Sunburn without protection is irreparable harm. How sunburn affects health

Over one year old

Russia has nine months of winter and three months of "just cold". For your short vacation we try to get a shade that is close to the color of the skin of African natives. However, doctors do not tire of warning: excessive sun exposure is the main cause of malignant skin tumors.

Is the sun helpful?

We have all heard that the sun is good for the skin and for the body as a whole. Under influence sun rays vitamin D begins to be produced, which has a number of amazing properties, in particular, capable of elevating mood.

That is why in spring and summer there are much more lovers and less depression.

How long can you stay under the sun?

However, a caveat is necessary: it is useful for a fair-skinned person to be in the sun for only 10-15 or a maximum of 20 minutes a day, and then taking all precautions and using sunscreen. For those who are accustomed to the sun, this time can be increased to 30-40 minutes. Longer sunbathing causes significant damage to the skin, ranging from premature aging and reduced protective functions to skin cancer.

Does the sun cause cancer?

The sun and cancer are directly related. Ultraviolet damages the DNA structure of skin cells. The genes that regulate the work of the cell mutate, give incorrect commands, melanocytes begin to rapidly divide, and as a result, a malignant tumor, melanoma, may appear. After several hours of exposure to solar radiation, the Langerhanz cells responsible for immune defense begin to leave the skin. All this time, the skin remains defenseless against the penetration of viruses, bacteria, chemicals and other foreign elements into it. She is not able to resist the emergence of cancer cells.

Sun and skin diseases

The structure of the skin includes cells of different tissues, and each of them can undergo malignant transformation. There are many types of tumors that can form in the skin. But the vast majority of them are three types of neoplasms: melanoma, squamous cell skin cancer and basalioma.

Melanoma

The most dangerous and fastest form of malignant skin tumors. It develops from melanocytes (cells that produce melanin, which is responsible for skin color) and quickly metastasizes, that is, it spreads through the blood or lymphatic vessels to the most distant corners of the body, where new foci of the disease appear. The tumor most often occurs on exposed parts of the body.

External manifestations varied: dark spot, slight protrusion, several hard bumps under the skin, which then merge into one. The surface of melanoma is smooth or rough, sometimes it can bleed, and the color ranges from the most "popular" slate-black to rare colorless neoplasms. According to research, melanoma often develops from moles. Therefore, they must be treated with caution, try not to injure them in any way and avoid irritation with linen or clothing. To prevent cancer, doctors advise examining your moles, constantly monitoring them and immediately contacting a specialist if any of them suddenly change color, shape or start to grow.

Basalioma

The most common of malignant tumors of the skin. It develops from the outer layer of the skin and follicular epithelium and is characterized by slow growth with destruction of the surrounding tissue, but does not metastasize.

External manifestations

It usually appears on the face or scalp. Under the skin there is a dense nodule, pinkish or flesh-colored. It grows, covered with a bloody crust, under which an ulcer forms. Over time, it can turn into a flat plaque with a scaly surface, a protruding mushroom-shaped node, or a deep ulcer that destroys soft tissues and bones.

“With early diagnosis, the probability of recovery is confidently approaching 100%,” says professor, MD, leading Researcher Department of General Oncology of the Russian Oncological scientific center them. N. N. Blokhin RAMS TEIMURAZ KHARATISHVILI.

Squamous cell skin cancer

Squamous cell carcinoma occurs in the epidermis. This disease is stated 10 times less often than basalioma. And unlike melanoma, predominantly female disease, this form of cancer in men occurs twice as often. The disease is especially dangerous for people with fair skin living in hot sunny countries (South America, Australia). Squamous cell carcinoma can develop anywhere on the skin and mucous membranes, often appearing on the lips and genitals.

External manifestations

The tumor develops from a small compaction with a slightly raised surface of gray or yellow-brown color to a dense node that reaches the size walnut. The tumor can protrude above the surface of the skin or grow into the depths of the tissues, forming ulcers: the skin, muscles and bones are destroyed. The disease quickly spreads to other parts of the body. Appear severe pain, general exhaustion and infectious complications.

RISK FACTORS

Excessive sun exposure is detrimental to all of us, but for some it is especially dangerous. The role in determining the degree of risk is played by 5 main factors:

1. Skin type

All people are divided into several types according to skin color and its ability to tan.

CELTIC TYPE- blond hair and eyes, very light and delicate skin, which is practically not able to sunbathe, but only blushes from the sun.

WHITE EUROPEANS- usually fair-haired, with green / blue eyes, with a light, easily burning, but capable of acquiring light tan skin.

BLACK EUROPEANS- a little darker than light-skinned Europeans and tan easily. They rarely burn out.

MEDITERRANEAN TYPE- swarthy, dark-haired, almost never burn out, quickly get a tan. These include the inhabitants of the Mediterranean and representatives of swarthy races (Indians, Arabs).

YELLOWSKIN- People Asian type. Usually they tan well and hardly burn out in the sun.

BLACK PEOPLE may tan, becoming darker. The risk of sunburn is practically zero. The most vulnerable among us are people of the Celtic type and fair-skinned Europeans. The rest suffer from skin cancer less often. And blacks are generally prone to this type of cancer 6-10 times less.

2. Region of residence

“Skin cancer is more prone to residents of southern regions and sunny countries. In Russia, such a tumor is more common in the Krasnodar? Stavropol Territory, Astrakhan and Rostov regions, and in the world - in Australia, in the south of the USA and in the Asia-Pacific region (Thailand, Malaysia, India), Teimuraz Kharatishvili explains to SHAPE. “So, in the Krasnodar Territory, the incidence of skin cancer is 5 times higher than in the Tyumen Region.”

At the same time, it should be noted that most of the cases in these areas are still visitors from less sunny places. This is explained by the fact that the body of these people, not adapted to the abundance of solar radiation, is able to resist it to a much lesser extent than that of the usual locals.

3. Heredity

The hereditary factor also plays one of the most significant roles in determining a person's predisposition to the formation of malignant tumors on the skin. The risk is several times higher in those whose family has already had cases of this type of cancer.

4. Habits and activities

Of course, it is important how much time a person spends under the sun. Studies show that people whose profession is associated with the need for constant exposure to fresh air are more likely to suffer from skin cancers.

5. Hormonal changes

During periods of serious hormonal changes in the body (puberty, pregnancy, menopause), women should especially carefully protect their skin from the sun. It is during this time that the risk of developing melanoma and other forms of skin cancer is especially high.

All this, of course, does not mean that if none of the above points applies to you, you can relax and forget about skin protection with childish carelessness - no one is completely insured, even Africans with a plum-olive skin tone.

Moreover, in addition to the risk of skin cancer, there are other backfire excessive love to the sun, such as premature aging.

Sunburn: Precautions

No exhortations from doctors can convince women to give up tanning. And if the desire to acquire a bronze shade drowns out the warnings of doctors, try to follow 4 rules that will help maintain your health.

1. Let your skin get used to the sun. On the first day, it is desirable to be in the sun for only 3-5 minutes. Gradually, the time can be brought up to 20-30 minutes, but no more! Spend the rest of the day under an awning or umbrella. Your tan will only get smoother!

2. Use sunscreen before every sun exposure. Don't forget to reapply every 2 hours, and also after swimming and sweating. Before swimming, use waterproof sunscreens.

3. Avoid exposure to the sun during the hours of its greatest activity - from 12:00 to 16:00 in the hot season. Remember that the level of solar radiation at noon is 10 times higher than, for example, three hours earlier or later.

4. If you belong to the Celtic type, that is, the skin practically does not tan, give up tanning altogether: you still won’t be able to tan beautifully, but the risk of getting burned is very high! Health is more important than ambition, isn't it?

PROTECTION STRATEGY

The best way to protect yourself is to avoid the sun. But this is impossible even in our cloudy country. Therefore, you need to remember and strictly follow 6 rules that will help reduce the risk.

Be aware of the hidden threat!

Ultraviolet affects the skin not only during sunbathing but also when you are doing outdoor sports or just walking down the street. Try to be in the shade and use creams with an UV protection level of at least 15.

Don't Skip Sunscreen and in cloudy weather. Clouds transmit up to 95% of ultraviolet radiation.

Beware the sun in the mountains and the tropics where the level of solar radiation is several times higher, so the risk of sunburn increases.

Check the level of protection- remember that the sun's rays are reflected from snow, sand, water and grass. Therefore, it is not enough just to stay in the shade if you do not use sunscreen.

Take care of your eyes and protect delicate skin around the eyes with sunglasses with a reliable filter against ultraviolet rays.

Avoid solariums! The only one safe way tan - tan without the sun: auto bronzers, powders.

One of the causes of high mortality from melanoma is delayed diagnosis. Melanoma is curable if detected early. Visit a dermatologist more often if you belong to a risk group.

Length matters

One of the main conditions reliable protection skin from the sun - the right choice of sunscreen. And here it is necessary to take into account not only the type of skin and the level of protection, but also what spectrum rays this remedy protects from.

But first, it is worth understanding what solar radiation is and what it happens to be. Solar radiation reaches the earth's atmosphere in the form of electromagnetic waves different lengths, depending on which the sun's rays are divided into three types: UVC, UVB and UVA. The most dangerous UVC rays for human skin are completely blocked by the ozone layer. UVB rays are also partially blocked by the atmosphere, but some of them (about 10%) still reach the earth's surface.

They are considered main reason sunburn, skin aging, suppression immune system, DNA structure damage and skin cancer. The longest - UVA rays, which make up most of the solar radiation reaching the Earth - until recently were considered safe for human skin. However modern research proved that they are the most harmful to the skin, as they affect its deep layers. It is these rays that are used in solariums.

According to the Russian Cancer Research Center. N. N. Blokhin RAMS, today skin cancer accounts for 25% of all cancer in Russia!

In contact with

The sun is the guarantor of health, one of the most important medicines, has long been known to man. Thanks to the sun's rays, life exists on Earth. Sunlight is necessary for man. In reasonable doses, it helps the body suppress allergic diseases, enhances metabolic processes and improves blood formation, improves mood, increases stress resistance and strengthens the immune system, so in summer people are less likely to get colds. However, an excess of ultraviolet radiation is harmful and can provoke a number of skin diseases and internal organs. How to protect yourself from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation will be discussed in this article.

UV increases resistance to many harmful substances, including lead, mercury, cadmium, benzene, carbon tetrachloride and carbon disulfide. Vital that serves building material for bones and teeth, it is formed in the skin only under the influence of sunlight. The lack of this vitamin in children leads to rickets, a violation of the formation of bone tissue, and in adults to the appearance of osteoporosis (bone fragility). The sun enhances the production of certain sex hormones. In sunlight, the "hormone of joy" is actively produced - serotonin, responsible for good mood, as a result, on a clear sunny day, a dull mood disappears without a trace.

In the solar spectrum, ultraviolet rays (UV rays) and infrared rays (IR rays) are distinguished. The luminary owes its warmth to infrared rays. Their action is superficial, however, from overheating in the sun, the walls of blood vessels are destroyed and a red mesh appears under the skin. In addition, these rays exacerbate the harmful effects of UV rays. UV rays make up only 5% of all radiation, but it is they that affect the skin. These rays are invisible. There are three types of UV rays: UVA, UVB and UVC. Long-wave UVA rays (320-400 nm) penetrate into the deep layers of the skin. Short-wave UVB rays (290–320 nm) damage primarily the top layer of the skin and cause sunburn, and if no protective measures are taken, redness, sunburn and blisters. Due to the ozone layer, UVC rays, which are the most dangerous for humans, should not have reached the Earth. But due to significant environmental pollution, ozone holes appeared in the protective layer of the atmosphere, through which these dangerous radiations pass to the Earth.

With excessive ultraviolet irradiation and the absence of necessary measures precautions can be applied to the body irreparable harm. Excess sun leads to a weakening of the immune system, since all its forces are aimed at protecting the body from dangerous rays. Ultraviolet is one of the main factors of aging. According to the latest data, UV rays are able to penetrate the genetic apparatus of skin cells, damage it and activate free radicals, which are responsible for skin aging. Sunburn itself is not harmful, but it usually goes through the sunburn stage, and sunburns are certainly very harmful. To date, the link between sunburn and cancer has been proven. Sunburns received in childhood increase the risk of developing melanoma, one of the most malignant tumors. Burns suffered in adulthood increase the risk of developing skin cancer. In addition, sunburn tends to accumulate - all sunburns remain in the DNA of cells.

Each person has their own protection from the sun's rays, called the "natural level of protection." This is the time during which you can stay in the sun without using sunscreen, without risking getting burned. The duration of such exposure to the sun depends on the type of skin and ranges from 5 to 40 minutes. During this period, the skin, with the help of its natural levels protection is protected from the sun's rays. Under the influence of sunlight, human pigment cells ( melanocytes) begin to intensively produce a special protective substance - melanin, which gives the skin dark shade. Melanin cells absorb heat rays and neutralize the action of ultraviolet radiation. Under the rays of the sun, melanin from the deep layers of the skin rises and is evenly distributed over the entire surface. The body acquires a beautiful tan and at the same time a kind of protective shell - from burns and sunstroke. Throughout life dark skin can protect the body for about 450,000 hours, and light - three times less. When the limit is exhausted, a person will remain unarmed against a solar attack, which can seriously harm health. If you resort to protection too often, a “sun callus” forms on the body, which prevents the penetration of sunlight into the deeper layers of the skin. Each time the top layer of the skin thickens by 0.3–0.5 mm, over the years regular tan makes it "tanned" and more rough. This pathological process accelerates the physiological aging of the skin. It dehydrates early, becomes dry, deep wrinkles, age spots and so-called solar keratoses, related to precancerous diseases, appear on it. The sun ages the skin and photoaging is associated with exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

Thus, the sun needs to be dosed and the issue of dosage is decided individually. In order to know how much time a person can safely spend in the sun, creams with what degree of protection it is better for him to use, you need to determine your phototype. Doctors distinguish six phototypes, but two of them, the fifth and sixth, are characteristic only of the original inhabitants of India, Africa and Australia.

to the first type include blue-eyed blondes and blondes, red-haired people. Their skin is very light, thin, slightly pink, sensitive, there are freckles. It is very difficult for people with such skin to tan, after 15–20 minutes of exposure to direct sunlight, their skin begins to burn. Such people are generally not recommended to sunbathe.

Second phototype- These are blondes, blondes, red and fair-haired people, but with brown or gray eyes. The skin is light with rare freckles. The risk of burning remains, but it is already much less. Burns in the second skin phototype occur after 20–40 minutes of exposure to sunlight. This skin tans more easily than Type 1 skin.

to the third type include brown-eyed people with chestnut or dark blond hair and fairly fair skin (ivory). This phototype is the most common among Europeans and tans freely, sometimes even without the stage of redness, acquiring an intense dark brown shade. People of the third type are at risk of getting a burn only after 1-2 hours of exposure to the sun.

In people with fourth phototype- dark skin olive color, brown eyes, hair - dark brown, black. This phototype does not have freckles. People with such skin always tan easily and quickly, almost never burn in the sun. The tan color is very intense.

People with I-III phototype are recommended to use sunscreen. All sunscreens have an SPF (Filtration Photo Stable) value - a sun protection factor, which indicates how effective protection against sunburn is, that is, how many times longer you can stay in the sun after applying a sunscreen without risking a burn. Creams with SPF protect the skin from burns, but not from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation on cell DNA, and the risk of melanoma is still not reduced. As a rule, it is selected depending on the color of the skin and the goal. A cream with SPF 100 conditionally provides 100% protection, but this protection only lasts for a short time after application. In this case, the tan does not appear. If the goal is to tan, it is better to choose sunscreens with SPF 15-20. You can not regularly use self-tanning creams, it is better to use them in case of emergency. All products that are applied to the skin, especially to large area, enter the body - are absorbed, undergo metabolic transformation in the liver and are excreted, like all medicines.

There are people who are strictly contraindicated to sunbathe:
those who always burn - the owners of I and II skin phototypes;
people with connective tissue diseases;
people with systemic and oncological diseases;
people with dysplastic nevi;
people whose close relatives had melanomas;
after chemotherapy;
after taking antibiotics (within last month);
after taking photosensitizers (these drugs will cause hyperpigmentation on the skin).

It is very carefully necessary to sunbathe for people suffering - the sun heals some forms of this disease, while others, on the contrary, exacerbate. If you “re-sunbathe”, psoriasis can go from one form to another. In addition, you should not sunbathe during pregnancy. During pregnancy, with excessive ultraviolet radiation in the body of a woman, the content of hormones, especially estrogens, increases, and this can lead to skin pigmentation, the appearance of a “pregnancy mask” that appears on the forehead and nose. Such spots may disappear after childbirth, or they may remain for life. Some doctors even see a connection between excess ultraviolet radiation and malformations of the child's nervous system.

It should be borne in mind that the most important thing is not to be in the sun from 10 am to 4 pm. The best time to visit the beach is from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m. The most dangerous months for sunbathing are July and August. Every year, the activity of the sun is determined and a special curve of solar activity is built, fixing its peaks and falls. The curve corresponds not to months, but to days and weeks. As a rule, most peaks occur in July and August. In addition, regardless of the month, the sun is most active in places over which there are ozone holes, and high in the mountains. After sunbathing, you need to take a shower and apply a moisturizer after sunburn, which will contain vitamin E. For the face and body, the products should be different. Drink more fluids to prevent dehydration. The best defense from the sun - light cotton clothing, not adjacent to the body. Be sure to wear sunglasses and hats.

Important element nice tan- diet. A special diet helps to provide additional protection for the skin from harmful sun rays. There are certain foods that stimulate the production of melanin and keep the bronze color of the skin for longer. long time.

Doctors identify 5 main ingredients that optimize the natural tanning process:

1. Tyrosine(which is synthesized in healthy body from phenylalanine) and tryptophan. These amino acids, which stimulate the production of melanin in the skin, are found in protein foods: phenylalanine - in most protein products, tryptophan - in vegetable proteins (soy, peanuts, milk, yogurt, cottage cheese, to a lesser extent - in fish, chicken, turkey, meat) .

2. beta carotene- yellow-orange plant pigment. It activates the body's natural defense against solar radiation, helps prevent burns and destruction of the skin cell membrane. Beta-carotene is a natural antioxidant, it protects the skin from premature aging and inhibits the processes of cell transformation into malignant ones. In addition, like melanin, this pigment is deposited in the skin, giving it golden hue. Found in vegetables and fruits of red, orange and yellow color: carrots, sweet peppers, oranges, peaches, etc.

Thus, if every day there are dairy products, lean meat, garlic, tomatoes, peppers, lard on the table, then such a diet will help to become bronzed and keep the skin smooth and supple. In the southern resorts, you can eat citrus fruits, nuts, yogurt and seafood.

Therefore, protection from UV rays is a personal matter for each person. Considering your own phototype and following the rules safe tanning, available healthy tan without provoking the development of pathological processes.

Kvitchataya A.I., Yakushchenko V.A., NUPh, Kharkov

Sunburn and burns

Anyone who wants to have a beautiful one at any cost runs the risk of serious, up to cancer, skin damage. How to protect your skin for adults and children, how to determine exactly how much you can stay in the sun. The sun is vital. Its gentle rays are a balm for body and soul. Sunlight activates the metabolism in both children and adults. Ultraviolet radiation has a beneficial effect on the development of the skeletal system, stimulating the formation of vitamin D in the body. Solar radiation helps with some skin diseases: those who suffer from eczema, neurodermatitis or psoriasis feel much better in summer. But the sun can also be harmful to health.

Especially in recent times, when the protective ozone layer of the Earth is becoming thinner and a dangerous dose of ultraviolet radiation begins to penetrate through it. For example, in Australia, for many years now, people have been forced to smear sunscreen in the height of summer, wear hats and closed clothes in order to hide from the aggressive rays of the sun. But we should also realize that many hours of “roasting” in the bright “European” sun also harms the skin.

Signs of sunburn

First visible sign what you "sat out" in the sun - a distinct reddening of the skin. The survey showed that every fifth European periodically gets sunburn. This is a rather alarming statistic, because the skin does not forgive such things, and any unreasonable treatment of the sun harms its cells. As a result, the skin ages prematurely, becomes wrinkled, age spots appear, and in the worst case, even skin cancer develops. Dermatologists have come to the conclusion that frequent sunburn, especially in childhood are the main cause of the increased number of skin cancers.

Sun tanning in children

Children's skin is much thinner and more receptive than adult skin and transmits more UV rays.

In addition, the body's own protection, that is, sunburn, appears more slowly. In general, babies have almost no immunity to the sun, since the ability to pigmentation is still lacking. The cells that provide sun tanning develop only from the age of one and fully mature by two years. That's why:

Children under one year of age should never be exposed to the sun. Their place is in the shadows! In the south, the skin of children, even in the shade, must be lubricated with a protective cream, the coefficient is from 6 to 9 units.

Wearing a hat is a must! Helps protect from the sun Lightweight clothing made from natural fibers such as cotton and linen, synthetic fibers do not provide enough protection.

Children over two years of age should also wear a head covering if they are in the sun or splashing in the water;

Their skin should always be lubricated with a leave-in cream. For the first two or three days of sun exposure, it is better to use a cream with a high protection factor, at least 12 units. Children, like adults, have various types skin, but you should always focus on the lowest level of its own resistance in order to avoid sunburn in any case. It is better to play it safe and take the children under the awning a little earlier.

Important! For children it is better to use creams a wide range actions.

In the first two or three days for exposure to the sun and in the water, it is better for the baby to additionally wear a T-shirt with long sleeves.

Read also: Why are antibiotics dangerous?

sun tan in adults

Some adults also need to be especially careful about the sun. For example, pregnant women, as their skin is prone to formation due to hormonal changes. age spots. Or people who have large freckles in the sun, as well as those who have many moles. Many people who are prone to allergies, most often women, may experience something like a "sun allergy". A more cautious approach to sun tan and the use of broad-spectrum creams reduce itching and flaking when burned. Growths and plaques on the skin, accompanied by itching, can be provoked. In such cases, hydrogels without fat should be used. Allergies to the sun's rays can sometimes be caused by certain medications, such as antibiotics or cosmetic ingredients, such as bergamot oil. Therefore, it is always recommended to carefully read the annotation for a particular drug, evaluate its composition and, if necessary, consult a doctor.

How to sunbathe

Accustom your skin to the sun gradually. At first, try to be in the sun three times less than the estimated time. Use creams with a higher protection factor than necessary, and try to be in the shade as much as possible.

Avoid the sun in the middle of the day between 11 am and 3 pm.

For the face and hands, it is best to use a cream, and for the body - lotion, gel or oil, however, it protects less).

Protect lips, ears, nose and nipples with UV-blocking products.

Sunscreen is best applied to clean skin 45 minutes before sun exposure. It is after such a period of time that they optimally protect the skin.

When bathing, use non-rinsable creams. Remember that even at a depth of one meter, 70% of UV rays continue to reach the skin.

Read also: Vitamin B3, high vitamin foods

After bathing, try to wipe yourself dry immediately, as wet skin burns much faster due to the fact that water drops act like a magnifying glass. After bathing, it is recommended to renew the layer of protective cream.

Apply the cream even in cloudy weather.

After sunbathing, treat your skin with a gentle washing lotion and then lubricate it with a moisturizer.

It destroys the immune system

When the skin burns in the sun, the number of so-called Langerhans cells in the body decreases. These cells are the body's first line of defense against skin infections. Without them, the body is much more susceptible to disease. It's not just the burned area that suffers; according to research, the immune response varies throughout the body. It is enough to simply apply sunscreen regularly to prevent this.

It can lead to herpes

If you have experienced herpes, time in the sun without sunscreen is not best idea for you. According to statistics, excessive exposure to sunlight weakens the immune system and leads to an exacerbation of the virus. The scientists noted that out of 38 people with herpes, 27 experienced an exacerbation of the problem after exposure to the sun. If you happen to be on the street with sunscreen, there will be no traces of herpes.

It can cause bloating

Burns can cause inflammatory process, due to which the body begins to retain fluid. Sometimes the swelling is so strong that you may notice a weight gain of several kilograms!

It hurts your eyes

Like any other organs of the body, the eyes are subject to negative impact ultraviolet. The risk is especially high for them due to the fact that traditional sunscreen cannot protect them. If you're not careful, you may end up with photoconjunctivitis. This is a reversible condition, but extremely painful - it makes every movement of the eyelid unpleasant. High-quality sunglasses with a special filter on the lenses will help protect against it.

As if the pain of the burn wasn't enough! According to experts, exposure to sunlight can lead to fever, chills, fatigue, nausea and vomiting - all of these symptoms are very similar to those that appear due to the flu.

It causes lupus to flare up

Lupus is autoimmune disease that affects millions of people around the world. In this disease, the cells of the body attack themselves. The disease can proceed in a latent form, but an exacerbation can quickly manifest itself - it is enough to spend time in the sun. Sunburn or a burn will cause a lupus rash and lead to fatigue and joint pain.

It poses a risk to pregnant women

During pregnancy, a woman should be especially careful not to harm the baby. Of course, every woman knows that you should not smoke or drink alcohol during pregnancy. However, even something as simple as sunlight, can cause problems - a burn will be a potential cause of developmental defects, premature contractions, or even miscarriage.

It leads to dehydration

UV-damaged skin swells, causing fluid to leave other areas of the body. This lack of fluid causes dehydration, which in turn can lead to dizziness and muscle fatigue. Normal fluid intake will help to cope with such discomfort in the shortest possible time.

It can hurt your feet

Not so long ago, the story of a runner who was badly burned became widespread. She developed severe burns along the entire length of her legs, the recovery process was extremely painful. During the recovery period, the pressure of walking or simply standing made the pain unbearable. As a result, the woman was immobilized. Among other things, wrong treatment could lead to the spread of infection, which made the situation even more dangerous.

This leads to hives

People who take medications like tetracycline or certain birth control pills may notice a rash on their skin after a day at the beach. This problem usually disappears within a day, however, the rash is painful and looks unaesthetic, which can be a problem in summer time when the clothes are open.

It causes acne to flare up.

Excessive sun exposure can severely dry out the skin. In people with acne, this will cause a serious aggravation of the problem. Even if acne is not chronic, breakouts can be severe due to exposure to sunlight, which increases sebum production.

It affects fertility

It's hard to believe, but excessive exposure to the sun reduces a woman's chances of getting pregnant. Studies show that ultraviolet light affects the level folic acid in the body, and its deficiency can lead to miscarriages and developmental defects.

This leads to shortness of breath

Feeling short of breath may seem like a sign of a productive workout, but at other times you still want to breathe freely. However, the sun can interfere with this - one of the symptoms heat stroke is shallow breathing. In this condition, you should immediately consult a doctor.

It can cause a stroke

The heart is the most important body body, it must be protected at all costs. Unfortunately, overexposure to ultraviolet light means an increase in vitamin D levels, which can cause a stroke or heart attack.

Your tongue may swell

The skin on the lips can also burn. If the damage is severe, the tongue may swell, and breathing becomes difficult.

It accelerates skin aging

Both women and men are ready to search for the perfect anti-aging remedy for a long time. At the same time, many do not think that the main danger is the sun. Exposure to ultraviolet radiation destroys cells, and this accelerates the appearance of wrinkles.

This can cause itching

In rare cases, exposure to the sun can lead to severe itching. It is almost impossible to cope with discomfort in this state, even a cold shower only exacerbates the pain. To endure such a state is very difficult.

This leads to an exacerbation of psoriasis.

Millions of people around the world live with psoriasis, an autoimmune disease that causes patches of irritated skin all over the body. Doctors cannot explain what causes such a problem, however, one of the reasons for exacerbation is sunburn.

It worsens the condition in autoimmune diseases

Myositis is an autoimmune disease that weakens muscles. Studies have shown that women with myositis who are exposed to high level ultraviolet light, are more likely to develop a severe form of the disease. It results in a painful rash combined with muscle weakness.

This leads to severe headache.

If you suffer from headaches or migraines, be aware that exposure to the sun can aggravate your discomfort. Even if you don't get headaches too often, sunlight can still be causing the pain.

Sunburn Pigmentation of human skin under the influence of ultraviolet radiation.

Due to the presence in the human body of a special natural pigment melanin, which begins to be produced under the influence of direct sunlight, the skin acquires a brownish tint.

Skin pigmentation occurs not only under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, but also under the influence of x-rays or radium.

Harm

The harm of sunburn

Being under the scorching sun for a long time, you run the risk of earning the so-called “delayed impact” effect, as a result of which, years later, old diseases and even cancerous tumors may worsen.

Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation leads to the death of cells in the underlying layers of the skin, causing sunburn. According to some scientists, it is repeated sunburns that can provoke changes in skin cells, leading to oncology.

An equally significant factor that is not good for health is overheating of the body, leading to increased sweating and excretion of water and salt from the body. Overheating also negatively affects the skin. Promotes education deep wrinkles, degrades color and leads to premature aging. Areas of the body exposed to ultraviolet radiation (face, arms, legs, neck) are especially affected by overheating. Sunstroke can also occur as a result of overheating.

The sebaceous and sweat glands that perform the function of natural skin protection can also suffer from sunlight. This may lead to early aging and withering of the outer integument of the body.

Prolonged stay under open sun provokes the formation of "free radicals" also referred to as skin toxins. They destroy collagen and elastin. As a result, the skin loses elasticity, becomes flabby and is very poorly restored.

Sunburn: contraindications

Sunburn is harmful to people with heart disease (their legs swell, and a feeling of heaviness appears), with increased blood pressure and tuberculosis. Moreover, it should be borne in mind that with some varieties of tuberculosis, exposure to ultraviolet radiation leads to the progression of the disease. The sun can have a positive effect only in tuberculosis of the bones.

If a month has not yet passed since the last antibiotic intake, then it is better not to show yourself in the sun.
Refrain from sunbathing if you have recently had chemotherapy.
After taking photosensitizers, exposure to ultraviolet rays is fraught with hyperpigmentation of the skin.
Are there people in your family who suffer from melanoma? If the answer is yes, then you should be wary of prolonged exposure to the open sun, as you are at risk. That is, you are genetically predisposed to the appearance malignant formations on the skin.
For people with connective tissue diseases, the sun may not be beneficial, and sunburn will only cause harm.
For people suffering from dysplastic nevi, the sun is also contraindicated, and sunburn can be harmful to health.
Especially carefully monitor the time spent under ultraviolet light is necessary for people with cancer.

Painful, as well as people with chronic diseases intense ultraviolet irradiation is contraindicated, since a recurrence of old long-forgotten ailments is possible.

Women with the following chronic disorders should not bask in the sun for a long time:

lupus erythematosus
Cardiovascular disorders
Suffering from neurasthenia

Those suffering from psoriasis, before going to the beach, you need to consult with your doctor. The fact is that some forms of this disease can be cured with the help of sunburn, while others, on the contrary, can become even more aggravated and go into a more serious stage of the disease.

If you suffer from pathological deviations of liver functions, then you may have increased sensitivity to ultraviolet rays, and instead of benefit, sunburn will only harm your health.

Ultraviolet radiation can bring you a number of troubles in the following cases:

With dermatosis, the disease may worsen.
Some people suffer from sun allergies without even knowing they have it.
When using certain pharmacological preparations and cosmetics, people experience a photoreaction in the form of pale or dark brown spots on the skin.
If nature gave you freckles, then from bright sun they can become much more noticeable, and age spots appear on the body large sizes.
If you have red rashes on your skin when the warm season comes or when you visit a resort, then ultraviolet radiation is probably to blame.
Excessively long and frequent sunbathing can lead to the appearance of deep wrinkles, which are almost impossible to get rid of.
Ultraviolet rays can provoke the appearance of small watery bubbles on the skin, which are a sign of an allergy to the sun's rays.
If there are or have been people suffering from skin cancer in your family circle, as well as if you yourself are susceptible to this disease, you should never sunbathe.

Interesting fact. Scientists decided to check how sunbathing affects female body and discovered an interesting feature. It turns out that the hair on the legs and arms under the influence of the sun becomes coarser and thicker. So beautiful ladies should be more careful in their desire to transform their body color into dark bronze tones.

Sunburn during pregnancy

It is extremely dangerous to sunbathe during pregnancy. With prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, a woman's body changes hormonal background and an increase in estrogen levels. This is fraught with the appearance of age spots on the face, also referred to as the “pregnancy mask”. After the birth of a child, they can leave, or they can stay forever. A number of scientists, after conducting research, found a pattern between prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation and congenital abnormalities in the development of the nervous system of the unborn baby. Thus, the tan of the expectant mother can harm the unborn child.

Benefit

The benefits of tanning

It is known that sunbathing in the sun, a person strengthens the immune system, increases physical and mental activity, easier to absorb calcium. However, all of these factors are manifested during short-term exposure to ultraviolet rays. If you do not comply with the established norms, then a long solar exposure On the contrary, it leads to suppression of the immune system. This fact explains the frequent colds among people who have just returned from hot resorts.

Sunlight in small amounts is beneficial. It helps the human body to quickly absorb fats, proteins, ascorbic acid, various trace elements, as well as vitamins E,D. It is also worth considering that the sun is not the only source of vitamin D. It can be replenished by eating a diet consisting mainly of dairy and fish products.

Experts say that sunbathing is useful, since ultraviolet radiation has a peculiar therapeutic effect on a person’s mood: it helps to produce happiness hormones (endorphins) and destroy hormones that are responsible for producing a feeling of melancholy synthesized by the pituitary gland.

Solar radiation penetrates the skin no further than 1 millimeter, but this is quite enough for:

Destruction of pathogenic viruses and bacteria
Enrichment of tissues with oxygen
Metabolic recovery
Blood thinning
Lowering the level of cholesterol in the blood

Therefore, tanning can be beneficial in reasonable amounts.

Cosmetologists recommend that owners of problem skin and those who are tired of acne sunbathe more: the sun's rays dry the skin and promote the natural process of exfoliation and restoration of function sebaceous gland.

Rules for a perfect tan

In order to prevent premature aging of the skin and not disrupt the natural processes of self-healing of cells, you should be careful about tanning.

According to WHO, no more than 60 minimum erythema doses per year are considered safe and at the same time useful for a person to be exposed to direct ultraviolet rays. In other words, open areas of the body that are not protected by clothing or special creams can be exposed to ultraviolet radiation for no more than 5-10 minutes at the beginning of the solar season and no more than 50 minutes at its height.

If you decide that chocolate-free skin is not acceptable in summer, then the best time to acquire it is from 8 to 11 am and from 4 to 7 pm. Remember the hottest months are July and August, and the most dangerous time is lunchtime. It is during this period that the sun is especially insidious. Ultraviolet penetrates deep into the skin, destroying it and provoking the effect of photoaging.

Don't try to tan on the first day. To begin with, spend no more than 20 minutes in the sun, then the next day you can safely add another 20 minutes. And so act until the total time spent in the sun reaches the mark of 1 hour. Sunbathing longer under the open Sun is highly discouraged. It is better to move under a canopy, in the shade you will also sunbathe, but without harm to the skin.

In order to accurately select the time spent in the Sun and not to miss with desired color tan, determine what type your skin belongs to ().

Ultraviolet is able to provoke uncontrolled growth of age spots and moles, the diameter of which is more than 6 millimeters. If you have four moles or patches of this size, then most likely you are predisposed to the formation of melanomas.

With the onset of the summer season, make sure to wear loose-fitting clothing, as well as sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat. They will help you protect yourself from the sultry midday Sun.

If you are high in the mountains, then remember the Sun is the most active in such places, the same is true in areas with ozone holes. Being in such territories, it is better to refrain from the temptation to soak up the sultry rays of ultraviolet radiation.

When sunbathing on the beach, in no case should you apply water to the body or sunbathe only after swimming. This will not bring you the desired effect, but you will definitely achieve micro-burns and skin damage. Remember, water drops on their own physical properties comparable to lenses that focus ultraviolet rays on small areas of outer tissues, causing them to overheat and burn.

To help the body cope with harmful influence sunlight, eat fresh fruits, berries, drink more green tea, you can drink red wine. These products contain antioxidants that will help your skin create a protective barrier against the effects of solar radiation.

After relaxing on the beach, take a shower and apply a special moisturizing after-sun lotion containing vitamin E. Please note that body and face products should be different.

Drink more plain, pure water - this will help the body cope with abundant moisture loss and prevent dehydration.

ADDITIONALLY

Nutrition for a beautiful tan

Scientists have identified five important ingredients found in foods that accelerate melanin production and help achieve persistent sunburn for a long time:

Vitamin E - protects the body from the formation of free radicals, prevents early skin aging and blocks malignant cell transformations. Most of this vitamin is found in sunflower and olive oil, almonds and peanuts.
Lycopene is this natural pigment helps to produce melanin faster, which is necessary for tanning, and also protects the skin from the harmful effects of the environment. Lycopene is found in large quantities in red-orange fruits and vegetables: watermelons, grapefruit, rose hips, papaya, guava, tomatoes, carrots, etc.
Tryptophan and tyrosine - these substances belong to amino acids and activate the increased production of melanin in skin. Most of these amino acids are found in protein foods. Tryptophan is found in: milk, cottage cheese yogurt, oats, bananas, soybeans, peanuts. And in a lower concentration - in turkey, meat, fish, chicken. Tyrosine is synthesized in the body from phenylalanine, which in turn is found in almost all protein products.
Selenium - helps to strengthen the immune system. Protects cell membranes from reactive oxygen species, blocking skin damage (burns, dryness). This trace element is found in natural rustic butter and sour cream, pork fat, sea kale, shrimp and squid, coconut, broccoli, veal, but most of all selenium in garlic.
Beta-carotene - protects the skin from burns and slows down the natural aging process in the body, prevents the appearance of malignant tumors. Beta-carotene, being a natural plant pigment of yellow-orange color, is able to give tanned skin a golden hue. Contained in such fruits, vegetables and herbs as: sweet potatoes (batan), carrots, spinach, cilantro, pumpkin, peaches, melon, passion fruit, basil, parsley.

Secrets of SPF creams

It is believed that SPF creams are used only to protect against the sun on a hot, sultry day, but this remedy is also aimed at combating the signs of aging and preventing the occurrence of melanomas.

There are a number of rules and secrets of using SPF creams that you need to know to get a beautiful and safe tan. Below are the most basic ones:

As you know, SPF creams primarily protect the skin from harmful effects, but do not forget to make sure from which one. One product only protects the skin from harmful effects (UVA), the other can only prevent the appearance of wrinkles (UVB). Really good SPF the remedy must protect against both. Make sure it contains following components: avobenzone (avobenzone) or Ecamule Mexoryl SM which is almost 4 times more effective than the first, titanium dioxide (titanium dioxide), zinc oxide (zinc oxide).
The most common myth about SPF creams is the degree of protection, expressed in numbers SPF 30, SPF 15, SPF 100. Many people think that a value of one hundred on a cream gives double protection compared to the same cream with a value of 50. In fact, this is not at all not this way. SPF is calculated on a logarithmic scale. That is, SPF 15 protects against 93% of UVB, thirty adds another 4% (97%), fifty filters out 98% of UVB, and one hundred blocks 99% of harmful UVB radiation.
Another common myth is waterproof SPF cream A. Absolutely any sunscreen will not resist water. Be sure to apply the cream after every bath or every two hours. Remember, even if you do not dip in water, the cream is still absorbed into the skin, so protective layer needs to be updated constantly sunscreen on open areas of the body in a thick layer, without rubbing.
Most often, sunscreens last no more than one season, even though the packaging costs more than long term validity. Usually SPF creams are with us in the sun, as a result of which, under the influence of temperature and improper storage conditions, its components lose their protective properties.
Apply the cream more often to the most vulnerable areas of the skin. Determine which parts of your body are more prone to sunburn and lubricate them with cream as needed.
On sale there are special SPF creams for the delicate skin around the eyes. Do not apply SPF body products to these areas of the face.
When preparing for a walk in the open, the Sun, do not forget to use cosmetics with an SPF factor. However, do not rely on SPF 30 powder to protect you well from ultraviolet radiation. The fact is that the powder layer is too thin to create effective protection, so it is recommended to use multi-layered SPF protection (for example, a moisturizer with SPF and foundation with SPF). It should also be taken into account that SPF protection does not sum up. That is, if you take SPF 30 cream and SPF 50 powder, this will not give you SPF 70 protection in total, but two layers of the same SPF 15 will be much more effective than one layer of thirty.
Dermatologists say that SPF protection is equally effective when applied to the skin, and directly on top of other cosmetics (even those that do not contain an SPF factor).
If you are going to spend a hot day outside with children, then get a special SPF cream for them at the pharmacy. SPF cream for adults can cause a child allergic reaction.
Buy sunscreen cosmetics only in reliable places. Poor quality, expired or counterfeit goods can not only harm your skin, but also cause a serious allergic reaction.

From all of the above, we can conclude. If you follow the above recommendations, then tanning will not harm you, but only benefit.