Tanning

- What is Sun Tanning?

Sun tanning describes the act of exposing the skin to ultraviolet radiation for the purpose of darkening skin colour. Tanning is a natural process, whereby the skin creates the brown-colored pigment called melanin to protect it against the harmful UV rays.

- What is the mechanism involved in Tanning?

Firstly, the UVA-radiation generates oxidative stress, which in turn oxidises pre-existing melanin. This leads to rapid darkening of already existing melanin. Secondly, there is an increased production of melanin from UVB exposure leading to delayed tanning. It first becomes visible about 72 hours after exposure. Depending on a person’s genetic profile, some people can darken quickly and deeply whereas others do not darken much at all.

The ultraviolet frequencies responsible for tanning are often divided into the UVA and UVB ranges.

UVB
Ultraviolet B radiation in the wavelength range 280 to 320 nm is more likely to cause sunburn than UVA as a result of overexposure.
UVA
Ultraviolet A radiation in the wavelength range 320 to 400 nm seems to cause cancer less than UVB, but causes melanoma.

How can one avoid the complications of tanning?
Sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection features, which is hypoallergenic and non comedogenic, needs to be applied thickly enough to make a difference.
Research has shown that the best protection is achieved by application 15 to 30 minutes before exposure, followed by one reapplication 15 to 30 minutes after the sun exposure begins. Further reapplication is only necessary after activities such as swimming, sweating, and rubbing.
At a higher altitude and near the equator, the sun rays are the strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Wear a hat with a brim and anti-UV sunglasses, which can provide almost 100% protection against ultraviolet radiation entering the eyes.
Be aware that reflective surfaces like snow and water can greatly increase the amount of UV radiation to which the skin is exposed.

Although studies in humans remain untested, caffeine and caffeine sodium benzoate may be novel inhibitors of skin cancer.