Dangers Of Sun And Indoor Tanning And Solutions.

The sun is an essential source of energy and life for humans. It provides vitamin D, which is essential for the body’s proper functioning, and is a natural mood booster. However, excessive exposure to the sun can cause various health problems, including skin cancer, premature aging, and eye damage. Indoor tanning, which is a popular activity among many people, is also harmful to the body. In this article, we will explore why the sun and indoor tanning are bad for you and how to protect yourself from their harmful effects.

The Sun

The sun emits ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which can cause severe damage to the skin. When the skin is exposed to UV radiation, it can cause a variety of problems, such as sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer.

Sunburn

Sunburn is a common result of overexposure to the sun. It occurs when the skin is exposed to UV radiation for an extended period without any protection. Sunburn can cause the skin to become red, swollen, and painful. It can also cause blisters, peeling, and itching.

Premature Aging

Exposure to UV radiation can also cause premature aging. UV radiation damages the skin’s fibers, which leads to wrinkles, sagging, and age spots. These effects can occur after just a few minutes of exposure to the sun, and they are permanent.

Skin Cancer

The most severe consequence of excessive sun exposure is skin cancer. There are several types of skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are less severe than melanoma, but they still require treatment. Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer and can spread quickly to other parts of the body. It is also the leading cause of skin cancer deaths.

Indoor Tanning

Indoor tanning is a popular activity among many people, especially those who want to achieve a tanned look without spending time in the sun. However, indoor tanning is just as harmful as exposure to the sun, if not more.

UV Radiation

Indoor tanning beds emit UV radiation, which can cause the same problems as overexposure to the sun. The UV radiation emitted by indoor tanning beds can be up to 15 times stronger than the sun’s UV radiation. This means that even a short session in a tanning bed can cause severe damage to the skin.

Skin Cancer

Indoor tanning can also increase the risk of developing skin cancer. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, indoor tanning increases the risk of developing melanoma by 75%. This risk increases with the number of tanning sessions and the length of time spent in the tanning bed.

Eye Damage

Indoor tanning can also cause damage to the eyes. The UV radiation emitted by tanning beds can cause cataracts, which can lead to vision loss. It can also cause macular degeneration, which is a condition that causes the loss of central vision.

Protecting Yourself

The best way to protect yourself from the harmful effects of the sun and indoor tanning is to avoid them altogether. However, if you must be in the sun or use a tanning bed, there are ways to protect yourself.

Sun Protection

To protect yourself from the sun, you should wear protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts and hats. You should also use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Make sure to apply sunscreen generously and reapply it every two hours or after swimming or sweating.

Avoid the Sun

The best way to protect yourself from the sun is to avoid it altogether. Try to stay indoors during the hottest parts of the day, which are usually between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.