Buzz
While overexposure to the sun can be harmful, a certain amount of UV radiation is crucial for the body to produce vitamin D.
© iStockphoto.com/Eric GevaertSummer seems to embody the essence of relaxation and fun. It’s a season filled with trips to the beach, barbecues, volleyball, vacations, and plenty of sun and swimming. The heavy rain gear of spring is forgotten, as are winter coats and sweaters, and the warmth of the sun makes the cold of fall feel like a distant memory.
But even in this joyful time, there’s an unseen danger lurking. The risk is highest on those seemingly innocent, sunny summer days, and it’s ever-present. Whether we’re at the beach, strolling in the park, or having a family picnic, it’s there. It follows us on vacations and even hides behind the clouds on rainy days.
The Threat of Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation
Many people tend to downplay concerns about UV radiation. You might think that wrinkles are a problem for later in life, or that a "base tan" is essential to avoid severe sunburn. Perhaps you even believe tanning beds are safe because the sun is the primary culprit when it comes to skin damage [source: Gibson].
If any of these beliefs sound familiar, you may be surprised to learn the truth about UV radiation. UV radiation and sun exposure are not the same thing, and many still don't know whether they're taking the right precautions to prevent long-term harm. In fact, most people don’t fully understand what they need to protect themselves from.
To clear up any confusion about UV radiation, keep reading to discover why UV radiation is both essential and hazardous.
Although everyone faces some risk of UV exposure, certain individuals are at a higher risk. If you have fair skin—especially if you tend to freckle or burn easily—you are more vulnerable to skin damage caused by UV radiation. People with lighter skin have less melanin, the pigment that shields the skin from sun damage. Your risk may also be higher if you work outdoors, have other skin conditions, or a weakened immune system [source: American Cancer Society].
What Is UV Radiation?
In recent years, the media has put a spotlight on the dangers of sun exposure. News reports warn that excessive sun can lead to cancer, while commercials for skincare products boast about creams and lotions that supposedly reverse sun damage. Magazines also frequently link wrinkles and age spots to the sun. While these messages are based on scientific research, many don't explain why UV radiation has such a bad reputation or how it truly affects the body.
To grasp the concept of UV radiation, it's important to understand the electromagnetic spectrum. This spectrum encompasses a variety of electromagnetic waves—streams of photons (energy packets)—traveling in waves. It includes everything from radio waves to visible light, and it ranks these waves based on their energy level and wavelength. UV rays occupy the high-energy, short-wavelength end of the spectrum, which makes them one of the most dangerous forms of radiation [source: NASA, Zeman].
There are two types of UV radiation that reach the Earth: UVA and UVB. UVA rays have a longer wavelength than UVB. Both types of radiation are needed for the body to produce vitamin D, meaning sunlight is essential for health. However, prolonged exposure to UVA rays can darken and harden the skin, while UVB rays are more harmful. Some UVB rays are absorbed by the ozone layer, but those that break through can cause photochemical changes to skin cell DNA, resulting in sunburns and even skin cancer [source: Zeman].
Researchers used to believe that UVA rays were "safe" compared to UVB rays. This made sense at the time, given that UVB radiation is responsible for the most visible damage to the skin's surface, including many forms of skin cancer. However, studies have revealed that no form of UV radiation is truly safe. In addition to causing wrinkles, UVA rays also inflict permanent damage that can contribute to certain types of skin cancer [source: American Cancer Society].
Since any exposure to UV rays can potentially lead to cancer, it’s important to know which skin growths should be removed and which ones are harmless. Keep reading to learn more.
In 2009, the International Agency for Research on Cancer classified tanning beds as "carcinogenic to humans"—the highest risk category. The agency, a part of the World Health Organization, reviewed data on the cancer risks associated with tanning beds. It also discovered that individuals under 30 who use tanning beds regularly have a 75% higher risk of developing melanoma compared to those who don’t [source: MedlinePlus].
The Risks of UV Radiation
Although the sunburn you suffered last summer may have faded, your body doesn’t forget the UV radiation exposure. The changes to your skin's DNA caused by UVA and UVB rays can result in serious, long-lasting skin damage.
A significant downside of UV radiation is its role in accelerating the signs of aging. People who have spent prolonged periods in the sun commonly experience premature wrinkling, age spots, and uneven skin tones. UV radiation can also lead to cataracts and weaken the immune system [source: AAD: Exam].
UV radiation is perhaps most infamous for its role in causing various types of skin cancer. Prolonged sun exposure affects melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color and protects it from UV rays. When exposed to UV rays, melanocytes produce more melanin. However, excessive exposure can cause these cells to change or grow abnormally, leading to cancer [source: Melanoma]. Melanoma, the most aggressive form of skin cancer, can spread rapidly and appear anywhere on the body. Keep an eye out for pre-existing moles that become uneven, change color, or grow larger—these are warning signs of potential melanoma [source: AAD: Melanoma].
There are also two types of nonmelanoma skin cancers to watch for. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common nonmelanoma skin cancer. While treatable and less likely to spread (metastasize), it can be easily overlooked because it may appear in areas that don’t typically get sun exposure. Basal cell carcinoma usually presents as a small, pearly bump and may require a biopsy to confirm whether it is cancerous [source: WebMD]. Squamous cell carcinoma, another nonmelanoma type, can spread. It often appears as scaly bumps, growths, or lesions on sun-exposed areas of the body [source: AAD: Squamous].
Now that you're aware of the types of skin cancer to look out for, continue reading to understand how artificial tanning affects your melanocytes and why getting a base tan is a poor choice.
Skin cancer is serious, but the good news is that it can be prevented with simple measures. Always apply sunscreen that shields against UV radiation, and remember to reapply every couple of hours or more often if you're swimming or sweating heavily. Wear tightly woven clothing to protect your arms and legs, along with a hat and sunglasses to shield your face. Lastly, try to avoid excessive sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV rays are at their strongest [source: Gibson].
UV Radiation and Tanning
You may already be aware of the dangers posed by UV radiation, but it's equally important to understand some common misconceptions surrounding it.
One misconception is that tanning beds are safe. Many people believe their risk of developing skin cancer is lower when using tanning beds or bulbs to achieve a tan. This misunderstanding comes from the idea that UV exposure is only harmful when coming directly from the sun. In reality, tanning bulbs emit the same UV radiation as the sun, meaning that 'fake baking' is just as risky as sunbathing outdoors.
Another common myth is that a base tan offers protection from sunburn. The reasoning is that by getting a base tan a few weeks before your vacation, you can lower your risk of burning. However, a base tan only blocks around 4 percent of UV rays, meaning it just delays the burning process. Add the UV exposure from the tanning bed, and the risks far outweigh any benefit [source: Gibson, AAD: Tanning].
When you're out in the sun, be smart. Understand that UV rays can cause cancer, and take the necessary precautions to protect your skin. For more information on UV radiation and preventing skin cancer, visit the websites listed on the following page.
If you simply can't resist the allure of a golden glow, you're not alone. Sixty-one percent of women and 69 percent of men over 18 believe people look better with a tan. To protect your skin while still achieving that look, consider sunless tanning options. There are many lotions and sprays available that offer safer alternatives to both indoor and outdoor tanning [source: AAD: Young].
