Have you noticed how our culture paints a picture of sun-kissed skin as the epitome of beauty and health? It's no surprise—there's something undeniably attractive about a golden tan. But, as with many things, there's more to this picture-perfect image than meets the eye.
While a tan might give you that radiant glow you're going after, a lot is going on beneath the surface. The sun's rays can be both a friend, and foe to your skin - so it's good to understand this complex relationship to keeping your skin healthy and happy.
Despite the risks, it's not uncommon to see tanning glamorized in the media, creating a perception that darker skin tones are more desirable. But here's the thing: excessive sun exposure can cause sunburns, premature aging, and even skin cancer. So, it's essential to approach tanning with caution and a good understanding of how it affects your skin. Let’s shed some light on this sunny subject.
The Science Behind Tanning and Burning
The sun emits different types of ultraviolet (UV) rays, primarily UVA and UVB, and both play a role in tanning and burning. UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin, to the dermis. It is what causes people to tan. UVB rays are shorter and affect the outer layer of your skin, the epidermis. They’re the main cause of sunburn and can directly damage the DNA of your skin and lead to skin cancer over time.
How Your Skin Reacts
Let's look at how your skin responds when exposed to UV rays:
- It tans: When UVA rays hit the skin, your body will produce more melanin to protect itself. This results in a tan, which is essentially your skin's way of shielding itself from further damage. While a tan might give you that sought-after glow, it’s a sign that your skin is distressed.
- It burns: UVB rays cause sunburn. This happens when the skin’s defense mechanisms are overwhelmed, leading to redness, pain, and peeling. Sunburn is not just uncomfortable; it’s a clear sign of DNA damage in your skin cells.
Myths vs. Realities
Now that you know how UV rays affect your skin, let's clear up some common myths about suntans and sunburns. It's easy to get mixed messages, so understanding the truth is crucial for keeping your skin healthy.
Myth #1: A Base Tan Protects You from Sunburn
Reality: You might think getting a "base tan" will protect you from sunburn, but that's not true. Any tan is a sign of skin damage. While a tan offers a little protection, it’s not enough to keep your skin safe from UV rays. Relying on a tan instead of sun protection can lead to serious skin health issues, including skin cancer and premature aging.
Myth #2: Darker Skin Tones Don’t Need Sunscreen
Reality: If you have a darker skin tone, you do have more melanin, which gives you some natural protection against UV rays. But this doesn’t mean you’re immune to sun damage. UV rays can still cause DNA mutations and lead to skin cancer, even melanoma, which can be more dangerous in people with dark skin because it’s often detected later. No matter your skin tone, you need to wear broad-spectrum sunscreen.
Myth #3: You Can’t Get Sunburned on Cloudy Days
Reality: It’s a common belief that clouds block UV rays, but up to 80% of UV rays can pass through clouds. This means you can still get sunburned on a cloudy day. Always wear sunscreen, even when it’s overcast, to protect your skin from UV exposure.
Myth #4: Sunscreen Is Only Necessary at the Beach
Reality: UV rays are everywhere, not just at the beach. Daily activities like walking your dog, driving, or even sitting by a window exposes you to UV rays. That's why it's best to add quality sunscreen into your daily skincare routine.
The Difference Between a Healthy Glow and Damaging Sun Exposure
When people say “glowing,” they sometimes mean it looks tan. That’s because tan skin reflects light better and has a dewy look, which is often associated with moisturized, soft skin. But make no mistake – there’s a big difference between a healthy, radiant skin glow and a tan.
Healthy, glowing skin means you’re healthy inside, and it shows on your skin or on the outside. Glowing or healthy skin doesn’t necessarily mean flawless, but skin that can defend itself from external stressors, including pollution, stress, and UV light.
A tan skin, on the other hand, happens when melanin (skin pigment) increases in the skin after UV exposure. Skin darkening can happen outdoors in natural sunlight and indoors with tanning beds. Tanning may provide an immediate glow, but that’s not the glow you should look for in the long term– and it's not good for your skin and immune system. If you care for your skin correctly, you can get a glow without the tan.
How to Enjoy the Sun Responsibly
The UV rays can harm anyone, irrespective of their skin type. But the good thing is you can do a few things to protect yourself even as you enjoy the sun. They include:
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends use of broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30. Reapply your sunscreen every two hours or after sweating or swimming.
- Stay in the shade whenever you can, especially during peak sun hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts, wide-brimmed hats, and UV-blocking sunglasses.
- Drink plenty of water, especially when you're outdoors.
- Check NOAA’s UV Index forecast before you go. A score of 0-5 indicates low radiation, while 6 or greater indicates that significant damage can occur within a short period of time.
When choosing sunscreen, it is a good idea to use natural products. Such products protect your skin and the environment, too. They’re often made from eco-friendly ingredients like zinc oxide, aloe vera, shea butter, coconut oil, and vitamins.
Not sure where to get high quality eco-friendly sunscreen? Pure Treesy has got you covered! Check out our collection of organic sunscreen that not only protects you against the sun, but also heals and repairs multiple signs of aging.
