If you have been fighting eczema and looking for medicine for eczema and nothing seems to work then these suggestions may be just what you are looking for.
Step 1 - Avoid Triggers
The first step is to avoid the common triggers of your eczema symptoms. There are many of these. It is basically a reaction by your skin to an unfavorable condition within your body. Eczema cannot be spread from one person to another. It is caused by an internal stimulus. Some of the triggers are:
* Allergies to certain external chemicals or sensitizers
* Reactions to various foods like eggs, milk, soy
* Environmental factors like cold, heat or humidity
* Things you inhale like pet hair, pollen or dust mites
Stress may aggravate the symptoms, but is not the cause on its own.
Step 2 - Treat the Condition
There are many eczema medicines, but herbal remedies for eczema or natural remedies are the best. Most of these work around the idea of keeping the skin moisturized and free from bacterial infection. Here are a few natural eczema treatments:
* Apply virgin coconut oil to the affected area. This will act as a moisturizer and is a natural eczema treatment. Flax oil is another good choice for a moisturizer.
* Use Aloe Vera gel to soothe the skin, it is an excellent eczema herbal remedy. The best way to do this is to cut off small sections of the leaves and squeeze the gel directly onto the red and raw skin.
* Take an oatmeal bath. It will do wonders to heal and clear up the eczema spots.
Step 3 - Modify Your Diet
The key is to get your body to repair itself from the inside out. This involves changing your diet and feeding the cells of your body good nutrition. Here is a list of diet changes to start making:
* Increase your water intake to at least 32oz. a day. This is needed to hydrate the skin
* Supplement with a good Pro-biotic, available at health food stores.
* Take organic Vitamin C supplement, preferably in powder form. Start at 2000mg twice per day
* Increase the Omega 3,6,9 Fatty Acids in your diet. Take flax seed and fish oil supplements. Reduce fatty junk food.
The best way to treat Eczema is to use natural eczema treatments and strengthen the body as a whole
Saturday, 27 June 2009
Sunday, 21 June 2009
Is Your Skin Cream Really Better than Botox
There are many skeptics in the medical community who feel that topical anti-aging skin care products cannot possibly work. Their argument is that nothing you can buy in a jar can produce the results of a Botox injection or plastic surgery.
The Costs
But let’s look at both sides of the argument and start with the financial interest of both sides.
While there is no doubt that some of the major skin care firms make billions of dollars a years, effective skin care products can be had for as little as $20.
On the other hand, a Botox injection costs about $400 and must be repeated every four to six months.
Collagen injections cost even more, between $400 and $700 and may need to be repeated as often as every three months.
Non-invasive cosmetic procedures, like Thermage, can run several thousand dollars and may last only a few years. Major cosmetic surgery can easily cost in excess of $15,000 – and even face lifts don’t last forever.
The Effects
The medical community also gives little consideration to the side effects, discomfort and possible adverse reactions to injections, chemical peels, laser treatments or plastic surgery.
You might need to take two weeks or so off from work after a surgical face lift and still being suffering post-operative effects.
And Botox or collagen injections, dermabrasion, liposuction and cosmetic surgery can and does occasionally cause bad results, which can leave you permanently scarred for life.
While you can get an allergic reaction to a topical skin care product, it is usually short lived and goes away when you stop using the product.
Of course, topical skin care products require constant use, but even at that, can still cost less than most cosmetic procedures.
The Argument For Topical Skin Care
The scientists who create these skin care products maintain that, although their products will not have as pronounced an effect as a Botox injection or plastic surgery, they do produce real results. In their view, topical skin care products are for those who would prefer to avoid costly injections or cosmetic surgery for whatever reason.
Dr. Loren Pickart, the scientist best known for his research into the use of copper peptides in skin and hair care products, feels that the new frontier in skin care will be in the cosmetic field rather than in the medical one.
His opinion is that it is simply getting too costly and time consuming to get new drugs through the FDA approval process, so companies are concentrating more on the science behind topical skin care.
And this science is developing rapidly. For example, new delivery systems have recently been developed that allow the effective ingredients of anti-aging skin care products to penetrate the outer layer of the skin so that they can work in the underlying collagen and elastin.
Now even some of the skeptical physicians do concede that some of the more effective creams do produce at least limited anti-aging results.
For those who do not want to undergo or cannot afford plastic surgery or Botox injections, the cosmetic companies have developed effective antiaging skin care products containing one or more cosmeceutical peptides, substances that have been clinically proven to retard the signs of aging by thickening the skin and filing in fine lines and wrinkles.
So topical antiaging skin care products do fill a real need for those of us who would like to maintain our looks without the expense and risks associated with plastic surgery.
The Costs
But let’s look at both sides of the argument and start with the financial interest of both sides.
While there is no doubt that some of the major skin care firms make billions of dollars a years, effective skin care products can be had for as little as $20.
On the other hand, a Botox injection costs about $400 and must be repeated every four to six months.
Collagen injections cost even more, between $400 and $700 and may need to be repeated as often as every three months.
Non-invasive cosmetic procedures, like Thermage, can run several thousand dollars and may last only a few years. Major cosmetic surgery can easily cost in excess of $15,000 – and even face lifts don’t last forever.
The Effects
The medical community also gives little consideration to the side effects, discomfort and possible adverse reactions to injections, chemical peels, laser treatments or plastic surgery.
You might need to take two weeks or so off from work after a surgical face lift and still being suffering post-operative effects.
And Botox or collagen injections, dermabrasion, liposuction and cosmetic surgery can and does occasionally cause bad results, which can leave you permanently scarred for life.
While you can get an allergic reaction to a topical skin care product, it is usually short lived and goes away when you stop using the product.
Of course, topical skin care products require constant use, but even at that, can still cost less than most cosmetic procedures.
The Argument For Topical Skin Care
The scientists who create these skin care products maintain that, although their products will not have as pronounced an effect as a Botox injection or plastic surgery, they do produce real results. In their view, topical skin care products are for those who would prefer to avoid costly injections or cosmetic surgery for whatever reason.
Dr. Loren Pickart, the scientist best known for his research into the use of copper peptides in skin and hair care products, feels that the new frontier in skin care will be in the cosmetic field rather than in the medical one.
His opinion is that it is simply getting too costly and time consuming to get new drugs through the FDA approval process, so companies are concentrating more on the science behind topical skin care.
And this science is developing rapidly. For example, new delivery systems have recently been developed that allow the effective ingredients of anti-aging skin care products to penetrate the outer layer of the skin so that they can work in the underlying collagen and elastin.
Now even some of the skeptical physicians do concede that some of the more effective creams do produce at least limited anti-aging results.
For those who do not want to undergo or cannot afford plastic surgery or Botox injections, the cosmetic companies have developed effective antiaging skin care products containing one or more cosmeceutical peptides, substances that have been clinically proven to retard the signs of aging by thickening the skin and filing in fine lines and wrinkles.
So topical antiaging skin care products do fill a real need for those of us who would like to maintain our looks without the expense and risks associated with plastic surgery.
Monday, 15 June 2009
Top 10 Secrets Of Taking Care Of Your Skin
Healthy skin is really one of the most important ingredients for beauty-enhancement. This article on skin care tips is an effort to bring the 10 best skin care tips to you. The list of skin care tips has been restricted to 10 because anything more that that would not only be difficult to remember, but also shadow the more important skin care tips. So let’s see what these top ten skin care tips are:
1] Knowing your skin type is one of the most important skin care tip. This is important because not every skin care product suits everyone. In fact, all the skin care products specify the type of skin they cater too.
2] ‘Drink a lot of water’. This will not keep your skin moist but will help in overall upkeep of your health (and in turn your skin). It might seem a bit awkward to some, however, this is an important skin care tip.
3] Cleanse your skin regularly (1-2 times everyday). A very effective skin care tip that helps in getting rid of the dirt and other harsh elements from your skin. Cleansing is especially important when you have been out of your house (and hence exposed to pollutants, dust etc). This skin care tip also advocates the use of Luke warm water for cleansing (hot and cold water, both, cause damage to your skin)
4] Be gentle, after all it’s your skin. Don’t scrub/exfoliate too hard or too often. Similarly, don’t apply too much or too many skin care products. A must-to-follow skin care tip.
5] Keep your skin moist at all times. This is one of the most important skin care tip. Don’t let your skin get dry. Dryness causes the outer layer of your skin to break, leading to a rough and unattractive appearance. Use moisturisers/ emollients. Moisturisers work best when applied while the skin is still damp.
6] Avoid the use of soap on your face. Soap should only be used from below the neck. A small but important skin care tip.
7] Use sunscreen to protect yourself from sun’s harmful UV radiations. You can use day-time moisturisers that have sunscreen built into them. Use them even when it’s cloudy. UV radiations are known to cause skin cancer, so follow this skin care tip without fail.
8] A bit of exercise and good sleep are essential too, not just for skin care but for your health as a whole. Lack of sleep can lead to formation of wrinkles below your eyes and lack of exercise can cause your skin to slack. Moreover, exercise and sleep also help in beating stress. So besides being a skin care tip, this is also a health care tip.
9] Treat skin dilemmas with care. This skin care tip is about not ignoring any skin dilemmas. Consult your dermatologist before you go on to use a skin care product (lest you do end up harming your skin even more).
10] Beat the stress. Everyone knows the harmful effects of stress, however, sometimes stating the obvious is essential too (and hence this skin care tip found its place here). Yes, stress harms skin too. So, take a break or indulge in a warm bubble bath or just get good sleep.
1] Knowing your skin type is one of the most important skin care tip. This is important because not every skin care product suits everyone. In fact, all the skin care products specify the type of skin they cater too.
2] ‘Drink a lot of water’. This will not keep your skin moist but will help in overall upkeep of your health (and in turn your skin). It might seem a bit awkward to some, however, this is an important skin care tip.
3] Cleanse your skin regularly (1-2 times everyday). A very effective skin care tip that helps in getting rid of the dirt and other harsh elements from your skin. Cleansing is especially important when you have been out of your house (and hence exposed to pollutants, dust etc). This skin care tip also advocates the use of Luke warm water for cleansing (hot and cold water, both, cause damage to your skin)
4] Be gentle, after all it’s your skin. Don’t scrub/exfoliate too hard or too often. Similarly, don’t apply too much or too many skin care products. A must-to-follow skin care tip.
5] Keep your skin moist at all times. This is one of the most important skin care tip. Don’t let your skin get dry. Dryness causes the outer layer of your skin to break, leading to a rough and unattractive appearance. Use moisturisers/ emollients. Moisturisers work best when applied while the skin is still damp.
6] Avoid the use of soap on your face. Soap should only be used from below the neck. A small but important skin care tip.
7] Use sunscreen to protect yourself from sun’s harmful UV radiations. You can use day-time moisturisers that have sunscreen built into them. Use them even when it’s cloudy. UV radiations are known to cause skin cancer, so follow this skin care tip without fail.
8] A bit of exercise and good sleep are essential too, not just for skin care but for your health as a whole. Lack of sleep can lead to formation of wrinkles below your eyes and lack of exercise can cause your skin to slack. Moreover, exercise and sleep also help in beating stress. So besides being a skin care tip, this is also a health care tip.
9] Treat skin dilemmas with care. This skin care tip is about not ignoring any skin dilemmas. Consult your dermatologist before you go on to use a skin care product (lest you do end up harming your skin even more).
10] Beat the stress. Everyone knows the harmful effects of stress, however, sometimes stating the obvious is essential too (and hence this skin care tip found its place here). Yes, stress harms skin too. So, take a break or indulge in a warm bubble bath or just get good sleep.
Tuesday, 9 June 2009
Natural Skin Care - The Simplest Remedy is Hydration
If you feel fatigued and your skin is dry and wrinkled, it may not be old age creeping up on you. You just might be dehydrated. The simplest natural skin care remedy is staying hydrated. Hydration results in better health and gorgeous skin.
Well-moisturized skin glows and is soft and supple to the touch. Staying hydrated as part of your natural skin care helps slow the signs of aging. It also protects you from dry skin, cracking, itching, chapping, and pain while helping your skin's ability to heal.
Even the symptoms of mild dehydration are noticeable in your body. Dehydration can occur after only a two percent loss or shortage of water in your body. This is why staying hydrated is an important aspect in natural skin care. Typical symptoms experienced with mild dehydration include thirst, fatigue, dry mouth, weakness, decreased urination, loss of appetite, and dry skin.
Dehydration can happen for several reasons other than not drinking enough water. Temperature, climate, medications, illness, and activity level can all lead to dehydration and dry skin. Natural skin care experts estimate that people lose a good amount of water just by breathing, urinating, sweating, and generally going about daily activities. With a high level of activity and a hot temperature, your body looses water quickly.
The first step in natural skin care is to hydrate your body from the inside out by drinking plenty of water. By sipping water throughout your day, you will help your skin maintain a balance of moisture. When you stay hydrated, your skin cells plump up, protecting your skin from dryness and moisture loss. Most natural skin care experts recommend drinking six to eight glasses of water per day, but this may vary depending on the amount of water your body loses, as some days you may need to replenish your body with more water than on other days.
The best amount of water to drink for natural skin care is the amount that feels right to you. Everyone is different and no set amount is perfect for every person. Never force yourself to drink water, as drinking too much water is dangerous. Do not gulp water, either. Leisurely sipping throughout your day is ideal.
Water acts as a natural skin care diuretic, assisting your kidneys in releasing toxins from your body. This can only happen if your body has enough water.
Drinking water as part of natural skin care allows you to hydrate the inside of your body, but there are also natural skin care remedies for the outside that you can apply directly to your skin.
Moisturizers - Slather on a natural skin care moisturizer made from natural ingredients as a healthy way to seal in your body's natural moisture, especially after a bath or shower. Natural skin care moisturizers offer a nourishing treat for your skin that also helps to fight aging.
Facial Mists - Consider mixing up a natural skin care facial mist from natural ingredients that contain beneficial antioxidants. Facial mists feel great on hot summer days while warm facial mists are a treat on cold winter days. Carry a small misting bottle containing your favorite natural skin care facial mist with you for a quick spritz throughout your day. Facial mists offer another great way to fight moisture loss from the outside.
Natural skin care, and in particular facial rejuvenation natural recipes you mix up yourself at home, offer ingredients that hydrate, heal, renew, and protect. Natural skin care's simplest remedy is stay hydrated and stay beautiful.
Cory Blanchette has specialized in skin care for the past 4 years and has produced a e-book that exposes the techniques on how to get your skin looking the way you want it to look.
http://www.rejuvenatingnaturalskincare.com
Well-moisturized skin glows and is soft and supple to the touch. Staying hydrated as part of your natural skin care helps slow the signs of aging. It also protects you from dry skin, cracking, itching, chapping, and pain while helping your skin's ability to heal.
Even the symptoms of mild dehydration are noticeable in your body. Dehydration can occur after only a two percent loss or shortage of water in your body. This is why staying hydrated is an important aspect in natural skin care. Typical symptoms experienced with mild dehydration include thirst, fatigue, dry mouth, weakness, decreased urination, loss of appetite, and dry skin.
Dehydration can happen for several reasons other than not drinking enough water. Temperature, climate, medications, illness, and activity level can all lead to dehydration and dry skin. Natural skin care experts estimate that people lose a good amount of water just by breathing, urinating, sweating, and generally going about daily activities. With a high level of activity and a hot temperature, your body looses water quickly.
The first step in natural skin care is to hydrate your body from the inside out by drinking plenty of water. By sipping water throughout your day, you will help your skin maintain a balance of moisture. When you stay hydrated, your skin cells plump up, protecting your skin from dryness and moisture loss. Most natural skin care experts recommend drinking six to eight glasses of water per day, but this may vary depending on the amount of water your body loses, as some days you may need to replenish your body with more water than on other days.
The best amount of water to drink for natural skin care is the amount that feels right to you. Everyone is different and no set amount is perfect for every person. Never force yourself to drink water, as drinking too much water is dangerous. Do not gulp water, either. Leisurely sipping throughout your day is ideal.
Water acts as a natural skin care diuretic, assisting your kidneys in releasing toxins from your body. This can only happen if your body has enough water.
Drinking water as part of natural skin care allows you to hydrate the inside of your body, but there are also natural skin care remedies for the outside that you can apply directly to your skin.
Moisturizers - Slather on a natural skin care moisturizer made from natural ingredients as a healthy way to seal in your body's natural moisture, especially after a bath or shower. Natural skin care moisturizers offer a nourishing treat for your skin that also helps to fight aging.
Facial Mists - Consider mixing up a natural skin care facial mist from natural ingredients that contain beneficial antioxidants. Facial mists feel great on hot summer days while warm facial mists are a treat on cold winter days. Carry a small misting bottle containing your favorite natural skin care facial mist with you for a quick spritz throughout your day. Facial mists offer another great way to fight moisture loss from the outside.
Natural skin care, and in particular facial rejuvenation natural recipes you mix up yourself at home, offer ingredients that hydrate, heal, renew, and protect. Natural skin care's simplest remedy is stay hydrated and stay beautiful.
Cory Blanchette has specialized in skin care for the past 4 years and has produced a e-book that exposes the techniques on how to get your skin looking the way you want it to look.
http://www.rejuvenatingnaturalskincare.com
Tuesday, 2 June 2009
The 10 Best Skin Care Tips You Will Ever Need
Your skin is an organ just like any other in your body and because it is your protection against the world it is vital you take care of it more than any other. Most people neglect taking care of their skin, more so men than women, but there are some sensible easy to follow tips that will keep your skin healthy that will not cost you an arm and a leg.
Healthy skin is really one of the most important ingredients for beauty-enhancement and when your skin is well cared for you will not only look good but feel great as well. Consider these sensible tips and guides to young healthy looking skin.
1. You should know your skin type in order to care for it properly. This is vital because not every type skin care product suits everyone. When you buy skin care products you will see that they are formulated to treat different types of skin. You may have dry skin, sensitive skin, or rough skin so make sure to purchase the right type of skin care product.
2. You should try and drink at least 8 glasses of water every day. This is crucial to good health in more ways than one. Doing so will not only keep your skin moist and supple but will help in overall upkeep of your health. It might seem a bit awkward to do so but water in any form is good so if you prefer fruit juices or alternatives this is just as sensible. Make it a habit if drinking enough water or liquids every day without exception.
3. Cleanse your skin regularly with the right type of products that suit your skin as mentioned above. Once in the morning and before retiring is good (1 or 2 times everyday). Your skin is exposed to pollution and harsh elements everyday and you need to revitalize it by cleansing. Use any of the different cleansing products on the market with Luke warm water. Too hot or too cold water is harmful to your skin. If you do like hot baths add skin oils to the water or bath salts that are skin care related.
4. Always be gentle when taking care of your skin. Never scrub or exfoliate too hard or too often. Sometimes your skin also needs a break from too many creams, make ups, or other skin care and cleansing products, Skip one day a week and use nothing on your skin. When you dio use skin care products also try not to overdo it.
5. Keep your skin moist and hydrated at all times. This is most important when it comes to skin care. Dryness causes the outer layer of your skin to break and flake more, and this results in chapped and rough skin. Use skin care products like moisturizers/ hydrating creams. After you have bathed or showered then apply a moisturizer before your skin is completely dry.
6. Try and Avoid the use of harsh soaps on your face and neck. Normal cleaning soaps should only be used from below the neck. You should use quality skin care cleansing for the rest of your body as well like herbal soaps or skin care gels.
7. When you are outdoors or vacations use sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful UV radiations. Tanning is dangerous without sunscreens and can lead to skin cancers. During the day use moisturizers that have sunscreen built into them where possible. Use them even when it’s cloudy because there are still UV rays coming through.
8. This may sound odd as a skin care tip, but regular exercise and good sleep are essential too, not just for skin care but for your health as a whole. The lack of sleep can lead to the formation of wrinkles and blackness below your eyes. In addition to this a lack of exercise can cause your skin to slacken and sag. Stress is not good for skin so exercise and sufficient sleep being a good reliever of stress lead to healthy looking skin.
9. Treat skin problems as soon as you notice any. Consult your dermatologist or doctor if you discover something out of the ordinary. Serious problems can be prevented if you catch them in time.
10. Beat the stress of modern living. The harmful effects of stress are well known to everyone but few people realize that there are easy ways to beat stress. Simple relaxation in a hot bath; regular get aways even for a weekend, relaxing with friends and family, is just a few examples of ways to relieve stress. Good health and relaxation result in a radiant looking supple skin.
Healthy skin is really one of the most important ingredients for beauty-enhancement and when your skin is well cared for you will not only look good but feel great as well. Consider these sensible tips and guides to young healthy looking skin.
1. You should know your skin type in order to care for it properly. This is vital because not every type skin care product suits everyone. When you buy skin care products you will see that they are formulated to treat different types of skin. You may have dry skin, sensitive skin, or rough skin so make sure to purchase the right type of skin care product.
2. You should try and drink at least 8 glasses of water every day. This is crucial to good health in more ways than one. Doing so will not only keep your skin moist and supple but will help in overall upkeep of your health. It might seem a bit awkward to do so but water in any form is good so if you prefer fruit juices or alternatives this is just as sensible. Make it a habit if drinking enough water or liquids every day without exception.
3. Cleanse your skin regularly with the right type of products that suit your skin as mentioned above. Once in the morning and before retiring is good (1 or 2 times everyday). Your skin is exposed to pollution and harsh elements everyday and you need to revitalize it by cleansing. Use any of the different cleansing products on the market with Luke warm water. Too hot or too cold water is harmful to your skin. If you do like hot baths add skin oils to the water or bath salts that are skin care related.
4. Always be gentle when taking care of your skin. Never scrub or exfoliate too hard or too often. Sometimes your skin also needs a break from too many creams, make ups, or other skin care and cleansing products, Skip one day a week and use nothing on your skin. When you dio use skin care products also try not to overdo it.
5. Keep your skin moist and hydrated at all times. This is most important when it comes to skin care. Dryness causes the outer layer of your skin to break and flake more, and this results in chapped and rough skin. Use skin care products like moisturizers/ hydrating creams. After you have bathed or showered then apply a moisturizer before your skin is completely dry.
6. Try and Avoid the use of harsh soaps on your face and neck. Normal cleaning soaps should only be used from below the neck. You should use quality skin care cleansing for the rest of your body as well like herbal soaps or skin care gels.
7. When you are outdoors or vacations use sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful UV radiations. Tanning is dangerous without sunscreens and can lead to skin cancers. During the day use moisturizers that have sunscreen built into them where possible. Use them even when it’s cloudy because there are still UV rays coming through.
8. This may sound odd as a skin care tip, but regular exercise and good sleep are essential too, not just for skin care but for your health as a whole. The lack of sleep can lead to the formation of wrinkles and blackness below your eyes. In addition to this a lack of exercise can cause your skin to slacken and sag. Stress is not good for skin so exercise and sufficient sleep being a good reliever of stress lead to healthy looking skin.
9. Treat skin problems as soon as you notice any. Consult your dermatologist or doctor if you discover something out of the ordinary. Serious problems can be prevented if you catch them in time.
10. Beat the stress of modern living. The harmful effects of stress are well known to everyone but few people realize that there are easy ways to beat stress. Simple relaxation in a hot bath; regular get aways even for a weekend, relaxing with friends and family, is just a few examples of ways to relieve stress. Good health and relaxation result in a radiant looking supple skin.
Monday, 1 June 2009
Sun Exposure & UV Rays - The Basic Facts
The human body benefits from sun exposure. And a little bit of tan protects you from the sun. Right? Wrong!
The body does indeed benefit from sun exposure. But a little bit of tan does not necessarily protect you from the sun. Let's see why.
The sun's rays are a major source of vitamin D and help the body's systems acquire much needed calcium for building healthy bones. However, most people don't need to spend large amounts of time exposed to the sun in order to get their required amount of vitamin D.
In fact, the body's health can actually suffer negative effects when it's exposed too long to the sun's rays, especially if it's unprotected. Results can vary from skin and eye damage to immune system suppression and ultimately cancer, even for the young.
So let's look at the basic facts about sun exposure.
There are three kinds of invisible ultraviolet (UV) rays in the sun that reaches earth: UVA, UVB, and UVC. When these rays come in contact with our skin, affects of UVA and UVB can be - tans, burns and other reactions (e.g. like acne and cancer).
It's also notable that the effects of all UV rays are not the same. Depending upon the season, time of day and place on the planet in relation to the sun - (i.e. your altitude and latitude), the rays' intensities vary. For example, during summertime, UV rays are at their strongest. Between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., the rays are strongest. And close to the equator and at high altitudes (where air and cloud cover are less, resulting in increased harmful penetration of UV rays into the environment), the rays are also strongest.
In order to protect ourselves from the harmful UV rays, let's look at the skin's first defense - melanin.
Melanin is a chemical present in a variety of colors and concentrations in most people's skin that helps with defense from the sun. Melanin reacts with UV rays and absorbs them. Or rather, to be more specific, the rays act upon melanin, causing the melanin to spread out or grow, increasing its presence in response to the sun's exposure. The result? A 'sun tan'. The darker the skin color, the more melanin the skin has for protection. And 'tanning' for darker color is included here; 'color' does not have to refer to just the original skin color.
A word of caution...
Tanning may look great on the surface, - but the amount and length of time a person is exposed to the sun, determines the amount of possible damage. It also determines the future risk of damage that's likely.
For example, people who are exposed to the sun in huge doses like ship crews, field workers and beach surfers, are at higher risks for skin damage than indoor workers. What happens is that when the amount of UV exposure is greater than what the skin's melanin can handle, sunburn can result. And those with lighter, fairer skin, who have less melanin, absorb less UV, suffering less protection.
Since research has shown that UV damage from the sun is the main cause of skin cancer, (with as high as 20% of some populations developing skin cancer during their lifetime), we need to take a proactive approach in relation to sun exposure to avoid harmful skin damage.
As we say colloquially here in Australia - "Slip, Slop, Slap". (I.e. 'Slip' on a shirt, 'Slop' on a hat, 'Slap' on a sunscreen). Look after the skin you've got, because you're the one who will be living with it!
The body does indeed benefit from sun exposure. But a little bit of tan does not necessarily protect you from the sun. Let's see why.
The sun's rays are a major source of vitamin D and help the body's systems acquire much needed calcium for building healthy bones. However, most people don't need to spend large amounts of time exposed to the sun in order to get their required amount of vitamin D.
In fact, the body's health can actually suffer negative effects when it's exposed too long to the sun's rays, especially if it's unprotected. Results can vary from skin and eye damage to immune system suppression and ultimately cancer, even for the young.
So let's look at the basic facts about sun exposure.
There are three kinds of invisible ultraviolet (UV) rays in the sun that reaches earth: UVA, UVB, and UVC. When these rays come in contact with our skin, affects of UVA and UVB can be - tans, burns and other reactions (e.g. like acne and cancer).
It's also notable that the effects of all UV rays are not the same. Depending upon the season, time of day and place on the planet in relation to the sun - (i.e. your altitude and latitude), the rays' intensities vary. For example, during summertime, UV rays are at their strongest. Between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., the rays are strongest. And close to the equator and at high altitudes (where air and cloud cover are less, resulting in increased harmful penetration of UV rays into the environment), the rays are also strongest.
In order to protect ourselves from the harmful UV rays, let's look at the skin's first defense - melanin.
Melanin is a chemical present in a variety of colors and concentrations in most people's skin that helps with defense from the sun. Melanin reacts with UV rays and absorbs them. Or rather, to be more specific, the rays act upon melanin, causing the melanin to spread out or grow, increasing its presence in response to the sun's exposure. The result? A 'sun tan'. The darker the skin color, the more melanin the skin has for protection. And 'tanning' for darker color is included here; 'color' does not have to refer to just the original skin color.
A word of caution...
Tanning may look great on the surface, - but the amount and length of time a person is exposed to the sun, determines the amount of possible damage. It also determines the future risk of damage that's likely.
For example, people who are exposed to the sun in huge doses like ship crews, field workers and beach surfers, are at higher risks for skin damage than indoor workers. What happens is that when the amount of UV exposure is greater than what the skin's melanin can handle, sunburn can result. And those with lighter, fairer skin, who have less melanin, absorb less UV, suffering less protection.
Since research has shown that UV damage from the sun is the main cause of skin cancer, (with as high as 20% of some populations developing skin cancer during their lifetime), we need to take a proactive approach in relation to sun exposure to avoid harmful skin damage.
As we say colloquially here in Australia - "Slip, Slop, Slap". (I.e. 'Slip' on a shirt, 'Slop' on a hat, 'Slap' on a sunscreen). Look after the skin you've got, because you're the one who will be living with it!
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