Ultraviolet rays stimulate the production of vitamin D, an element necessary for bone calcification. They also accelerate melanin production, giving you a bronzed skin. However, it's important to bear in mind that this practice can have varying degrees of repercussions on the epidermis.
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Bronzed Skin: What Risks Does Tanning Have?
Summary
- Tan: Definition
- UVA Rays Are Responsible for Photoaging
- UV, the Main Risk Factor for Skin Cancer
- Consider Tanning With Sunscreen Adapted to Your Phototype to Avoid the Harmful Effects of UV Rays
Published February 29, 2024,
by
Maylis, Chemical Engineer
—
6 min read
Tan: Definition.
The so-called tanned complexion is a natural process that enables the skin to resist the harmful effects of the sun's UV rays. Biologically speaking, during exposure, melanocytes produce melanin (the pigment that gives the skin its brown color), which migrates to the surface of the epidermis and colors it. If exposure is too long and/or UVB rays too intense, the tan gives way to sunburn. There are also other effects on the skin, as described below.
UVA Rays Are Responsible for Photoaging.
The sun's UV rays are classified into three categories according to their wavelength: UVA (400-315 nm), UVB (315-280 nm) and UVC (280-100 nm). UVC is the most harmful, but fortunately, it is filtered by the ozone layer and does not reach the Earth's surface. UVA and UVB, on the other hand, come into contact with the epidermis.
UVA rays penetrate further than UVB and reach the dermis, the deepest layer of the skin. They are thus at the origin of “photoaging”. This is directly linked to a phenomenon known as “oxidative stress”. UVA rays generate an excess of free radicals, also known as reactive oxygen species. These compounds, particularly unstable because of their single electron, tend to react with other molecules to form an electron pair, causing damage to the body's cells, DNA, and proteins. Aging is accelerated and wrinkles appear on the skin's surface, along with occasional pigmentation spots.
UV, the Main Risk Factor for Skin Cancer.
Prolonged and excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays, whether natural or artificial, is one of the main causes of skin cancer. The risks are tenfold for fair-skinned people with a family history of the disease.
Melanoma is an invasive form of skin cancer. It forms on a mole or on healthy skin. Early detection improves the chances of recovery. As soon as any suspicious spots appear, consult a dermatologist without delay.
Consider Tanning With Sunscreen Adapted to Your Phototype to Avoid the Harmful Effects of UV Rays.
For a bronzed skin without sunburn, and to avoid the risks associated with skin cancer, it's important to choose the right sun protection. This choice depends on each individual's phototype. According to the FITZPATRICK classification, skins are categorized into 6 phototypes defined according to hair color, skin tone, frequency of sunburn and type of tan:
Phototypes I and II: SPF 50:
A red-haired person with freckles and a pale complexion (phototype I) and those with blond hair and fair skin (phototype II) should opt for SPF 50 sun protection.
Phototypes III and IV: SPF 30 to 50:
Light-skinned chestnuts (phototype III) or brown/chestnuts with slightly matt skin (phototype IV) should opt for SPF 30 or even 50.
Phototypes V and VI: SPF 15 to 30:
For mixed-race skin of phototype V or black skin of phototype VI, a sun protection factor of 15 to 30 is sufficient for protection.To avoid this disease, it's important not to expose yourself to the sun's rays, especially between 12 and 4pm. If you can't avoid it, protect your skin effectively with a sunscreen, even if your complexion is already tanned. To choose the right product, base your choice on your phototype.
Our facial sunscreen has an SPF 30. This protective care product is enriched with aloe vera,karanja oil and hyaluronic acid from fermented wheat. The clever blend of these three components prevents photo-aging while preserving skin hydration. Bonus: Its light texture leaves a non-sticky, non-shiny finish with no white streaks. Regular application is recommended for prolonged exposure (hiking, seaside, etc.), approximately every 2 hours.
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