Are you considering getting a tan to cover up your winter-caused pallor this summer? Although tanning has several adverse side effects, most are skin-related. Even though the sun’s rays give us vitamin D, too much sun exposure can be dangerous because UV rays hit the skin directly. And so, you may think artificial tanning is your best bet.
But did you know that using tanning beds and lamps to tan artificially exposes you to even more UV rays than the sun does? Because of this, natural or artificial tanning can seriously damage your skin. Continue reading to learn the harmful effects of tanning on your body.
How tanning affects your skin?
UV rays target your skin cells, and your body reacts by trying to protect itself. Melanocytes, a type of cells with a darker pigment, are delivered to the surface of our skin to block radiation and stop further harm to the skin and internal organs. More pigments are sent to the surface as UV radiation exposure increases. Our skin darkens further as these pigments accumulate. People with lighter skin find it more challenging to produce these pigments, and the pigments they do have are not as effective as those made by those with darker skin.
- Pigmentation
When exposed to UV radiation, your skin produces melanin to protect itself from sun damage—the ensuing chemical reaction results in pigmentation, which darkens and tans your skin. Continuous sun exposure kills your skin’s cells and results in hyperpigmentation, a condition typically manifests as dark spots on your body.
- Sunburn
One of the most obvious drawbacks of tanning is this. The epidermal skin cells on your body suffer damage when exposed to UV rays. Your immune system reacts by increasing blood flow to the affected areas. The skin turns red and swells due to the increased blood flow, which gives off a burning sensation. Erythema is another name for sunburn, which eventually leads to the skin itching and even peeling off.
- Skin cancer
Skin conditions such as skin cancer can be brought on by UVA and UVB rays. Free radicals form and quickly grow in number when the skin is inflamed. They prevent collagen from being produced and change the DNA of your skin cells, which results in abnormal or even cancerous skin growth.
- Premature aging
Unprotected exposure to UV rays causes the collagen and elastin fibers that keep your skin healthy to break down. Your skin begins to lose its elasticity as the collagen and elastin fibers degrade. Due to a decrease in the skin’s ability to produce essential proteins, fine lines, wrinkles, loosened folds, and other premature aging symptoms result.
- Solar keratosis
This pre-cancerous skin growth is highly concerning because cancer almost always results from it. Long-term sun exposure is the primary cause of actinic keratosis, an early stage of skin cancer. It appears as rough, raised textures or scaly bumps in areas that have been sunburned or tanned.