During the summer season, there is a strong desire to give our skin a chocolatey tan; however, in doing so, we sometimes overlook that such tanning has a negative impact on the body and can lead to certain illnesses in the winter.

Therefore, tanning must be carefully considered. Excessive sun exposure can lead to rapid skin dryness, peeling, coarsening, and aging. Additionally, it can result in the development of fine wrinkles and numerous pigment spots. Many of the consequences of UV radiation may manifest themselves after 3 to even 30 years. Hence, it is crucial to prevent them from occurring in the first place.

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation can diminish the immune system's resistance by altering the activity of cells responsible for initiating immune responses. Immune system suppression can activate the herpes virus, causing cold sores on the lips.

It is essential not to forget about the existence of a condition known as "solar urticaria," where the skin not only turns red but also intensively and actively itches. Such an allergic reaction to UV radiation can be congenital (though extremely rare) or acquired. Improper tanning, or rather, thoughtless tanning, can eventually lead to this condition.

However, the most significant danger of UV radiation is the substantial likelihood of developing skin cancer. Prolonged sun exposure also elevates the risk of lower lip cancer and pigment tumors like melanoma, which develops as a result of mole transformation. Previously, it was believed that the carcinogenic effect of UV radiation was associated with the action of short-wave rays like UV-B.

Yet, recent research has shown that long-wave rays like UV-A can also exert a carcinogenic effect. Moreover, UV-A penetrates the skin more deeply and accelerates skin aging.

Today, it's fashionable to spend summers on beaches in far-off oceans. However, it's essential to know that as you approach the equator by every 10 degrees, the incidence of skin cancer doubles. Scientifically, it has been proven that individuals with lightly pigmented skin, numerous moles, freckles, blue or gray eyes, red hair, fair complexion, and blondes, especially children, are more vulnerable to the effects of UV radiation.

Children must be meticulously shielded from direct sunlight. Sunburn during childhood increases the risk of skin cancer in adulthood by a factor of 20(!). The critical duration of sun exposure varies individually for each person, making it challenging to determine. Hence, it is better to remember that prolonged sun exposure is harmful.

To reduce the adverse effects of UV radiation, it is necessary to:

Limit sun exposure during midday.

Seek shade whenever possible.

Wear wide-brimmed hats that cover the eyes, face, and neck.

Use sunglasses with side panels that provide protection from both UV-A and UV-B radiation by 99-100%.

Repeatedly and generously apply sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30+ to exposed skin areas. Nevertheless, it is worth noting that shade and clothing offer better sun protection than sunscreens.

Additionally, it is not recommended to use artificial tanning equipment. Usage of tanning beds by individuals under 35 years of age increases the risk of melanoma by 75%.

Tanning beds and tanning lamps should only be used under medical supervision. Scientists have unequivocally concluded that the UV radiation from tanning beds is more dangerous than natural sunlight. The UK was the first to officially prohibit individuals under 16 years old from using tanning beds. In the UK, melanoma affects 6,000 individuals annually and claims nearly 1,700 lives. Therefore, remember that tanning in tanning beds is strictly contraindicated in cases of hypertension, diabetes, mastopathy, and thyroid gland dysfunction. It is also not recommended for individuals with pigment spots and numerous or large moles.

UV radiation's beneficial effect lies in its role in the synthesis of vitamin D from cholesterol in the skin, which is essential for maintaining calcium levels, strengthening teeth and bones. However, for normal vitamin D synthesis, it is sufficient for the face and hands to tan three times a week for 15 minutes. During the winter, vitamin D can be taken in capsule form. Furthermore, UV radiation contributes to enhanced immunity and has a positive impact on the heart muscle.

It is important not to forget that solar energy has a significant impact on the chemical processes in the human body, which determine the state of the nervous system, mood, appetite, sexuality, and the desire to explore the world.

Source: Yuriy Kizub, Physician at the Chernihiv Regional Oncological Dispensary.