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We all know tanning can cause skin ageing and skin cancer. Although it is important to avoid excessive UV radiation, sunlight positively affects the body’s resilience, and synthesis of vitamin D. Sunlight also boosts our mood by raising endorphin levels. Pay attention to how much you spend in the sun and protect yourself. Three types of UV radiation are classified according to their wavelength: UVA, UVB, and UVC. The ozone layer protects us from UVC radiation. Medium-wavelength UVB is filtered by the atmosphere – although a small percentage does reach the Earth’s surface. Long-wave UVA radiation is not absorbed by the ozone layer. UVA radiation intensity does not depend on the season or time of day; UVA can penetrate windows. UVB rays are most intense at midday and closer to the equator, where the path through the ozone layer is the shortest. That is why maintaining the ozone layer is so important.
Three types of UV radiation from the sun are classified according to their wavelength: UVA, UVB, and UVC. The ozone layer protects us from UVC radiation. Medium-wavelength UVB is biologically active and responsible for delayed tanning and burning. It cannot penetrate beyond the superficial skin layers. Most solar UVB is filtered by the atmosphere – although a small percentage does reach the Earth’s surface. Long-wave UVA radiation is not absorbed by the ozone layer. UVA can penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin and is responsible for the immediate tanning effect. UVA radiation intensity does not depend on the season or time of day. UVA can penetrate windows and cloud cover. UVB rays are most intense at midday and closer to the equator, where the path through the ozone layer is the shortest. That is why maintaining the ozone layer is so important.
With sun protection, the first thing we think about is UVB protection. UVB radiation causes direct DNA damage to cells, weakens the immune system and triggers inflammation. Skin`s most crucial task is to protect us. In the case of excessive UV radiation, a massive amount of energy is spent on fighting the damage. Our skin produces melanin to resist UV radiation. Melanin’s dark tone absorbs UVB radiation. Melanin also acts as an antioxidant. Antioxidants neutralize the free radicals produced by UV radiation. The human body also has various other defence mechanisms. Enzymes continuously repair DNA damage, and the epidermis may become thicker over time to provide better protection. UVB radiation levels depend on the time of day and seasons. Excessive exposure may overstress the skin’s protective functions, increasing the risks of mutation and skin cancer.
We must not forget UVA. Long-wave UVA radiation reaches deeper into the dermis. Its DNA damage is not as direct as in the case of UVB. However, the absorption of UVA in the dermis produces reactive compounds that damage collagen and elastin, the proteins that make the skin firm. Several studies have confirmed a strong connection between UVA and highly dangerous melanoma.
Damage from free radicals is not perceived immediately. Sunbeds, sunlamps and tanning booths use the same harmful UVA radiation as sunlight. Using such indoor tanning devices in your 20s will be evident in your 30s in the form of saggy skin. Chemical self-tanning lotions intensify harmful free radicals; we recommend avoiding these completely.
SPF stands for “Sun Protection Factor”. It is a system that indicates how much protection your skin gets from UVB radiation. Note that SPF is not related at all to UVA radiation. There are generally two ways that SPF lotions provide UV protection: the chemicals absorb UV radiation or reflect it from the skin. The tests to calculate the SPF level of a particular product involve applying 2 mg of cream to a square centimeter of skin: in other words, about 40 g of cream per human body. In reality, hardly anybody ever uses this much lotion. To determine a safe time period for sunbathing, you should consider the UVB’s intensity (also the sun’s elevation), the amount of cream you’ve applied, and your skin type. If the bottle reads SPF15, you might think it extends the sunbathing time without sunburn by 15 times. In reality, the given number should be divided by about three.
Melanin gives skin its pigment. It is produced in cells called melanocytes, located between the epidermis and dermis. On a molecular level, tanning increases the skin’s production of melanin to absorb harmful UV radiation and neutralizes free radicals, making the skin darker. The immediate darkening of the skin right after exposure is due to the melanin we already have in our skin reacting to UV radiation. Then, new melanin is formed 2-3 days after exposure to the sun (called delayed tanning). Remember that our skin requires UVB exposure to produce melanin for protection. Large doses of UVA can produce pigment spots that begin to appear in your 40s. Avoiding overexposure is the only way to prevent them.
Studies have shown that retinyl palmitate – a form of vitamin A – damages the skin by releasing free radicals after exposure to UV radiation and potentially increases the risk of cancer. We recommend avoiding products with this ingredient. Other ingredients to avoid include oxybenzone, parabens, and fragrances. They can all harm the skin when exposed to UV radiation by releasing free radicals that cause cell damage, encouraging hormonal changes, or causing allergic reactions. Both mineral radiation blockers and chemical blockers can affect aquatic life badly. Chemicals can also be toxic to sea phytoplankton, crustaceans, seaweed, and fish.
Some natural oils can provide a natural SPF. Remember that SPF is not constant in oils and that they generally only give protection against UVB. However, raspberry seed oil provides UVB and UVA protection and is as efficient as titanium dioxide.
