Skin is a vital organ in the body. It provides a protective barrier and is its largest organ. This essential organ needs to be cared for from early childhood. A common belief is that a tan provides some sun protection, but any tan is a form of skin damage. Damage occurs when the skin is exposed to ultraviolet rays from the sun or a tanning machine. The appearance of a tan is the skin's response to this damage. The best way to limit the damage is to reduce exposure and prevent sunburn, if possible. Ultraviolet (UV) rays not only damage the skin but can also create vision problems, allergic reactions, depressed immune systems, and skin aging.
UV rays from the sun or tanning machines cause tanning and burning of the skin. Although these rays cannot be seen or felt, they penetrate the skin and stimulate cells containing a brownish pigment called melanin. This melanin rises to the skin’s surface to provide some protection against sunburn. It tries to absorb and scatter the ultraviolet rays. This melanin gives a tanned look, which can damage the skin. For people who are naturally darker skinned, the melanin in their skin provides them with some protection against sunburn.
Individuals with fair skin, such as redheads, blondes, and those with blue or light green eyes, are particularly vulnerable to sunburn due to their lower melanin levels. This vulnerability underscores the importance of sun protection for these individuals. In contrast, darker skin tones offer more protection from UV rays, thanks to higher melanin levels. However, it is crucial to understand that even those with darker skin can still experience sunburn and skin damage.
UV rays exist in three different wavelengths:
- UVC
- UVA
- UVB
UVC is filtered out by the ozone layer, not reaching the Earth. UVA rays have longer wavelengths that penetrate the skin more deeply, thus stimulating tanning. UVA rays are linked to wrinkling, premature skin aging, loss of skin elasticity, cataracts and other eye problems, skin rashes, and allergic or other drug reactions. UVB causes the red associated with sunburn and premature aging of the skin. Both UVA and UVB cause skin damage and DNA damage and can lead to various types of skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.
Today’s tanning machines primarily emit UVA, which was thought to produce a tan without causing sunburn. However, UV rays from tanning machines may be 10 to 15 times higher than the sun's intensity at its peak intensity. Thus, it increases the risk of skin damage and skin cancer. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, out of 63 women diagnosed with melanoma before age 30, 61 of them—97%—used tanning beds. In 2009, the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer classified UV radiation from tanning machines and the sun as carcinogenic to humans.
Because skin damage from UV rays is cumulative and irreversible, it is crucial to start protecting your skin from an early age. This fact underscores the urgency of sun protection. Once the damage has been done, it cannot be reversed. This underscores the importance of taking proactive measures to prevent skin damage, such as avoiding tanning machines and using skin protection such as sunscreens, protective clothing, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses.
Cancer
Skin cancer is linked with exposure to UV rays from the sun or a tanning machine. One in five Americans will develop skin cancer during their lifetime. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. It is estimated that 9,500 people in the United States are diagnosed with skin cancer every day. Three major types of skin cancer exist: basal, squamous, and melanoma. About 90 percent of basal and squamous cancers are associated with long-term exposure to UV rays and usually develop on sun-exposed areas of the skin, such as the head, arms, and legs. Basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma are highly treatable if detected early and treated properly.
Many deaths from skin cancer are from melanoma; it is estimated that 20 Americans die from melanoma every day. Melanoma is characterized by a mole that changes shape or color, or dark black, or brown patches on the skin. Fair-skinned people who have been exposed to UV light over long periods of time are more at risk for melanoma. Using tanning machines and having several bad sunburns creates a higher risk factor. Do monthly skin exams to check for any abnormal growths or changes in skin or moles. If changes or growths appear, make an appointment with your doctor. Early detection and treatment are important and increase the survival rate. Use of sunscreen daily can reduce the risk of melanoma.
Premature Aging of Skin
Up to 90 percent of the changes in the skin attributed to aging are due to repeated exposure to UV rays. Repeated exposure damages the elasticity of the skin, causing it to sag, wrinkle, and become leathery in appearance. Repeated exposure to UV rays will increase the effect of the rays, as the exposure is irreversible. Brown patches or spots are another sign of damage, along with skin having a yellow or grayish hue. Daily sunscreen use reduces premature aging of the skin.
Allergic Reactions
Certain products, medicines, or drugs may increase sensitivity to UV light, thus increasing the risk of severe burns or skin eruptions. Check labels and ask your pharmacist about possible concerns with UV light exposure.
Sun-sensitive individuals may need to take additional precautions. Check with your health care professional if you are concerned about exposure to UV light or have an unusual reaction to exposure.
Eye Damage
Exposure to UV rays increases the risk of eye damage, including cataracts. Exposure to UV rays from the sun or tanning machines is linked to an increased risk of macular degeneration, ocular melanomas, corneal sunburns, and growths on the surface of the eye. Five percent to ten percent of all skin cancers occur on the eyelids. Wearing sunglasses can reduce exposure. Choose sunglasses that offer 99 to 100 percent UV protection from UVA and UVB.
Additional Resources
- American Academy of Dermatology, Skin cancer statistics.
(aad.org/media/stats-skin-cancer) - American Cancer Society, Skin cancer.
(cancer.org/cancer/types/skin-cancer) - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Health effects of UV radiation.
(epa.gov/sunsafety/health-effects-uv-radiation#aging)
Originally written February 18, 2016, by Pat Brinkman, Assistant Professor and Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, The Ohio State University.