It has been proven that in adequate doses, ultraviolet sunlight has a positive effect on the human body:
- stimulates the production of hemoglobin;
- triggers the synthesis of vitamin D, which is especially important during pregnancy to prevent fetal rickets and in old age to prevent osteoporosis;
- activates metabolism, having a tonic effect;
- has an antidepressant effect (activates the hypothalamic areas through the optic nerves);
- improves the work of the glands of internal secretion.
However, frequent and excessive exposure to ultraviolet sunbathing leads to the development of a number of pathological changes in the skin.
How long can I stay in the sun?
To prevent negative effects, you should consider the amount of time your body can be in the sun without additional protection. Ultraviolet light for the skin can be useful and safe only in moderate amounts.
To achieve a beautiful tan, and at the same time not to burn, it is important to be in the sun for a permissible amount of time. We can distinguish five types of appearance, each of which has its own self-protection time ranging from 10 minutes to an hour:
- Very light skin, blue eyes, freckles – no more than 10 minutes.
- Light skin, light-colored hair and light-colored eyes, slow tanning – no more than 20 minutes.
- Medium-light skin type, fairly dark hair, occasional sunburn – no more than 30 minutes.
- Tanned skin, dark hair and dark eyes – 45 minutes maximum.
- Dark-skinned skin, dark hair and dark eyes, occasional sunburns – maximum 60 minutes.
Self-protection time indicates the period during which the body can be in the sun without special protective equipment. The use of sunscreen extends this period. Please note that it is important to use a product with an appropriate SPF index and to reapply it periodically.
Signs of ultraviolet photodamage on your skin
- Fine lines and wrinkles.
- Reduced elasticity and tone.
- Dry skin.
- Age spots.
- Laxity.
- Hyperkeratosis.
- Slow healing of the skin.
The effects of ultraviolet on the skin
When the skin is unprotected, it is exposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays type A and B. These rays affect our skin in different ways. UVB rays are partially trapped by the superficial layers of the skin and have a mainly superficial effect and cause sunburn.
Ultraviolet rays of type A do not stop the superficial layers, and they penetrate deeply into the skin, can cause allergic reactions and, damaging the deep structures of the skin, thereby accelerating its aging process.
UVA rays, penetrating deep into the skin, cause irreversible damage to cells, their influence also leads to the formation of free radicals and a number of other pathological processes. These unstable aggressive molecules can penetrate into the nucleus of the skin cell and damage its DNA.
If the body’s defense system does not detect and destroy the damaged cells, they begin to intensively divide, thus, repeated exposure to ultraviolet rays contributes to the accumulation of damaged cells, which over time can lead to the development of malignant skin tumor – melanoma.
Long-term effects of ultraviolet exposure
Frequent and prolonged exposure of the skin to ultraviolet rays can lead to many long-term problems. Cell and DNA damage from sun damage can lead to premature aging of the skin, which manifests as wrinkles, loss of elasticity, and increased dryness. In addition, ultraviolet radiation can cause chronic skin conditions such as actinic keratosis or various cancers, including basal cell and squamous cell cancers. The more time the skin is exposed to the sun without protection, the higher the risk of developing these dangerous diseases, which emphasizes the importance of regular sun protection.
What you should do to protect yourself from the sun
- Wear tight clothing that covers your body well (long sleeves, long pants or a long skirt).
- Wear a hat with a wide brim.
- Try to stay in the shade.
- Apply sunscreen to all areas not covered by clothing before leaving the house.
- Do not use sunscreen to protect children younger than 6 months of age. Physical sun protection is best for them.
- Protect your eyes with sunglasses – ultraviolet light is detrimental to the cornea.
- Be aware that some pharmaceuticals can increase photosensitivity.
- Avoid lying on surfaces such as sand, cement and white surfaces – they all reflect ultraviolet light. In water, ultraviolet light penetrates to a depth of one meter.
- Remember that the risk factors for the negative effects of ultraviolet are: white skin, light-colored hair, tendency to develop freckles, tendency to burn easily, skin diseases in the family, prolonged exposure to the sun throughout your life, being burned to blisters as a child or young adult.
- Even in cloudy weather, sunscreen should be used.
- Minimize sun exposure between 11 am and 4 pm.
Conclusion
Ultraviolet radiation, despite its positive effects on the body, can cause significant damage to the skin if over- or unprotected. Long-term exposure to the sun without protection leads to premature aging, cell and DNA damage, and increases the risk of developing dangerous skin diseases, including cancer. Therefore, it is extremely important to take precautions, use sunscreen properly, and limit your time in the sun, especially during peak ultraviolet ray hours. Regular skin protection and a sensible attitude towards sunbathing will help to maintain healthy skin and reduce the risk of long-term problems.
