Danger:
Sunburn
Sunlight is good for you: it allows your skin to make Vit D necessary for healthy bones. An excess however is dangerous. There is no such thing as a “healthy tan”.
Ultraviolet light has three wavelengths, that affect our skin, UVA, UVB and UVC. UVB is responsible for the tan and thesunburns which damage our skin. It is probably responsible for superficial basal cell carcinomas, which are generally easily removed, but also for melanomas, a deadly cancer which invades and kills unless discovered early. We have experienced an epidemic of melanomas, probably due to a combination of blistering sunburns in childhood and the loss of the ozone layer, allowing more UVB light to reach the earth. UVA light penetrates deeper into our skin and degrades elastic fiber and collagen that keep the skin smooth and firm. Prolonged exposure to achieve a deep tan will cause the skin to look leathery and wrinkled. People will look much older than their chronological age.You have probably all seen those intrepid sun worshippers on a beach or roof top lying spreadeagled on a sun reflecting sheet. No amount of Retin-A cream will reverse this damage:
Sunscreens help protect the skin, the higher the SPF rating the more effective (and expensive). However they will only work if applied at least a half hour before sun exposure and only if applied in liberal amounts (about one ounce for an average size adult in a bathing suit). These sunscreen protect against UVB exposure and may keep you from burning, but are generally not as effective against UVA rays. Only some sunscreens provide complete UVA coverage. Look for products containing avobenzone (PreSun, Ombrelle...), titanium dioxide (PreSun Sensitive...) or zinc oxide (Z-Cote...). Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, usually opaque white, now come in a micronized formula which makes them transparent.
Kids usually don’t complain about too much sun, since they spend much of their time in the water which keeps them cool. But parents should make sure that they are well protected with sunscreens, that do not contain PABA since it can be poisonous to children, and, when out of the water, by light clothing, hats and a shady place to rest. Also, do not use sunscreen on children under a year old; baby skin soaks up chemicals in sunscreen quickly.
For information on a safe sunless tan visit sunless.com
H. Breder, MD
