Darker skin has more protection from the sun because it contains higher levels of melanin. This is the pigment that gives the skin its color and helps protect the cells from some forms of sun damage. This makes people with darker skin less likely to experience sunburn. In people with lighter shades of dark skin, melanin is not fully protective. For this reason, they may still burn.
Researchers developed the Fitzpatrick scale by interviewing many people about how their skin reacts to the sun. This scale is most effective when a dermatologist determines it; self-reporting skin type was less accurate. The Fitzpatrick scale includes six classifications , as follows:. The first few types have the greatest risk of sunburn. Generally, the darker the skin tone, the lower the risk of sunburn.
However, there is still a risk of sunburn in nearly all skin types — except type 6. In very light skin, sunburn is easy to detect. The skin may appear red and inflamed. In darker skin, however, it is harder to notice the subtle redness or pinkness it causes. As sunburn heals, the skin may peel away in the affected area.
It is important to take care of the skin as it heals, though the sunburn itself should clear up on its own in a matter of days. In darker skin, it may also be difficult to detect serious cases of sunburn that lead to heat stroke. Since many basal or squamous cell carcinomas are on the face and neck, surgery to remove them can leave people with facial scars.
The scars from surgery to remove melanomas can be anywhere on the body, and they're often large. Cancer isn't the only problem associated with UV exposure. UVA damage is the main factor in premature skin aging. To get a good idea of how sunlight affects the skin, look at your parents' skin and see how different it is from yours.
Much of that is due to sun exposure, not the age difference! UV rays can also lead to another problem we associate with old people: the eye problem cataracts.
Staying out of the sun altogether may seem like the only logical answer. But who wants to live like a hermit? The key is to enjoy the sun sensibly, finding a balance between sun protection and those great summer activities like beach volleyball and swimming. Sunscreens block or change the effect of the sun's harmful rays. They're one of your best defenses against sun damage because they protect you without interfering with your comfort and activity levels. Here are some tips to enjoy the great outdoors while protecting your skin and eyes from sun damage:.
Even when you're serious about protecting your skin, you may sometimes want the glow of a tan. Luckily, many products on the market — but not sun lamps or tanning beds — will let you tan safely and sun-free.
One safe way to go bronze is with sunless self-tanners. Each year, more than 2 million people are treated for 2 types of skin cancer: basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma. Another 48, are diagnosed with an early form of the disease that involves only the top layer of skin. Melanomas arise from the cells that provide pigment color to the skin. A major risk factor for melanoma is having a large number of moles, or having large flat moles with irregular shapes.
Sunburns, especially during childhood, may also raise your risk for melanoma. Although darker-skinned people have a lower risk for sun-related damage and disease, people of all races and skin color can still get skin cancer. The best way to protect skin health and prevent skin cancer is to limit sun exposure. Avoid prolonged time in the sun, and choose to be in the shade rather than in direct sunlight.
Wear protective clothing and sunglasses, and use sunscreen between 10 a. Sunscreens come labeled with a sun protection factor SPF , such as 15, 30, or A sunscreen labeled SPF 15 means it will take you 15 times as long to get a sunburn as it would if you had no sunscreen on. A sunscreen labeled SPF 30 means it would take you 30 times as long to burn. The effectiveness of sunscreens is affected by several factors.
The amount of sunscreen you use and how often you use it affects your protection from the sun. Perspiration and time spent in the water can also reduce sunscreen effectiveness. Some people look to the sun as a source of vitamin D, but it takes just a brief time in the sun to do the trick. Editorial team. Sun's effect on skin. What's this? Overview The skin uses sunlight to help manufacture vitamin D, which is important for normal bone formation.
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