When human beings sit out in the sun, their skin is penetrated by ultraviolet radiation given off from the sun’s rays. Your skin is actually made up of three layers: the epidermis, the dermis, and the subcutis. These substances are responsible for your youthful appearance, but UV radiation can cause damage to these layers. It can also cause cancer.
While the sun does give off heat, a sunburn is caused by ultraviolet-B radiation. Enough beach bumming and those cells will migrate closer to the skin’s surface and produce more melanin, further darkening the skin into a suntan.
Tans act as natural shields against the sun’s ultraviolet radiation, which can damage skin tissue in the form of a sunburn (as well as cause cancer in the long-run). When someone’s exposure to UV radiation exceeds their body’s ability to protect the skin with tanning, the radiation causes damage to DNA.
Purpose of Tanning
Melanin is a pigment that gives skin its color. It helps protect deeper layers of skin from damage. Too much UV radiation can cause sunburn, skin damage, and skin cancer. A suntan acts as a natural shield against damaging effects of UV rays.
While attractive, tanned skin from sunbathing or tanning beds is unhealthy. It increases risks of skin cancers and other problems. Types of tanning include indoor beds, outdoors, and sunless products. Talk to experts about your skin type, recommended beds and times.
Indoor tanning radiation is stronger than sunlight. A base tan before a beach holiday does not protect skin, but further harms it.
Learn different techniques to pick what’s best. Controlled UV of salons reduces risks of burning and maintains year-round tans. European guidelines advise limiting sessions. Sun exposure benefits vitamin D and mood but damages unprotected skin. Tanning permanently alters skin. Overexposure should be avoided. Protect skin to tan safely without burning.
Perception of Tan Attractiveness
Why is tanned skin more attractive? Tanned skin glows healthily. Surveys show tanned women feel more attractive, slimmer, and confident. Light brown skin is perceived as most attractive. Tanned skin symbolizes an active lifestyle.
In some cultures, tanned skin means wealth and success. Scientific research shows bronzing pills make men more attractive. Surveys found men are attracted to tan lines. From a biological view, too much sun ages and damages skin. In regions valoring paler skin, tans can indicate manual labor. Moderation balances risks and benefits for most attractive, healthiest skin.