DEFINITION

A Suntan, or darkening of the skin, results from exposure to UV radiation which stimulates the development of melanin, a natural pigment, which helps to protect the skin from the damaging effects of the sun.

DESCRIPTION

A Suntan is not a sign of good health; it is a sign that the skin has received enough UV radiation to be damaged.
The sun gives off differing rays of light including UV-A and UV-B rays which have been proven to damage and cause premature ageing of the skin. They stimulate the skin cells to produce a dark pigment called melanin.
All skins have the same number of melanin producing cells, but some produce more melanin than others. Fair skinned people produce less than dark skinned people. The less melanin produced results in the skin burning more readily.
The amount of melanin determines the colour and the depth of tan that a person may or may not acquire. Redheaded, fair skinned people for example are usually unable to produce a lot of melanin which results in their skin being easily burnt by the sun. People with freckles also need to take extra care in the sun. Freckles are a sign of sun-sensitive skin that has received a lot of UV radiation and indicates an inability to produce pigment evenly.

THE GREAT TAN MYTH
When the sun's UV rays penetrate the skin, they injure living cells, causing them to swell and the skin to burn. In an effort to prevent further injury, your skin develops a tan, which is in fact an attempt by the body to prevent further injury against the harshness of the sun.
A tan is literally skin damage that builds up, year after year, tan after tan.
- Remember a tan does not protect or prevent skin cancer. In fact studies have shown that people who have a history of sunburn have a high skin cancer risk even if they do get a Suntan easily.
Over-exposure to the sun can make the skin dry, wrinkled and less elastic, apart from the danger of getting skin cancer. It may cause the skin to age prematurely, and it may become wrinkled, freckled, dry and leathery to the touch. Over-exposure to the sun is not recommended. Excessive sun exposure is the primary cause of skin cancer, which is the most common form of cancer in the world.

SOLARIUMS
Solariums and sun lamps offer people an artificial tanning process which is now thought to have possibly damaging effects. Most solariums and sunlamps claim to use only UV-A radiation which can cause the skin to burn and may contribute to the development of skin cancer. The use of solariums can cause skin irritations including redness, itchiness and dryness. Some prescription drugs including some antibiotics and diuretics can increase a person's sensitivity to UV-A radiation.

TANNING AGENTS
- Skin dyes can add a temporary colour to the skin which looks similar to a suntan. These products are usually made from vegetable dyes and give no protection from the sun.
- Tan enhancing agents are available which cause the skin to tan more easily. These products work by stimulating the skin that has had the tan enhancing cream or lotion applied to it to produce more melanin when exposed to sunlight. These methods provide no protection against UV radiation.

TREATMENT OPTIONS

If you have been over-exposed to the sun's rays, and the you are suffering from severe sunburn your Doctor should be consulted.(See the Sunburn topic).

PHARMACIST'S ADVICE

Ask your Pharmacist for advice.
1) It is advisable to use a SPF 30+ sunscreenevery day to protect the skin from the damaging effects of UV radiation. Ask your Pharmacist about the range of sunscreens that are designed for individual needs e.g., water resistant sunscreens and sunscreens for sensitive skins. This is especially true for people who have skin which is sensitive to UV radiation.
2) It is important to use enough sunscreen at a time. An adult should use about six teaspoons (30g) of sunscreen every time it is applied to the entire body. Many people do not use enough and as a result have little protection.
3) Apply to the skin 15 to 30 minutes before going into the sun and reapply at least once every two hours and after swimming or exercise.
4) To relieve the pain of Sunburn your Pharmacist may suggest a local anaesthetic spray. This will allow a sunburn relieving cream or gel to be applied. There are several brands available including aloe vera gel. If you feel sunburnt, it is advisable not to expose your skin to the sun again until it has completely healed to avoid further damage to the skin. (See the Sunburn topic)
5) Using a nourishing cream e.g., vitamin E cream, after the burning feeling has disappeared, may help to stop the skin from peeling.
6) Ask your Pharmacist about the range of tan enhancing products and skin dyes that are available. These methods of achieving a Suntan are possibly a lot safer than sunbaking which may cause the skin to burn, age prematurely and increase the risk of skin cancer.

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