Why do some people tan, while others point burn

Summer - a time when many take vacations and go bask in the sun. But if for some sunbathing - a real pleasure, for others it is a risk to go through the pain and discomfort that are called sunburn.

I'm sure you already know that sunburn - is the result of exposure to ultraviolet radiation on the skin, and that prevent backfire possible using sunscreen. But here's what you may not know is the fact that sunburn - is not nothing but a defensive reaction of the organism, and that the effectiveness of aloe vera (the people it is considered to be one of the best remedies to relieve symptoms of burn) does not It proved.

Given the fact that sunburn - it is quite a common phenomenon, what is surprising is how many questions, myths and misconceptions, it has acquired.

In this article we will explain what a sunburn, sunburn, sunscreen and, most importantly, how to protect against the development of cancerous tumors.

Why do some people tan, while others immediately burn

In short, sunburn - is the reaction of the skin cells to damage DNA molecules when exposed to ultraviolet rays. By themselves, tan and sunburn are not harmful to the body, it is only evidence that the DNA had been damaged, and therefore increased the likelihood of developing skin cancer.

Ultraviolet (UV) - is electromagnetic radiation occupying a spectral range between the visible and X-ray radiation. The sun emits several types of ultraviolet radiation.

UV short wavelength (UV-C) is almost completely absorbed by the ozone layer. But the remaining two types (UV-A and UV-B) are able to penetrate through the ozone layer.

For a long time it was thought incorrectly that only UV-B can cause skin damage and make the DNA molecule go into an excited state (this leads to mutations, genetic disorders and, as a consequence, the development of cancer).

More recently, scientists have found that, although the UV-A and does not cause burns, this type of radiation also stimulates the development of cancer.

It should be borne in mind that our body has a natural defense against UV light - a dark pigment called melanin. Melanin stains the cells in a dark color and reduces the harmful effects of radiation on the body.

Some people from birth have an increased level of melanin, making their skin darker and less vulnerable to the effects of UV. Others are forced to produce this pigment under the influence of small doses of radiation. The whole process takes from one to three days, and when he finished, there is what we call a tan.

The presence of tanning does not mean that your skin is fully protected from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation. People with any skin tone susceptible to erosion in the sun. Just probability of getting burned is higher in those with less melanin.

Why sunburn accompanied by pain, itching and blisters

The first reaction to the injury of DNA upon irradiation - kill the affected cells. This is to prevent the mutant cells reproduce uncontrollably, forming a tumor.

If the dead cells in the upper layers of the skin are peeled off without any obstacles (about a day after a sunburn), the damaged cells in the deeper layers of the body has to strip. For this purpose there is a special mechanism.

When a cell dies, it releases a tiny fragment of the damaged genetic material. This is the signal for the neighboring cell to initiate the series of changes, known as the inflammatory reaction.

This is the same reaction that triggers the body in response to infection. Blood vessels dilate, increasing blood flow (as a result of temperature rises), increased protein synthesis results in itching and pain.

If immediately killed large numbers of cells, in their place is formed blister. The body is needed in order to fill the plasma damaged tissue and thereby contribute to healing.

When and where more likely to get burned

The time required to earn burns, in proportion to the dose of ultraviolet radiation received skin. Accordingly, the more direct rays hit the skin, the greater the dose received.

That is, the closer to the equator, the higher the chance of getting a sunburn. Similarly, the probability increases dramatically during the summer, especially in the time between 10:00 and 14:00. A peak UV radiation reaches at noon.

Unfortunately the clouds better block the visible sun's rays than ultraviolet light, so you can earn burns even on a cloudy day.

In some cases - for unclear reasons - clouds can even increase the amount of ultraviolet radiation reaching the surface.

If you are at high altitude, the probability to get burns significantly higher, because in this case the solar radiation is not necessary to break through the atmospheric layer to reach you.

There are other factors that can increase the risk of burns to earn. For example, while away from the snow, water, sand or other white material which reflects UV, you are exposed to greater radiation exposure.

How to prevent burns

The answer is banal. Wear sunscreen. This will prevent not only sunburn, but also significantly reduce the risk of cancer cells.

Although with sunscreen it is not so clear. There is evidence that the active chemicals that are part of the creams have side effects and can cause poisoning. So today is very popular opinion that the best defense - the creams on the basis of minerals such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.

Yet most dermatologists tend to believe that the benefits of sunscreens based chemicals is greater than the potential harm. Dermatologists also recommend the use of creams with a wide spectrum of protection (protection against UV-A and UV-B) and the index of not less than 30 SPF.

What is an SPF record in sunscreens

SPF - an indicator of how long the cream is able to retain its protective properties. That is, if the skin is burnt for 10 minutes with no cream, the cream with an SPF, of 30 may increase this period to 300 minutes.

It should also pay attention to the fact that SPF - is a logarithmic index after reaching a certain point (about 30), a further increase of this magnitude can hardly add additional protection.

How to use sunscreen

Experts recommend apply the cream at least 15 minutes prior to sun yourself on. Repeat the procedure necessary every two hours or immediately after a swim or sweat. Of course, there are a number of water-resistant creams, but the rest or wash off or lose their properties.

What to do if you have already burned

First, to hide from the sun, to prevent further damage and allow the body to start the healing mechanism.

Secondly, to relieve the pain, you can take a cold shower or use a moisturizer and anti-itching. If the pain is severe, it is permissible to take painkillers.

Important! There is no evidence that aloe vera is the best way to deal with burns.

Another good piece of advice: if burned, drink more water. Sunburns are often accompanied by dehydration.

Sunburns are beginning to heal after a few days. It is better to become in a few weeks. Yet it is worth remembering that cells with damaged DNA molecules accumulate and the more often you tan or burn out, the higher the risk of developing cancer.

Be careful in the sun!