can do to improve and maintain your health. What Makes for an Ideal Tanning Session? While recent media reports are again trying to dissuade you from using tanning beds, the benefits of sunbeds far outweigh the risks, if and when you cannot get sufficient amounts of regular sun exposure. However, there are two primary concerns with tanning beds that you need to be aware of: UV dose.

The FDA uses a unit called "one erythemal dose" as a means of calibration for the indoor tanning industry – which is just a fancy word for one tanning session. One erythemal dose equates to the amount of time it takes for a tanning device to produce erythema (slight pinkening of the average person's skin), and this erythema indicates you have achieved a optimal dose of UV – which translates to an optimal dose of vitamin D. However, keep in mind that the erythemal dose can differ for each person based on skin type and strength of lamps – just as an ideal "dose" of sunshine differs for people based on their skin type, geographic location, and time of day. Start with the lowest recommended dose (time) to avoid getting burned, especially if you are light skinned. The FDA also makes recommendations about how often you should receive a dose, stating you should wait 24-48 hours between tanning sessions. The reason for this is that it takes at least 24 hours for the erythema to go away. The FDA's exposure schedule can be described as CONTROLLED SUNSHINE, making it an ideal way to receive the benefits of the sun while indoors.

Once you have a base tan, you can then enjoy more time in the sun without burning, and in that respect, you receive some protection that you would not otherwise have. EMF exposure. Most tanning beds use magnetic ballasts to generate light. These magnetic ballasts are well known sources of EMF fields that can contribute to cancer. If you hear a loud buzzing noise while in a tanning bed, it has a magnetic ballast system. I strongly recommend you avoid these types of beds and restrict your use of tanning beds to those that use electronic ballasts. What About Vitamin D Supplements? If neither sun exposure nor a tanning bed are feasible, you're well advised to take an oral supplement. However, you need to make sure you're taking the right kind. Most people know that D2 – the synthetic version commonly prescribed by doctors – is not as potent as D3. Each microgram of orally consumed 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 is about five times more effective in raising serum 25(OH)D than an equivalent amount of vitamin D2. However, besides being less potent, D2 supplements may actually do more harm than good overall.

A recent meta-analysis by the Cochrane Database 13 looked at mortality rates for people who supplemented their diets with D2 versus those who did so with D3, the form naturally produced by your body, highlighting the significant differences between the two. The analysis of 50 randomized controlled trials, which included a total of 94,000 participants, showed: A six percent relative risk reduction among those who used vitamin D3, but A two percent relative risk increase among those who used D2 Recently, researchers from England and Australia collaborated on another interesting study, published in PLoS ONE, in which they investigated childhood D2 and D3 levels and subsequent psychotic experiences later in life. 14 Dr. Anna-Marija Tolppanen and colleagues from the England and Australia, including two of my heroes, John McGrath and William Fraser, simply measured 25(OH)D2 and 25(OH)D3 in 5,346 subjects at age 9 and then assessed for psychotic experience, such as hearing voices or seeing things that are not there, three years later. Such psychotic experiences are associated with a higher risk of developing schizophrenia in later life.

Surprisingly, children with higher 25(OH)D2 levels had more, not fewer, psychotic experiences at age 12, whereas children with higher 25(OH)D3 levels had fewer psychotic experiences in later life. It's well worth noting that the children with higher 25(OH)D3 got it from sun exposure, not supplements. Increasing amounts of evidence suggests that sun exposure simply cannot be adequately replaced by a vitamin D supplement – especially not the synthetic kind. Is Low Vitamin D the Culprit in Cavities? Lastly, the Vitamin D Council recently posted an article about vitamin D's impact on dental health in children. 15 Dr. John Cannell writes: "Severe early childhood caries (S-ECC), also known as bottle rot, is a syndrome characterized by severe decay in the teeth of infants or toddlers. S-ECC is commonly caused by a bacterial infection with Streptococcus mutans. Its prevalence is epidemic; in the US, the rate is highest in minorities, at times infecting over 70 percent of minority children. The disease process begins with the transmission of the bacteria to the child, usually from the mother...

Subsequent cavities and surgery is common." More than one study has investigated the potential link between vitamin D and cavities and found correlations between the two. Most recently, researchers at the University of Manitoba, Canada, found that children with S-ECC (severe early childhood caries) had significantly lower vitamin D levels than cavity-free children (20 ng/ml versus 25ng/ml) and were twice as likely to have levels below 30 ng/ml. 16 Dr. Cannell also points out that this link was discovered around 90 years ago, when Dr. May Mellanby showed vitamin D supplementation decreased cavities in the 1920's. "Unfortunately, her work was forgotten. In addition, early work showed sunbeds were more effective in preventing cavities than was D2," Dr. Cannell writes. "Even more interesting, children with S-ECC had much higher levels of parathyroid hormone (high PTH is a marker for severe vitamin D deficiency) than cavity free children had. In fact, their PTH was more than triple the normal children and eight times more likely to be elevated than cavity free children.

As the variation in PTH was greater than the variation in 25(OH)D, it made me think the obvious: that children all have different set points for vitamin D preventing carries. Thus, all children should have natural levels, around 50 ng/ml, to prevent S-ECC, a level where PTH is quite low, like the cavity free children had. This requires 1,000 IU/day/25 pounds of body weight, rounded up." Last year, William B. Grant also published a paper in the journal Dermato-Endocrinology discussing UVB exposure and vitamin D in reducing risk of dental caries. 17 In it, he writes: "Studies in the 1920s and 1930s noted that vitamin D and ultraviolet-B (UVB) irradiance reduced caries formation, the proposed mechanism being improved calcium absorption and metabolism. This paper reviews the history of studies of dental caries with respect to vitamin D, geographical location and available solar UVB doses... The mechanism whereby UVB reduces risk of dental caries is likely through production of vitamin D, followed by induction of cathelicidin and defensins, which have antimicrobial properties.

Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations at or above 30-40 ng/ml should significantly reduce the formation of dental caries. It is unfortunate that the UVB and vitamin D findings were not given more consideration in the 1950s as a way to reduce the risk of dental caries when water fluoridation was being proposed." Guidelines for Sun Exposure While sun exposure is your best source for vitamin D, it's important to understand that not all sun exposure will allow for vitamin D production. Sunlight is composed of about 1500 wavelengths, but the only wavelength that makes your body produce vitamin D are UVB-rays, when they hit exposed skin. The UVB-rays from the sun must pass through the atmosphere and reach where you are on the earth in order for this to take place. This obviously does not occur in the winter for many of us in the U.S., but the sun's rays are also impeded during a fair amount of the year for people living in temperate climates. Due to the physics and wavelength of UVB rays, they will only penetrate the atmosphere when the sun is above an angle of about 50° from the horizon.

When the sun is lower than 50°, the ozone layer reflects the UVB-rays but let through the longer UVA-rays. So how do you know if you have entered into the summer season and into the time of year, for your location, where enough UVB is actually able to penetrate the atmosphere to allow for vitamin D production in your skin? The first step is to determine the latitude and longitude of your location. You can easily do this on Google Earth, or if you are in the U.S. you can use the TravelMath Latitude Longitude Calculator to find your latitude and longitude. Once you have obtained that you can go to the U.S. Navy site to calculate a table to determine the times and days of the year that the sun is above 50 degrees from the horizon. Translated to the date and time of some places on the globe, it means for example: In my hometown of Chicago, the UVB rays are not potentially present until March 25, and by September 16th it is not possible to produce any vitamin D from the sun in Chicago. Please understand it is only theoretically possible to get UVB rays during those times.

If it happens to be cloudy or raining, the clouds will also block the UVB rays. For a more detailed understanding of this, please view the following video, and/or read through the corresponding article . Even Easier if You Have Apple System Alternatively, if you have an iPhone or iPad you can download a free app called "D Minder", which will make all the calculations for you. It was made by an Apple developer who was motivated to simplify the process after he watched the video above. From a health perspective, it doesn't make much sense to expose your skin to the sun when it is lower than 50 degrees above the horizon because you will not receive any valuable UVB rays, but you will expose yourself to the more dangerous and potentially deadly UVA rays. UVA's have a longer wavelength than UVB and can more easily penetrate the ozone layer and other obstacles (like clouds and pollution) on their way from the sun to the earth. UVA is what radically increases your risk of skin cancer and photoaging of your skin. So while it will give you a tan, unless the companion UVB rays are available you're likely doing more harm than good and should probably stay out of the sun to protect your skin.

During the times of the year when UVB rays are not present where you live you essentially have two options: You can use a tanning bed or oral vitamin D3. 0 Discover the comments that have the most impact on our readers. View this article’s most recent comments. Read your fellow readers’ comments arranged from oldest to newest. See what our top posters have to say about this article. Tanning Bed vs. Sun: Which is More Dangerous? All Articles Tanning Bed vs. Sun: Which is More Dangerous? Looking for a killer tan? Well, if you’re actively seeking an unnatural glow, with the use of a tanning bed or the help of the sun, you could be getting just that. According to the American Cancer Society , over 3.5 million people are diagnosed with non-melanoma skin cancer in the United States each year. This doesn’t include the 70,000 diagnosed cases of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. Skin cancer is most commonly caused by exposure to ultraviolet radiation from either tanning beds or natural sunlight. Even though we know that UV rays are the primary cause of skin related cancers, individuals still choose to expose themselves on a regular basis.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, 63% of teenagers believe they look better with a tan. They also report that 28% of female teens and 14% of male teens say they never use sunblock. With spring break and prom on the horizon, we want to shed some light to illuminate the dangers of tanning, both indoors and out. Tanning beds vs. sun. Which is healthier? Forgive us, but that’s a trick question. The answer is neither. The “healthy glow” from tanning is an indication of skin damage from ultraviolet rays. When our skin is damaged by UV rays, pigment called melanin causes our skin to change to a tan color. The healthiest of glows is your natural skin color. Outdoor Sun Tanning - Even though it’s natural, exposure to sunlight is still damaging to your skin. One bad sunburn can more than double an individual's chances of developing skin cancer. Avoid the sun midday when the rays are the strongest. Tanning Beds - Some tanning advocates insist that indoor tanning is a healthy source of vitamin D and is much better than outdoor tanning. This is simply not the case. Both indoor and outdoor tanning causes damage to our skin.

Tanning beds emit roughly 12 times more UVA light than natural sunlight. Side effects from tanning Increased risk of skin cancer Non-Melanoma - this refers to all forms of skin cancer that are not melanoma. The most common non-melanoma skin cancers are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Melanoma - Cancer of the skin that develops in the cells called melanocytes. These cells produce the pigment that gives our skin its color. This is the most deadly form of skin cancer. Premature skin aging Tanning & Sun Exposure | Health & Skin Issues for Teens Tanning & Sun Exposure Main content Tanning & Sun Exposure Some people think having a tan gives them a "healthy glow." But a tan really shows that the skin is trying to protect itself from sun damage. Sun damage can lead to premature aging (wrinkles!), eye damage, and skin cancer. Even "indoor tanning" is not without risk. Tanning beds and lamps can expose you to even more harmful ultraviolet (UV) light than the sun does. And tanning products such as "self-tanners,"sunless sprays, and pills can expose you to additional risks, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Before you try to get a tan, you should learn how and why our skin tans. Tanning Pills Sun Exposure When a type of radiation (ultraviolet [UV] radiation) is exposed to the skin, the skin responds by producing melanin. Melanin is a dark substance that helps prevent the body from taking in too many harmful sun-rays that can damage skin. The sun produces two kinds of rays, UVA and UVB. UVB rays are around all year and UVA rays are mostly present only during the summer. UVA rays are regarded as "safer" and they cause the skin to age, while UVB rays cause the skin to burn. However, both of these types of rays are harmful and dangerous in large quantities. Overexposure to the sun can cause sunburn and even skin cancer. In order to avoid these serious risks, many people choose to obtain a fake tan using some of the methods discussed below. Back to top Tanning Beds & Lamps A tanning bed is an artificial way to get a tan. A person lies down on a sunbed with lights over them. These lights produce UV radiation, most commonly UVA rays but sometimes UVB rays as well.

Sunbeds, just like the sun, can damage your skin. Overuse of sunbeds can lead to eye damage (especially if you do not wear goggles), skin cancer, as well as aging of the skin. Tanning beds and lamps are just as dangerous as actual sunlight and should be avoided. They are both dangerous and expensive. Back to top Sun Protection You can protect yourself from the harmful effects of the sun's rays by staying indoors, but most people like to be outdoors at least some of the time. To protect yourself from sun exposure, you should use sunscreen, wear a hat and sunglasses, and cover as much of your skin with protective clothing as you can. Sunscreen is an important part of your sun-protection routine. Sunscreens prevent some UV rays from reaching your skin. Sunscreens are labeled with an SPF (sun protection factor) number. In general, the higher the SPF number, the more protection the product provides against UV light. It is important to note that sunscreens can lose their effectiveness if they are not applied thoroughly and completely, washed off by swimming or perspiration, or rubbed off by contact with clothing. Remember to reapply sunscreen periodically. The suns rays are strongest between 10 a.m.

and 4 p.m. If possible, do not stay out in the sun for too long during these hours. If you are outside during this time, use a sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher. Back to top Sunless Spray & Self-tanners These products contain color additives that interact with the skin's chemistry, causing it to look darker. The only FDA-approved chemical for this use is dihydroxyacetone (DHA). The FDA has approved DHA only for external use, and recommends that users should take protective measures to avoid contact with eyes, nose, and mucous membranes. These products can come as creams, lotions, or sprays. You can purchase them at most drugstores. Check the ingredient list – DHA is the only chemical approved by the FDA. These products have barely any risks involved with using them. The only risks are allergic reactions or irritation, but they cannot lead to skin cancer like actual sun exposure can. These sunless tanners are not a substitute for sunscreen, so if you put them on and are going outside, you must use a sunscreen as well. Back to top Tanning Pills So-called "tanning pills" contain color additives that can have an effect on skin when ingested.

There are no tanning pills approved by the FDA, so they are not available in the United States. In fact, some health problems have been associated with the use of tanning pills, such as eye and kidney conditions. Most of these pills have the same pigment as carrots called canthaxanthin. Tanning and Sun Exposure Main content Tanning and Sun Exposure Some people think having a tan gives them a "healthy glow." But a tan really shows that the skin is trying to protect itself from sun damage. Sun damage can lead to premature aging (wrinkles!), eye damage and skin cancer. Even "indoor tanning" is not without risk. Tanning beds and lamps can expose you to even more harmful ultraviolet (UV) light than the sun does. And tanning products such as "self-tanners," sunless sprays and pills can expose you to additional risks, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Before you try to get a tan, you should learn how and why our skin tans. When a type of radiation (ultraviolet [UV] radiation) is exposed to the skin, the skin responds by producing melanin.

Melanin is a dark substance that helps prevent the body from taking in too many harmful sunrays that can damage skin. The sun produces two kinds of rays, UVA and UVB. UVA rays are regarded as “safer” though they cause the skin to age, while UVB rays cause the skin to burn. However, both of these types of rays are harmful and dangerous in large quantities. Overexposure to the sun can cause sunburn and even skin cancer. In order to avoid these serious risks, many people choose to obtain a fake tan using some of the methods discussed below. Tanning Beds and Lamps A tanning bed is an artificial way to get a tan. A person lies down on a tanning bed with lights over them. These lights produce UV radiation, most commonly UVA rays but sometimes UVB rays as well. Tanning beds, just like the sun, can damage your skin. Overuse of tanning beds can lead to eye damage (especially if you do not wear goggles), skin cancer, as well as aging of the skin. Tanning beds and lamps are just as dangerous as actual sunlight and should be avoided. They are both dangerous and expensive.

Sun Protection You can protect yourself from the harmful effects of the sun's rays by staying indoors, but most people like to be outdoors at least some of the time. To protect yourself from sun exposure, you should use sunscreen, wear a hat and sunglasses, and cover as much of your skin with protective clothing as you can. Sunscreen is an important part of your sun-protection routine. Sunscreens prevent some UV rays from reaching your skin. Sunscreens are labeled with an SPF (sun protection factor) number. In general, the higher the SPF number, the more protection the product provides against UV light. It is important to note that sunscreens can lose their effectiveness if they are not applied thoroughly and completely, washed off by swimming or perspiration, or rubbed off by contact with clothing. Remember to reapply sunscreen periodically. The suns rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If possible, do not stay out in the sun for too long during these hours. If you are outside during this time, use a sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher. Sunless Spray and Self-tanners These products contain color additives that interact with the skin's chemistry, causing it to look darker.

The only FDA-approved chemical for this use is dihydroxyacetone (DHA). The FDA has approved DHA only for external use, and recommends that users should take protective measures to avoid contact with eyes, nose and mucous membranes. These products can come as creams, lotions or sprays. You can purchase them at most drugstores. Check the ingredient list -- DHA is the only chemical approved by the FDA. These products have barely any risks involved with using them. The only risks are allergic reactions or irritation, but they cannot lead to skin cancer like actual sun exposure can. These sunless tanners are not a substitute for sunscreen, so if you put them on and are going outside, you must use a sunscreen as well. Have A Question About Your Skin? Melanin – The Body’s Natural Tanning Aide | Tips For Tanning Melanin – The Body’s Natural Tanning Aide March 26, 2014 Artem 2 Comments Having the knowledge regarding how tanning works and how the skin becomes tanned can influence the way many people darken their skin. A lot of people have little or no understanding of the tanning process and repeatedly make the incorrect choices when trying to gain a golden tan.

Melanin in the skin plays a huge role in the tanning process and it is important to understand the full scope of this process to make correct decisions. To fully understand melanin you must understand UV ( Ultraviolet ) rays and the effects of overexposure to the sun ’s rays. Gaining knowledge of these facts can help you keep your skin healthy while maintaining a beautiful tan . What Is Melanin? Melanin is a substance that is naturally produced by the body giving eyes, skin, hair etc. its color. People who have a darker skin complexion have higher amounts of melanin present in their bodies whereas people with a lower amount of melanin have fair skin and hair. Melanin can provide many great benefits with the most recognized being in relation to contact with the sun . The body produces the melanin as a natural protection against the sun ’s harmful ultraviolet rays, but it doesn’t provide complete and full protection. It is widely believed that people with dark skin and a high presence of melanin don’t have to be wary of the sun’s rays but in fact they are as much at risk as people with light skin.

It is true that people with a higher melanin content can tolerate the sun for longer but they are still able to become sunburn. Melanin is essential in gaining a tan as it is this pigment that reacts with ultraviolet rays to produce a darker skin tone. UV Rays The first stage of the tanning process takes place when exposed skin is in contact with ultraviolet rays from the sun. There are two types of rays called UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays do not go deep into the skin and consist of a much longer wavelength than UVB rays which dive right into the depths of the skin. These UVB rays, once they are deep in the skin, begin a process which leads to the production of melanin. There are literally hundreds of different types of tanning beds available these days and most use different types of tanning lamps, all producing different results and causing different problems. Every tanning lamp produces different levels of ultraviolet rays and has different strength settings producing weaker or stronger tanning. The tanning lamps which produce a much higher output of ultraviolet rays provide the skin with a much healthier chance of claiming a nice golden tan without a high probability of sunburn.

The process is seen when the melanin is released by the skin and produces a darker skin color. Once the melanin has been released it becomes unnecessary to continue trying to capture the ultraviolet rays as the tanning process in already in action. The UVB rays in great numbers can lead to a higher risk of sunburn instead of a nice tan. The Role of Melanin Essentially melanin is a naturally occurring pigment and is the body’s first line of defense against receiving a sunburn. When the ultraviolet rays from the sun or tanning lamp come into contact with the exposed skin, a reaction takes place inside your body where melanocytes work to produce melanin into the skin. The reason this takes place is so that the melanin can work to help protect your skin from contacting too much ultraviolet light, which can cause harm and sunburn. The melanin works by creating a reaction with the ultraviolet rays that are still contacting the exposed skin. This reaction takes place on the surface of your skin and as the ultraviolet rays come into contact with the melanin, the melanin reacts with the rays causing it to turn a darker shade and producing what is known as a tan.

The melanin works very hard to stop overexposure to the ultraviolet rays but the body is only capable of creating a limited amount of melanin and sunburn can be caused once the melanin has all been absorbed. The ultraviolet rays that continue to contact your skin after the melanin has run out will instead become absorbed by skin cells and lead to skin problems. If the body didn’t produce melanin, it would be helpless in protecting itself against the ultraviolet rays that the skin comes in contact with. The melanin is essential to protect our bodies and prevent the sun or other sources of ultraviolet light causing sunburn and skin disease. Melanin Reproduction Rate The melanin produced by your body has a limit and it is essential to know this limit to prevent sunburn. Once the melanin has been used to protect against the ultraviolet rays the body will immediately start to try and produce more to continue protecting itself. The reproduction of melanin isn’t instant and can take up to two full days before it is complete and ready to face the ultraviolet rays again. It is strongly advised not to try and gain a tan while the melanin is reproducing as this can be very dangerous and lead to severe skin conditions.

If you decided to gain a tan one day and then the next day went out in the warm sun to try and gain a darker tan, the melanin will only have had a chance to replenish itself by fifty per cent meaning you will not gain full protection from the sun or turn a darker color as melanin is what causes the skin to darken. Trying to tan too often is a recipe for disaster. The most advisable and healthy way to gain a great tan is to allow time for the body to fully replenish the melanin before exposing yourself to another batch of ultraviolet rays. As you get older the skin slowly loses its ability to tan and especially by too much tanning. By tanning too much it could lead to the body becoming unable to produce necessary levels of melanin and could lead to a disastrous loop. By constantly tanning and not allowing the melanin to fully reproduce you could be causing long term damage to your body. It is a very bad habit that many people suffer from and by not allowing their melanin levels to replenish to one hundred per cent people could expose themselves to a range of skin diseases.

Many people believe that their melanin doesn’t need to be fully replenished before taking to tanning again but this can lead to the body believing that the melanin levels are already at one hundred per cent and only producing fifty to sixty per cent of the melanin levels consistently, even with the correct period left between tannings. Melanin As A Natural Sunscreen Many people present a case that melanin can be relied upon instead of sunscreen bought from the shops to produce a tan. It is certainly possible to do so but you must be wise if doing so. The reason so many people use sunscreen is so that can enjoy prolonged periods in the sun without the need to worry about melanin levels or getting sunburn. The ultraviolet UVB rays are known to contain a great source of Vitamin D and by not using sunscreen and allowing the rays to react with the melanin produced by your body you can increase your intake of this vital vitamin. There are ways to try and increase the natural production of melanin by using chemicals such as Tyrosine and Psoralen. Tyrosine is an amino-acid that is used by the body in the production of melanin.

It is present in many products available in the shops and by applying it to your skin it may help the body’s natural production of melanin. Psoralen on the other hand makes the skin more sensitive to the ultraviolet rays produced by the sun but is dangerous to use in order to gain a darker tan. All in all the best way to help your body produce melanin is to tan regularly and steadily. The trick is not to overdo the tanning but tan every few days, give the melanin time to replenish and tan again. By doing this you will build up a healthy level of melanin in your body and be protected from the sun’s ultraviolet rays while maintaining a beautiful and healthy tan. You can obviously use tanning beds to keep up the routine of tanning as long as you don’t overuse them. Enjoying a tan can help a person’s self-confidence and give them a boost so the process of tanning shouldn’t be all about worrying if you are producing enough melanin or if you might get burnt. By being sensible with your tanning you will maintain healthy skin and good levels of melanin.

Melanin And Tanning Beds It is generally agreed that tanning beds are safer than exposing yourself to the ultraviolet rays of the sun. Tanning lamps omit a significantly less amount of harmful rays than exposure to the sun does. The power to control the amount of ultraviolet rays and the amount of time you are exposing yourself to them can make tanning beds a very safe way to get a tan as long as they are used responsibly. In order for your body to receive the necessary Vitamin D quantitates it needs, using a tanning bed regularly can be a great solution. Some people have even claimed that receiving ultraviolet rays in your skin is the only way to gain your daily Vitamin D needs. This is slightly untrue, however, tanning beds are certainly a good way to go about getting them. Although these claims put tanning beds in a great light you should be aware of the danger of using them also and take caution. The ultraviolet rays produced by the manufactured lamps in tanning salons can penetrate the skin very deeply as they are concentrated on one spot for a prolonged length of time. This can lead to long term effects such as leathery skin or premature wrinkles.

Another bad side effect of the incorrect use of tanning salons is when people use them too often the melanin in their body ceases to reproduce quick enough leading to the potential for burning or tissue damage. Ultimately this can all lead to cancer. Top Tips To Protect Melanin When Tanning Rotate your body often when lying in the sun to ensure you get an even tan on the front and back and neither is exposed for a prolonged period If you regularly tan in ultraviolet rays be sure to see your doctor at least once a year to ensure there are no underlying skin problems Dehydrated skin burns much easier than hydrated skin so keep drinking water and always have some close to hand When you are higher up, in the mountains or a city that is high above seas level, you are at more risk of getting burned and should wear protective clothing.

The same is true if you are close to the equator Ultraviolet rays are not only omitted from the sun during the summer months, even if it is winter you are still at risk of reducing your melanin count if you are not responsible When you are in the water the ultraviolet rays are reflected onto your body so remember to reapply sun cream after going for a swim The sun is at its hottest during the day between 11am and 2pm so if you are tanning during this time bear in mind that your melanin is working overtime If you don’t like the idea of using a tanning bed or lying in the sun all day there are plenty of self- tan lotions and sprays available in the stores which can offer an excellent tan without any exposure Remember that you can gain Vitamin D from other sources than the sun’s ultraviolet rays so don’t solely rely on the sun for your intake Sun Exposure, Skin Cancer, and Other Sun Damage Discolored areas of the skin, called mottled pigmentation Sallowness -- a yellow discoloration of the skin Telangiectasias -- the dilation of small blood vessels under the skin Elastosis -- the destruction of the elastic and collagen tissue (causing lines, wrinkles and

 sagging skin) What Causes Skin Cancer?

Skin cancer is the most prevalent form of all cancers in the U.S. and the number of cases continues to rise. It is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal skin cells. This rapid growth results in tumors, which are either benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous). There are three main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. Basal cell and squamous cell cancers are less serious types and make up 95% of all skin cancers. Also referred to as non-melanoma skin cancers, they are highly curable when treated early. Melanoma, made up of abnormal skin pigment cells called melanocytes, is the most serious form of skin cancer and causes 75% of all skin cancer deaths. Left untreated, it can spread to other organs and is difficult to control. Continued Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is the number-one cause of skin cancer, but UV light from tanning beds is just as harmful. Exposure to sunlight during the winter months puts you at the same risk as exposure during the summertime, because UVA rays are present in daylight.

Cumulative sun exposure causes mainly basal cell and squamous cell skin cancer, while episodes of severe sunburns, usually before age 18, can raise the risk of developing melanoma. Other less common causes are repeated X-ray exposure and occupational exposure to certain chemicals. Who Is at Risk for Skin Cancer? Although anyone can get skin cancer, the risk is greatest for people who have fair or freckled skin that burns easily, light eyes and blond or red hair. Darker skinned individuals are also susceptible to all types of skin cancer, although their risk is substantially lower. Aside from complexion, other risk factors include having a family history or personal history of skin cancer, having an outdoor job and living in a sunny climate. A history of severe sunburns and an abundance (greater than 30) of large and irregularly-shaped moles are risk factors unique to melanoma. What Are the Symptoms of Skin Cancer? The most common warning sign of skin cancer is a change on the skin, typically a new mole or skin lesion or a change in an existing mole.

Basal cell carcinoma may appear as a small, smooth, pearly or waxy bump on the face, ears or neck, or as a flat pink, red or brown lesion on the trunk or arms and legs. Squamous cell carcinoma can appear as a firm, red nodule, or as a rough, scaly flat lesion that may bleed and become crusty. Both basal cell and squamous cell cancers mainly occur on areas of the skin frequently exposed to the sun, but can occur anywhere. Melanoma usually appears as a pigmented patch or bump but can also be red or white. It may resemble a normal mole, but usually has a more irregular appearance. When looking for melanoma, think of the ABCDE rule that tells you the signs to watch for: Asymmetry - the shape of one half doesn't match the other Border - edges are ragged or blurred Color - uneven shades of brown, black, tan, red, white or blue Diameter - A significant change in size (greater than 6mm), although any mole that is getting larger should be brought to the attention of your dermatologist; many melanomas are being diagnosed at much smaller diameters.

Evolving - any new spot or mole that is changing in color, shape or size Continued How is Skin Cancer Diagnosed? Skin cancer is usually diagnosed by performing a biopsy. This involves taking a sample of the tissue, which is then placed under a microscope and examined by a dermatopathologist, or doctor who specializes in examining skin tissue. How is Skin Cancer Treated? Treatment of skin cancer is individualized and is determined by the type of skin cancer, its size and location, and the patient's preference.

Standard treatments for non-melanoma skin cancer (basal cell or squamous cell carcinomas) include: Primary Excision - excision of the skin cancer under local anesthesia with a margin of normal tissue Mohs surgery (for high-risk skin cancers or skin cancers in high-risk areas) – excision of cancer with immediate microscopic examination to ensure clear margins and to ensure complete removal of the cancer Electrodesiccation and curettage – physically scraping away the skin cancer cells, followed by electrosurgery Cryosurgery or freezing Standard treatments for melanoma skin cancer include: Wide surgical excision Sentinel lymph node mapping (for deeper lesions) to determine if the melanoma has spread to local lymph nodes Drugs (chemotherapy, biological response modifiers) for widespread metastatic disease Radiation therapy for local control of advanced melanoma in areas such as the brain New methods in clinical trials Continued How Can I Help Prevent Skin Cancer? Nothing can completely undo sun damage, although the skin can somewhat repair itself, especially with on-going sun protection. So, it's never too late to begin protecting yourself from the sun. Your skin does change with age -- for example, you sweat less and your skin can take longer to heal, but you can delay these changes by staying out of the sun.

Follow these tips to help prevent skin cancer: Apply sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or greater (for UVB protection) and zinc oxide (for UVA protection) 20 minutes before sun exposure and every 2 hours thereafter, more if you are sweating or swimming. Select clothing, cosmetic products, and contact lenses that offer UV protection. Wear sunglasses with total UV protection and a wide-brimmed hat to shade your face and neck. Avoid direct sun exposure as much as possible during peak UV radiation hours (between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.). Perform skin self-exams regularly (at least monthly) to become familiar with existing growths and to notice any changes or new growths. Eighty percent of a person's lifetime sun exposure is acquired before age 18. As a parent, be a good role model and foster skin cancer prevention habits in your child. WebMD Medical Reference Reviewed by Stephanie S.

Gardner, MD on July 27, 2015 Sources UV Rays - Care in the Sun UV Rays First Aid Health Effects Guidelines on Sunlight exposure: risks and benefits were published in February 2016 by The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). The guidelines are available at https:// On the Bright Side - Sunlight & Vitamin D Exposure to sunlight allows our bodies to produce Vitamin D. For most white skinned people, up to 10-15 minutes exposure of face, forearms and hands to our Northern Ireland sunlight is enough to maintain vitamin D levels. (The closer to the equator fair skinned people go, the shorter the exposure time required). However people with dark or heavily pigmented skins, living in northern latitudes may benefit from more moderate sun exposure to ensure maintenance of adequate vitamin D levels. Prolonged exposure to UV radiation is bad for all skin types. Skin Damage Short term effects: Skin exposed to UV radiation can develop freckles and rashes. Short-term excessive exposure to UV radiation causes sunburn – reddening, pain and in severe cases blistering and even second degree burns.

Long term effects: Over time UV radiation exposure, whether or not associated with sunburn, accelerates skin ageing making it look dry, wrinkled, loose and dull and causing pigment changes commonly known as ‘age spots’. It can also cause changes in the skin cells, which may lead to skin cancer. Tanning, moles and freckles – how the skin defends itself The skin is the body’s outer protective cover. It is made up of 3 layers – epidermis, dermis and fat. The most superficial layer is called the epidermis. The skin defends itself from UV radiation through thickening of the outer epidermis – keratin layer. The living cells produced by the lower levels of the epidermis are slowly pushed to the surface. Cells, when they reach the surface, have become harder and drier and contain keratin – a substance which helps protect us from heat and cold. The epidermis also contains specialist cells called melanocytes. These produce the dark skin pigment melanin, which gives our skin some protection from burning. This production of melanin in response to trauma from UV radiation appears as a ‘tan’.

Now we can understand the origins of the word ‘tan’ – thickened and darkened skin - leather like. A 'suntan' indicates sun damage. Moles Moles occur where melanocytes clump together. They are usually oval or round pigmented spots, with a smooth border and regular colour. They may be hard or raised and clump together. 20 – 40 are the average number of moles for an adult. Most appear around puberty, in later life many may disappear. Freckles Freckles are flat and usually occur on sun exposed areas. Moles and freckles are very common in fair skinned people

Question: Which rays produce sun tan
Answer: Ultraviolet