Craving for a sun-soaked appearance is a sentiment shared by many adults and teenagers alike. According to a survey by the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), out of 7,100 respondents, 80 percent voiced concerns about skin cancer, yet 72 percent admitted to finding a tanned look more appealing. Young teens correlated tanning with attractiveness due to its "healthy" appearance. However, less than half of all teenagers wear sunscreen, reports the Skin Cancer Foundation, indicating that teenagers are more susceptible to skin cancer due to their rapidly dividing and evolving cells.
Tragically, every hour, an American succumbs to melanoma, and over 3.5 million skin cancer diagnoses are made annually in the United States, according to the American Melanoma Foundation (AMF). The lack of sun safety awareness has exposed people to the risk of harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation, a key factor in skin cancer development. High UV levels trigger the pituitary gland to produce melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH), which in turn initiates melanin production, the pigment responsible for skin color and sun protection.
Brown University researchers discovered that melanin production begins just hours after UV radiation exposure, contrary to the previous belief that it took days. "The moment you step into the sun, your skin recognizes the UV radiation exposure," stated Elena Oancea, the study's senior author and assistant professor of biology in Brown University's Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Physiology, and Biotechnology. While melanin shields skin cell DNA from UVB ray damage, it doesn't eliminate the need for sunscreen.
Excessive sun exposure can lead to physical changes in your skin, including wrinkles, freckles, age spots, and changes in texture.
To prevent these effects and achieve a safe, sun-induced tan, adhere to these four tips for a vibrant summer glow.
1. Optimize Your Tan by Exfoliating Your Skin
For a remarkable outdoor tan, ensure to exfoliate before basking in the sun. Exfoliation involves eliminating dead skin cells from the skin's top layer, paving the way for a fresh layer. This process can balance your skin tone, eradicate dirt and oil that block pores, and even avert acne, according to Discovery.com. Economical physical scrubs like sugar, oatmeal, or salt, combined with a loofah pad or exfoliating glove, can effectively remove dead skin cells. By reducing dead skin cell accumulation, your skin layer becomes shallower, thereby prolonging your tan. Furthermore, the elimination of dead skin allows for a more effortless tanning process, resulting in a tan that emerges and fades uniformly.
2. Apply Sunscreen While Tanning
Despite widespread misconceptions, tanning with sunscreen is not only possible but also more beneficial. The sun protection factor (SPF) prolongs the duration you can spend under the sun without incurring additional skin damage. As stated by the American Cancer Society (ACS), higher SPF numbers offer superior protection against UVB "burning rays", although they do not offer UVA protection. "Broad-spectrum" sunscreens can protect against both UVA and UVB rays, although a universal measurement system for UVA ray protection is still non-existent.
People with naturally fair skin have lower melanin levels, making the skin susceptible to the sun's carcinogenic UV rays, leading to painful, lobster-red burns without SPF. As per the Skin Cancer Foundation, darker skin's melanin can provide SPF 13.4, compared to 3.4 in white skin. However, individuals with darker skin are not immune to sunburns.
The FDA suggests applying 2 milligrams of sunscreen per square centimeter (mg/cm2) to the sun-exposed skin. For instance, a person measuring 5 ft. 4 in. (163 cm) and weighing 150 lb. (68 kg) with a 32 in. (82 cm) waist, clad in a swimsuit covering the groin area, should apply 29 g (about 1 oz) uniformly on the exposed body area to achieve the indicated SPF of their sunscreen product.
It is recommended to apply SPF 15 to 30 minutes prior to sun exposure, reapply 15 to 30 minutes post sun-exposure, and reapply only if your sunscreen may have been washed off due to water activities. Research published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) indicates that early reapplication during sun exposure results in the safest skin exposure to the sun. Simply put, the sooner you reapply your sunscreen upon exposure, the lesser the damage UV rays can inflict on your skin.
3. Avoid Overexposing Your Skin to Sunlight
For a healthy, radiant tan, refrain from excessive exposure to UV rays. It is advisable to gradually tan by evenly dividing your time under the sun to minimize sunburn risk. A full day at the beach can provide a temporary tan but may result in sunburns. The optimal strategy to attain a healthy summer glow is to tan in small increments. Spending 30 to 60 minutes under the sun daily allows your body to produce sufficient melanin to assist your future tanning sessions.
It is important to choose wisely what time you decide to go for an outdoor sun-based tan. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says UV strength is greatest from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. during sunny summer days.
4. Wear Your Shades And A Hat
To achieve an even tan, remember your shades and hat. The skin around your eyes, including your eyes themselves, are delicate to UV rays. Failure to take proper care can result in the development of eye diseases like cataract, age-related macular degeneration, and eye cancers, says ACS. Sunglasses that are labeled "UV absorption up to 400 nm" or "Meets ANSI UV Requirements" mean the glasses block at least 99 percent of UV rays. Ideal glasses include those that are large-framed and wrap-around because they protect your eyes from the light that comes from different angles, says ACS. However, be mindful of falling asleep with your sunglasses.
A hat with a two- to three-inch brim can protect your ears, eyes, forehead, nose, and scalp all at once while you look stylish getting your tan. If big, wide hats do not suit you, opt for a shade cap, says ACS as these caps have seven inches of fabric that drape down the sides and back and can provide protection for your neck too. Although a baseball cap looks ideal, it only offers protection in the front and the top of the head, leaving the neck and ears vulnerable to sun exposure.
Lastly, remember to give your skin time to repair itself after a day out in the sun and before trekking outdoors again. These four tips will have you sporting healthy-looking and radiant skin.
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