TANNING

Negative Effects of Tanning

Negative Effects of Tanning

Introduction

For decades, tanning has been a popular process with both men and women, but women more so. Tanning is darkening of the skin followed by exposure to the sun. Ultraviolet rays cause the skin to produce melanin (brown pigment which darkens the cells of the epidermis). Even though exposure to the sun is a good thing, too much of it can harm the skin. Alternatives for tanning are also as potentially harmful as outdoor tanning. There are a number of negative effects of tanning like sunburn, skin discoloration, aging, damage to the skin's DNA leading to skin cancer and damage to the immune system.

Negative Effects

Firstly, majority of people have been sun burnt or will get sun burned at some time in their life. Over exposure to the sun can cause sunburns resulting in pain, swelling and reddening of the skin. In severe cases, even blisters appear on the surface of the skin. It is possible to get a sun burn when someone goes to the beach, works in their garden, goes fishing or just goes out in the sun. Sunburns are very painful and take time to heal. Sunburns must be treated, otherwise in worse cases, an individual could experience shock and even death. Sunburn can cause dehydration (excessive loss of fluid and electrolyte imbalance) and possibly infection. In order to avoid getting sunburn, it is extremely important to apply sunscreen when you go out.

Secondly, tanning can cause skin discoloration and appearance of freckles on the exposed area. The discolored area is darker than the other parts of the skin. It is also usually rough in feel. The affected skin begins to peel off after a week or so. Discolored skin is odd to look at and can make a person feel awkward. Apart from ...