The influence of the sun on the skin
Tan — it is the darkening of the skin due to the production of melanin pigment by the cells of the lower layer of the epidermis, called melanocytes, under the influence of ultraviolet UV rays, which activate them.
Ultraviolet takes part in the natural synthesis of vitamin D and endorphins in the skin, therefore it benefits human health.
But in our region, the doses of ultraviolet light that we receive during everyday life are quite sufficient for the production of these substances. Therefore, there is no need to tan, because damage from ultraviolet radiation accumulates over time and increases the risk of melanoma and skin cancer.
Not all UV radiation from sunlight reaches the Earth. Most of it is absorbed by the atmosphere, but two types of UV rays – type A (UVA) and type B (UVB) — reach the Earth's surface. UVA rays have a longer length and are associated with skin aging and inflammation and can lead to skin cancer. UVB rays are shorter and cause skin burns. UVB is the main factor in the mutation of skin cells that causes skin cancer.
Tanning can be obtained both under the influence of natural ultraviolet light and artificially, by tanning in a solarium, but both methods are dangerous.
Therefore, if for some reason you need to have a tanned look, it is better to use special self-tanning creams. They contain the active substance dihydroxyacetone, which reacts with air and amino acids in the superficial (corneal) layer of the skin and causes the darkening process. Self-tanning gradually disappears, as the skin cells on the top layer naturally exfoliate (peel off).
Solar beds and skin cancer
In 2009, the WHO International Agency for Research on Cancer classified the effects of ultraviolet devices for tanning (solariums) as carcinogenic to humans.
Sunbeds cause the same damage to the skin as natural ultraviolet, in particular, they increase the risk of melanoma and skin cancer, and contribute to photoaging of the skin.
Excessive UV exposure carries serious health risks, including atrophy (thinning with reduced collagen and elastin), pigmentation (so-called solar lentigo), and wrinkles.
And the main thing — ultraviolet radiation’is associated with the three most common types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and skin melanoma.
The risk of developing melanoma increases 1.4 times with periodic visits to the solarium and 2 times with regular visits more than 10 times. The risk of developing skin cancer increases by 1.5 times.
The earlier a person started using tanning beds or tanning in the sun, the greater the likelihood of skin cancer in the next lifetime. In many countries, the use of solariums is prohibited under the age of 18.
Dermato-oncologists believe that safe doses of tanning in the solarium do not exist. In countries where the duration of a tanning session is limited, these actions are aimed more at preventing skin burns. But even if there is no burn, UV exposure still has a negative effect on the skin by damaging DNA.
Regulation of activity of solariums
Treatment of melanoma and skin cancer is quite expensive, especially for the III-IV stages of the disease. Therefore, we must do everything in order to reduce the risks of these diseases in our country.
One of these ways may be the restriction or ban on the use of solariums in Ukraine.
Today in 3 countries – Australia, Brazil and Iran – there is a complete ban on commercial solariums.
In 24 countries it is forbidden to use a solarium under the age of 18, for example, in Norway it was done back in 1983. In addition, in some countries there are restrictions on people with the I skin phototype. Before using a tanning bed, customers are given written information about the risks of melanoma and skin cancer and are asked to sign an informed consent in which the customer confirms that he is familiar with the possible risks and understands them.
For example, the use of tanning beds in the US has decreased by 70% among teenagers and 35% among adults over the past 10 years thanks to policies.
Let's say “No” solariums
Any tanning increases the risk of melanoma and skin cancer.
According to epidemiological data, the risk of developing melanoma and skin cancer increases with age, and is somewhat more common in men.
People are especially vulnerable:
- with I-II skin phototype (light-eyed, fair-skinned, light or red-haired people, whose skin either does not tan at all, or first a burn and then a tan)
- over 50 years old
- with certain congenital conditions (genodermatoses)
- who have a personal or family history of melanoma or skin cancer
- with suppressed immunity — after organ transplantation, HIV-infected, with lymphomas.
It is believed that skin cancers are associated with multiple “chronic” tanning, for example, in seasonal workers, fishermen, sailors. Meanwhile, periodic intense tanning, for example, on the beach during vacation, more often leads to the occurrence of melanoma.
The war already causes significant damage to the health of Ukrainians, so you should not expose yourself to additional danger with tanning beds. The state should spend its resources on the fight against the enemy, there is no need to create an additional burden on the medical system with a significant number of oncological diseases caused by tanning beds.
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