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The Risks of Tanning
Tanning is caused by the production of melanin pigment by your skin on exposure to ultraviolet radiations. However, it can also cause significant harm to your body. A few short- and long-term risks of tanning are mentioned below.
Sunburn: Sunburn, also known as erythema, is an obvious sign of skin damage due to tanning. It is marked by reddishness and peeling of the skin. It happens when ultraviolet radiations damage the cells in the middle epidermis layer of your skin. In response, your immune system increases blood circulation to the affected skin area. The increased blood circulation gives reddishness to the skin and makes it warm.
Premature Ageing: Occasionally called “photoaging,” premature ageing is caused by unprotected exposure to ultraviolet radiations. It is usually visible in the form of dark spots and leathery, wrinkled skin. It happens when harmful ultraviolet radiations split the collagen and elastin fibers contained in your healthy skin.
Actinic or Solar keratosis: Actinic keratosis is believed to be the initial stage in of skin cancer, and is usually a result of long-term exposure to sunlight.
Skin Cancer: There is ample evidence of the fact that exposure to ultraviolet rays, both ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B types, can lead to skin cancer. Ultraviolet radiations may cause skin cancer through two different mechanisms: (i) By causing damage to the DNA of your skin cells, thereby leading to benign or malignant growths of the skin. (ii) By weakening your immune system and thereby making your skin prone to attacks by aggressive cancer cells.
Eye Damage (Photokeratitis): Photokeratitis is the condition of corneal burn. It is typically caused by extreme exposure of the eyes to ultraviolet C and/or ultraviolet B radiations from sources such as sunlight or certain kinds of tanning lamps.
Immune System Suppression: Excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiations may restrain proper functioning of the body’s immune system and the skin’s natural defense mechanisms. This may lead to increased sensitivity to light, diminished effects of immunizations or reactions to certain medications.
Therefore, it is evident from the above discussion that tanning can have considerable harmful effects on the body and should be avoided or done only under expert supervision.
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