SUN SCREENING (OR HOW TO MAKE SURE YOUR SKIN IS A-OK!)

Want to look like a gorgeous, bronze goddess? You can grab some Vitamin D, just be smart about how you get that sun-kissed glow. 

Skin damage and ageing

One of the most immediate and visible effects of tanning is skin damage. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun penetrates the skin, causing damage at a cellular level, which manifests in the form of wrinkles and fine lines, hyperpigmentation and sun spots. Skin also tends to become dehydrated, flaky, and itchy, since the sun’s rays deplete its natural moisture. In severe cases, sunburn can occur — and because UV exposure accelerates the breakdown of collagen and elastin fibres, which are essential for maintaining youthful, firm skin, there is also loss of elasticity.

Increased risk of skin cancer

Prolonged exposure to UV radiation significantly raises the risk of both melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers. Melanoma, in particular, is highly aggressive and can spread to other parts of the body. While this practice is not very common in the Caribbean since we have the real thing — the sun — the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned against the use of tanning beds, citing the severe health risks they pose. Excessive UV exposure can also suppress the immune system, reducing its ability to combat infections and other diseases.

Here’s an easy way to check if you’re in the clear.

Eye damage

Tanning can have detrimental effects on eye health as well. UV radiation can cause photokeratitis, a painful condition that’s kind of like sunburn on the cornea; people with lighter coloured eyes should be particularly careful. Long-term exposure increases the risk of cataracts, macular degeneration, and other serious eye conditions that can lead to vision impairment or loss.

The takeaway? Everything in moderation. While the allure of a tan might be strong, you’ve got to weigh the aesthetic benefits against the health risks. Embracing sun safety measures, like using a broad-spectrum sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade, all can help protect against the harmful effects of UV radiation.