Tanning harmful effects
Tanning: an acquired darkening of the skin in response to ultraviolet radiation o A tan is visible proof that your skin is being damaged o Most Americans, including up to 80% of people under age 25, think they look better when they have a tan o Changes in attitudes towards darkness of skin from 19th – 20th century o Coco Chanel: tan=wealth, fashion How does tanning affect the skin? o Skin is the largest organ of the body o Types of UV (ultraviolet radiation): § UVA- penetrates to lower layers (dermis)- causes tanning § UVB- burns upper layers (epidermis)- causing sunburns § UVC- absorbed by earth’s atmosphere before it reaches you o What do this radiation actually do to the skin? § UVA- are considered to age the skin; research suggests it may play some role in skin cancer § UVB- more often linked to skin cancer o Process of tanning § UV rays hit the skin and melanocytes are stimulated- brown pigment, Melanin is synthesized § Melanocytes respond by making more melanin to protect your skin § Melanin = an umbrella for skin’s cells; gives brown color o Differences among people’s amount of melanin § North European background vs. § African § Differing levels of susceptibility to problems o Dermatologist’s skin types o Type 1-2: § Fair skin § Blonde or red hair § Always burn in the sun: o Type 3-4: § Sometimes burns § Darker skin tones § Tans fairly easily o Type 5-6: § Black skin § Usually does not sunburn § Have more natural protection against the sun- but should still take precautions Long-Term effects of the sun: o Melanin only protects to an extent o Damage manifests as: Ø Wrinkles Ø Brown age spots Ø Blotchiness Ø Leathery, sagging skin that looks old!