Winter sun, winter tan. Is it possible to tan in cloudy weather? Tanning causes mastopathy

Unfortunately, it is almost impossible to predict the weather several weeks in advance, because weather quite changeable. One of the most terrible news that vacationers really don’t want to face upon arriving on vacation is the deterioration of weather conditions.

What about a chocolate tan and enjoying sunbathing? In this case, many people wonder whether it is possible to tan in cloudy weather or whether time on the beach will be spent completely in vain.

When you have doubts about whether you can tan if the sun is behind the clouds, you need to listen to the opinion of experts on this matter. As practice shows, it is by sunbathing in the shade that you can become the owner of a lasting and even tan.

But leading experts in the field of chemistry and physics say that even in cloudy weather you can safely go to the beach for a tan. The fact is that most of the ultraviolet radiation passes through the clouds unhindered, so cases of burns are not uncommon even in such weather conditions.

Is it possible to tan under the clouds? Undoubtedly, the tan will turn out quite beautiful and even. However, it may take a little longer to achieve the desired skin tone in cloudy conditions.

Don't forget about precautions

At first glance, it may seem that when sunbathing in the shade there is no need to treat the skin with sunscreen, because the risk of burns is completely absent. In fact, this is a big misconception and experts insist that precautions must be remembered, even when it comes to staying in shaded conditions.

Therefore, when going to the beach in cloudy weather, you should not forget about sunscreen. Of course, it can be used in much smaller quantities than in scorching sun conditions. This will help avoid sunburn.

Is it possible to tan in cloudy weather? This question worries all vacationers who were unlucky with the weather on vacation. Of course, you can tan in such conditions, but it will take more than one day to get a beautiful tan. To speed up the process, you can use some proven secrets of a beautiful tan. This is about:

• Use healthy products. As numerous studies show, by filling daily diet Using certain products will help minimize the risk of sunburn. Such positive properties characteristic of melon, apricot, broccoli, watermelon, grapes, spinach, as well as foods rich in tyrosine (they are presented oily fish, meat, liver, almonds).
• Use vegetable oils. The greatest effectiveness in obtaining a tan is attributed to oils containing walnuts, coconut, cocoa, and sesame. But to consolidate the result, it is recommended to treat the skin with almond, peach, apricot or olive oil.

As for food, the diet must be filled not only with products that provide additional protection for the skin from sunburn, but also with products that contribute to the formation of a brown tint. If you need to tan quickly, it is recommended to focus on foods filled with beta-carotene and represented by carrots, pumpkin, bell peppers and oranges.

It should also be remembered that ultraviolet radiation affects different skin types differently, which determines the quality of the tan. Thus, skin that is prone to oiliness tans best, which cannot be said about dry skin, the owners of which put a lot of effort into obtaining the desired shade.

You also need to take into account the fact that skin that is prone to excessive sweating tans much worse, because the secreted liquid prevents a normal tan.

For trips to the beach in cloudy weather, you can also use a cream that accelerates tanning. These products help to increase blood microcirculation in the skin, which activates the production of melanin, which is responsible for skin coloring.

Such creams, as a rule, are characterized by a “tingle effect,” as evidenced by the mark on the product label. Unfortunately, such remedies cannot be used by everyone, and many people experience allergic reaction. To avoid unwanted side effects, it is recommended to first test the selected product on a small area of ​​skin.

So, the answer to the question of whether it is possible to sunbathe on a cloudy day is obvious. As practice shows, in such conditions it is possible not only to tan, but also to get sunburned, so you should always remember about safety measures.

Video about tanning products

Although this is harmful, and in some cases very harmful, we will still sunbathe. So let's at least figure out how to do it correctly.

A FLY IN THE OIT IN THE BARREL OF THE SUN
Let's give the sun its due: its health benefits have long been proven. But in what volumes? And here surprises await many.

When exposed to sunlight, vitamin D is formed in the epidermis. This vital vitamin prevents the development of rickets in children and osteoporosis and arthrosis in adults. Vitamin deficiency causes diseases such as sclerosis, diabetes, various types of cancer, including lung, ovarian and prostate cancer. Vitamin D is a substance that suppresses the development of cancer cells.
Research has confirmed: residents northern regions are more likely to suffer from prostate or colon cancer than those closer to the equator. Multiple sclerosis is more common in Canada and the northern states of the United States than in the southern states.
HOWEVER. To get your daily dose of the vitamin, it is enough to stay in the sun for 15 minutes, not in a bikini, but in regular clothes. In the south, in 20 minutes you can increase the norm 10 times: during this time you will receive an amount of vitamin D equivalent to ingesting 10,000-25,000 IU. The maximum daily dosage in tablets is 2000 IU.

WHAT THE SUN RADIATES

Thermal infrared radiation (wavelength 780 nm-1 mm) - we feel it
Light (wavelength 400-700 nm) - we see it
Ultraviolet (wavelength 100-400 nm) - we do not see or feel it.
Ultraviolet is divided into:
- A-rays (UVA, 315-400 nm)
- B-rays (UVB, 280-315 nm)
- C-rays (UVC, 100-280 nm)

Without the sun we become depressed. Seasonal affective disorder(SAR) is widespread in northern latitudes and is practically not found among those living south of 50 degrees north latitude. The first symptoms are drowsiness, decreased mood and libido. Subsequently, unexplained muscle and joint pain may occur. Women suffer from SAD 4 times more often and tolerate it worse than men. Scientists suggest that in response to a lack of sunlight, the body increases the synthesis of melatonin, the sleep hormone, and reduces the production of serotonin, which is responsible for a feeling of joy and satisfaction with life.
HOWEVER. To overcome “light depression”, a half-hour walk on a sunny day is enough. Moreover, in the summer, not necessarily in the sun, but under the canopy of trees.

The sun is harmful to germs. There is no longer any doubt that with the majority infectious diseases, including sore throat and pneumonia, sunbathing helps. Ultraviolet rays are useful for treating acne, eczema, psoriasis and neurodermatitis.
HOWEVER. Just 3 times a day for 15 minutes in the sun middle lane- and there will be less acne, dermatologists say medical university in Geneva. And to strengthen your immune system, you don’t need to spend hours baking in the sun. Quite the opposite: with an overdose of healing rays, the number of lymphocytes in the blood decreases, the same sore throat, pharyngitis, stomatitis worsens, and the herpes virus is activated. Even the effectiveness of vaccination is reduced.

The sun has a beneficial effect on vision. With light starvation, the perceptive ability of the retina decreases, and vision deteriorates.
HOWEVER. For normal functioning of the retina, 20-30 minutes of exposure to light, and not direct light, is enough. The eyes need light, not ultraviolet radiation. The latter is harmful to the retina and can significantly reduce visual acuity.

THE LIGHT STRIKES

Ultraviolet radiation is to blame for all the harmful effects of the sun. Scientists have identified three regions within the UV radiation range.
A-rays. Of these, 99% consists of ultraviolet radiation reaching the Earth's surface. A-rays are ubiquitous: they penetrate glass, partially through clothing and even through the stratum corneum of the skin, forming free radicals and damaging DNA chains. 20-30% of UVA penetrates the dermis, about 1% reaches the subcutaneous tissue. These rays do not cause sunburn, but they are responsible for the development of photoaging and skin cancer.
B-rays. Few of them reach us - 90% are absorbed by the earth's atmosphere. UVB practically does not penetrate through glass, is reflected by 70% by the stratum corneum of the skin, and is weakened by 20% when passing through the epidermis. Less than 10% penetrates into the dermis. B-rays can cause sunburn, they also trigger the production of the melanin pigment, that is, they give us a tan, and also stimulate the production of vitamin D. This is the safest radiation when it comes to long-term consequences.
C-rays. The most dangerous. If they freely penetrated the atmosphere, humanity would die out from radiation sickness within 2-3 weeks. The only salvation from them is the ozone layer.

For some people, exposure to direct sunlight causes increased excitability, nervousness and sleep problems. Bright sunlight can contribute to the development of cataracts. After 30 years in women, prolonged exposure to the sun often causes the appearance of foci of hyperpigmentation, especially with hyperthyroidism, taking oral contraceptives and smoking.
Another great danger ultraviolet radiation - photoaging. UV rays destroy elastin and collagen. The first symptoms of photoaging are facial wrinkles around the eyes. But The most frightening thing is still skin cancer, main role in the development of which ultraviolet plays a role. According to the American Cancer Society, there are about 400,000 new cases each year in the United States. The most serious type is malignant melanoma, which most often affects men. Excessive UV exposure can also cause other cancers. When the fashion for topless tanning appeared, the number of patients with breast cancer increased sharply.

EXPERT'S COMMENT
Olga Dubovik, dermatocosmetologist at the Beauty Surgery clinic:
- Quite often there is a reaction to the sun in the form of solar dermatitis: a rash similar to hives appears, blisters appear... This hyperreaction of the body is usually caused by a decrease in immunity after taking antibiotics. To protect yourself from photodermatitis, you need to complete a full course of restoring your intestinal flora before going to the beach.
Some substances can enhance the effect of sun rays on the skin and medicinal herbs, which contain coumarins such as St. John's wort and sweet clover. Sun allergies can be caused by hormonal contraceptives, sulfonamides (for example, the well-known Biseptol), and barbiturates.

Read also

FROM 2 TO 50
So how many units of SPF does a person need?
If you apply a cream or lotion with a protection level of 20 or higher to your skin and regularly renew the protective layer, you will be completely protected from ultraviolet radiation. But vitamin D will not be produced in this situation. Therefore, SPF 15 is recognized as a compromise “urban” factor. This is what you will find in many daytime face care creams.
In southern resorts you will need at least SPF 30, and children and people with hypersensitive skin even SPF 50+.
Creams with SPF 2, 4, 8, 10 are rather a commercial ploy: they are designed for people who seem to have heard about the dangers of ultraviolet radiation, but are not ready to give up their tan. Alas, you won’t be able to sit on two chairs: such means do not provide the necessary protection. How to choose the right funds - read

SOLAR GEOGRAPHY
But in different corners planets the radiation intensity is not the same. This means that defensive tactics must differ.

Mountains.

Danger level: *****
The higher you are above sea level, the thinner the layer of atmosphere that can absorb radiation. In addition, snow reflects up to 90% of UV rays, so even in winter ski resort just get burned. Both climbers and snowboarders need creams and sunglasses with maximum UV protection.

USEFUL NEW PRODUCTS
MELANOMA BRACELET - a thin bracelet that changes color when the ultraviolet dose is exceeded, is very popular in the USA.
And in Scotland they developed a DOSIMETER PLASTIC. It warns that the skin is in danger by changing color from yellow to red.

Middle lane.
Danger level: ***-****
You can safely bask in the gentle rays for up to 40 minutes. But near bodies of water, the radiation intensity is greater (about 10% of the rays are reflected from water, from sand - 10-25%). Urban smog blocks ultraviolet radiation. In nature, high protection factors are recommended, and in the city SPF 15 is more than enough.

Northern regions.
Hazard level: **
Scandinavia, Finland, Murmansk, Karelia - here solar activity is noticeably lower. Protective equipment is only needed in the height of summer. But residents of these regions should be careful in the south, their skin is not used to resisting the sun.
Dead SeaSouth.
Danger level: *****
Mediterranean, California, Miami, Canary Islands, Israel is just a short list of territories where cloudy days the year can be counted on one hand, and the sun is very intense. Even on a cloudy day, the skin can get at least 60-70% maximum quantity sun rays. Skin protection in these areas is of utmost importance.

Hazard level: *
The only place on Earth where doctors allow sunbathing “without looking back.” It is located 412 m below ocean level, and harmful rays simply do not penetrate here - they are filtered along the way in layers of the atmosphere saturated with vapors. This is unique climate zone, where UV protection products are not needed.

TO THE BEACH - WITHOUT A PILL
Tanning is strictly contraindicated for those taking certain medications. Antibiotics: azithromycin, ciprofloxacin, minocycline, ofloxacin, tetracycline. Acne treatments: isotretinoin, tretinoin. Antidepressants: amitriptyline, trazodone. Antihistamines: diphenhydramine. Painkillers: ibuprofen, naproxen.

Previously, tanned skin was considered a sign of low birth, and therefore high-born ladies tried to protect their skin from the sun, wearing hats, veils and gloves so that the skin remained young as long as possible where it was not protected by clothing. Later, over the course of several decades, most members of the “white” race began to find tanned skin especially attractive.

Why? Because tanning was associated with nature, sports, active recreation and fitness - these concepts alone already evoke pleasant sensations. But recently, perhaps due to the discovery of the ozone hole and the rise in skin cancers around the world, tanning has become increasingly out of fashion - at least tanning at any cost.

Sun. To be or not to be?...

Ultraviolet rays are energy waves that are shorter in length than visible light rays. There are three types of ultraviolet light: A rays (UVA), B rays (UVB) and C rays (UVC).

Of these three types, only UVA and UVB rays pass through the atmospheric filter. And it is because of them that our skin tans.

UVA rays (A-rays) - penetrate deep into the skin, reducing its elasticity and firmness, causing premature aging of the skin, expressed in the accelerated formation of wrinkles, age spots and freckles, especially in fair-haired and light-eyed people. High activity of such rays provokes the development of skin cancer.

UVB rays (B rays) - can cause skin burns and are a direct cause of skin cancer.

UVC rays (C rays) are deadly to flora and fauna. The ozone layer of the atmosphere surrounding our earth absorbs them, protecting all living things from the destructive effects of these rays. But, as you know, the ozone layer of the atmosphere has become less powerful over the past decades.

Besides terrible diseases which, in fairness, lead to only serious sunburns; exposure to the sun causes premature aging of the skin, deep wrinkles (which cannot be smoothed out), and the appearance of spots and freckles on the skin. Excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays can weaken the immune system, according to recent research.

It would seem that the conclusion suggests itself: the less sun in our lives, the better. But the sun is difficult to understand. In addition to the disadvantages, there are also back side. Without the sun's rays, any existence is unthinkable. Being in the sun makes you feel healthy, your blood circulation increases, and you feel invigorated. The sun is good for bones, teeth and the human hormonal system. Vitamin D is produced under the influence of the sun. In addition, sunbathing is prescribed for people with acne- due to peeling of the skin, the mouth of the sebaceous glands is cleansed. Ultraviolet radiation prevents the development of incurable skin diseases such as psoriasis.

Myths associated with tanning.

A person going on vacation is usually under the yoke of established opinions about the dangers of one vacation and the benefits of another. No one really knows where such “axioms” come from. But many of them very often do not correspond to reality.

Tanning causes cancer.

This rumor has good reason. Indeed, doctors have convincing evidence that excessive exposure to sunlight can cause skin cancer. However, excessive tanning is the kind that causes sunburn. If you protect your body with special creams, and at the same time tan to the color of “chocolate” without any burns, then you should not be afraid of such consequences. The only thing is, if you are going to the sea, it is still worth visiting an oncologist in order to find out whether there are areas of skin on your skin that need to be more carefully preserved.

Tanning causes mastopathy.

No, tanning, of course, cannot cause mastopathy. However, if mastopathy already exists but is asymptomatic, it may manifest itself after heavy sunbathing. This does not always happen, and is apparently due to the fact that with abundant intense tanning, indirect stimulation of the endocrine organs occurs ( thyroid gland, pituitary gland, ovaries), which can sometimes lead to hormonal imbalance and increase the manifestations of mastopathy.

Women are not allowed to sunbathe topless

Contrary to popular belief, the sun's rays do not have any direct effect on breast tissue. The only danger is sunburn of the nipples and areolas (nipple area), which can lead to peeling of the nipple skin, nipple cracks, skin boils and even inflammatory changes in the mammary gland. Burns to the nipples are also common because when tanning topless, the nipples, for obvious reasons, are more often out of the shade. Therefore, just cover them while tanning.

Blondes shouldn't sunbathe

Anyone can sunbathe, but people with fair skin types are actually much more prone to sunburn and, accordingly, melanoma than brunettes and brunettes. Therefore, logical advice would be to monitor your time in the sun more carefully.

Tanning accelerates aging

Aging itself is a complex process. And tanning is unlikely to have any effect on the aging of the body as a whole. Solar irradiation only causes a very accurate imitation of skin aging - photoaging. Therefore, after a vacation, it makes sense to take more care of your face in order to restore lost elasticity to the skin.

Umbrellas save you from getting burned

Unfortunately, it is not. Umbrellas, like the shadow of rare palm trees on the beach, do not provide sufficient protection - scattered ultraviolet radiation will reach you even in the shade of a beach umbrella.

It's better to sunbathe cloudy weather

No, that's not true. As mentioned above, there are two frequency types of ultraviolet in the sun's rays:

• UV-A, the level of which is practically independent of the weather.
• UV-B, which is necessary for the formation of vitamin D, which has a protective effect on the skin. Its level actually decreases during cloudy weather.

Based on this information, it is easy to understand that it is much easier to get a sunburn during cloudy weather.

If you use a protective cream, you can sunbathe longer

No you can not. Protective creams allow you to avoid sunburn, and even then not always. Using sunscreen is not a sufficient excuse for wanting to spend more time in the sun.

The friendly sun greets you in different parts of the planet. Do you like tanning? So, don’t miss the opportunity to get it at some winter resort, where the brightness of the luminary increases several times, reflecting from the whiteness of the snow cover. But winter tanning has its own nuances that you need to remember so as not to harm your skin and your health.

Features of the winter sun

At first glance, in winter there is no need to worry about the effect of the sun on your skin and take care of its protection. But the light emitted by a star is quite insidious at any time of the year, and especially in winter. Including in winter resorts, where you may have gone more than once to relax with your family and get a boost of energy from skiing.

The penetrating characteristics of ultraviolet radiation and solar radiation vary depending on the reflective surface. In places where there is a lot of snow cover or ice crust, selective reflection occurs, which allows most of the short-wave UV rays and almost all thermal radiation to affect the skin and the body as a whole.

Winter sun is most intense due to the strong reflectivity of snow and ice. To understand why radiation in the mountains is more dangerous, remember that intense tanning is achieved using ultraviolet rays, which cause slight redness due to changes in the upper layers of the skin. Afterwards, the redness subsides and a darker shade appears. It, in turn, manifests itself due to the oxidation of adrenaline and nor-adrenaline to melanin, a natural skin pigment. In the case of infrared radiation, the skin is seriously damaged, which contributes to severe redness and inflammation of the epidermis. In the absence of appropriate protection, you risk experiencing symptoms such as dizziness, swelling of the skin, increased body temperature, burns, poor health, nausea, and headaches. And all this, despite the fact that you are not in a hot resort, but in a cold climate!

In winter, the influence of infrared radiation increases, which creates an additional danger both for the condition of the skin and for your general well-being. Peeling, eczema, and increased sensitivity of the epidermis can also be associated with increased exposure to infrared radiation from sunlight. Danger awaits you not only at ski resorts, but also in the nearest suburbs, if you are actively exposed to the sun, and even in the city if winter spoils you with sunny days.

How to organize the process of getting a tan in winter, precautions

There are several ways to tan in winter. The simplest is a visit to a professional solarium. However, this has nothing to do with natural solar radiation. The second method refers to tanning your face and hands, which happens quite naturally, since these are the parts of the body that darken the most when exposed to the sun in winter. But there are also more extreme options for getting a tan, which in essence are not much different from the classic one, except for the air temperature.

For example, if you live in a room with a balcony at a ski resort, then you can organize a sunbathing area right here. The light of the sun is warm enough that you can sit on the trestle bed in a swimsuit for a short time. Upper part bodies can be exposed to UV radiation while relaxing in an outdoor Jacuzzi. Of course, you won’t be able to completely undress in winter, so there’s no question of a perfectly even shade. But you can achieve a darker shade on the legs and upper body, exposing them alternately. You can do this in your garden plot, if you are sure that afterwards you will have somewhere to fully warm up.

If you consider yourself to be one of the people who are not afraid of the cold, you will not be afraid of tanning at air temperatures down to -10°C with active sun. The radiation sent by it will serve as a good source of heat. But be sure to keep a thermos with hot tea, a warm blanket and clothes on hand, and also provide yourself with quick access to a warm room where you can fully warm up. Use sunscreen before and after tanning.

If you make your choice in favor of a more affordable tan in a solarium, then you should pay more attention to fixing the shade in the conditions cold weather and on some features of your body in winter period. Thus, a lack of vitamins and metabolic disorders can cause the tan that you have been working on for so long to quickly disappear.

Precautions when getting a tan in winter:

• if you decide to go naked to get a tan, you must be confident in your health - cold procedures are contraindicated for people with colds, inflammatory ailments and diseases of the genitourinary system;
• Very sensitive skin reacts extremely negatively to active infrared radiation of the winter sun;
• under the intense influence of thermal radiation and UV radiation, many skin diseases are exacerbated, involving the expansion of capillaries in the subcutaneous layer;
• The eyes react very actively to light radiation, so be sure to buy good sunglasses for the winter;

• take care of adequate nutrition - a good tan is possible only in a healthy biological environment;
• when sunbathing in a cold climate, do not neglect thermal underwear, especially protect your head, feet and hands, as they are most often exposed to frostbite;
• tirelessly monitor your well-being - no matter how comfortable you are, be on alert so that you have time to warm up in time;
• don't sunbathe in winter time if you feel bad, you tend to colds, flu and ENT infections;
• to get a tan, you don’t need to stay in the cold for half an hour or an hour - just a few trips for 5-10 minutes for several days in a row, depending on your well-being and weather conditions.

Remember we're talking about about the case when the sun is really active throughout the day, and the frost on the street is practically not felt. The air humidity should be quite low, which is most often found at higher elevations in the mountains. In high humidity, even average temperature, you risk getting hypothermia of the surface tissues and internal organs.

Selecting cosmetics for winter tanning

Means of protection against UV radiation and solar radiation for the winter period should be the most effective. Focus on rich, nourishing textures, especially if your skin is very dry or prone to sensitivity. They should be based on natural oils, which will at the same time well moisturize, nourish the epidermis and help it cope with incoming long- and short-wave rays of sunlight. The degree of protection of each product should not be lower than 50 SPF. For the face, this figure can be safely increased by another 20 units.

But not only SPF protection is important - UVB filters should also be present in creams. This creates an additional barrier against the most dangerous radiation and radiation.

Special attention In winter, take care of the skin around your eyes and lips. Due to the activity of the sun, they, as the most sensitive areas, suffer greatly. The skin in these areas ages rapidly and, after active rest, new wrinkles may suddenly appear. To prevent this from happening, you can use an age cream with additional sun protection during the course.

Zinaida Rublevskaya
website for women's magazine

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Books and CDs about Crimea

HELLO SUN!

Holy eye of the day, a yearning giant!
I myself carried your flame captive in my chest,
Permeated with vision like a white diamond,
In the crimson darkness of the nascent universe...

M. Voloshin

The Sun is the star closest to the Earth, on which nuclear reactions occur, releasing a huge, according to earthly concepts, amount of energy. The temperature on the surface of the Sun is +6000°C, and in the depths of the ball it reaches +40000000°C. Spots periodically appear on the surface of the Sun, which appear almost black through a light filter against this more than light background. The spots correspond to locations of strong magnetic fields. Their temperature is +4500°C. IN top layer In the solar atmosphere (chromosphere), flashes of nuclear matter occur - prominences.

From the Sun to earth's atmosphere electrically charged particles are transmitted, they cause a change magnetic field Earth (magnetic storms). Cycle of solar activity and therefore alternation magnetic storms on earth - 27 days. In addition, every 11 years (sometimes with disruption of the rhythm), solar activity especially increases, and astronomers declare the “year of the restless Sun.” Most of the earth's tragedies and disasters, especially those related to health, happen in such years.

The distance to the Earth (150 million km) sunlight travels in 8 minutes. Outside the visible spectrum are infrared (heat) and ultraviolet rays. Attempts to create an “artificial sun”, at least in the laboratory, have so far been crowned with success only in the works of science fiction writers. A quartz lamp, under which you can also sunbathe, is a pitiful and unsafe surrogate for the universal luminary. Without the Sun, life on Earth could not have arisen, but the Earth's atmosphere reflects, traps and scatters most of the sun's rays. When there are too many of them, life is also impossible.

What is sun tanning?

Tanning is the skin's reaction to exposure to ultraviolet rays. Ultraviolet rays, which are destructive to all living things and invisible to humans, are retained by the earth’s atmosphere, especially by its ozone layer (which, to our general alarm, has recently become quite thin).

Only a small portion of the rays reach the earth's surface. But even from this small part the human body protects itself by accumulating pigment - melanin - in the skin cells. We haven’t understood anything yet, haven’t felt anything, but in the outer layer of skin the fight for our lives has already begun. The more pigment, the more difficult it is for the rays to penetrate the subcutaneous layers in order to produce their destructive effect - to cause the breakdown of protein molecules and, consequently, the death of the tissues themselves. After 6-10 hours, redness appears on the skin - erythema. After 3-5 days, erythema turns into pigmentation due to the accumulation of melanin in the skin. Moderate tanning increases protective properties skin.

Why do some people tan faster than others?

The ability to synthesize melanin in greater or lesser quantities is an individual property of the body; it is given from birth and is inherited. That’s why brunettes tan better than blondes, and residents of tropical countries don’t have to sunbathe at all.

Who are albinos?

These are living organisms that are naturally completely devoid of pigment. Albino people have pink skin and completely white hair. Even their eyes have a pinkish tint, because the blood capillaries are visible in them through the colorless iris. Albinos are unable to sunbathe and suffer terribly from sunburn in the summer. Born in the tropics, they are doomed to die from the sun unless they move to a country with temperate climate. Fortunately, full albinos are more common among animals (for example, among rats, mice, rabbits).

What determines the intensity of tanning?

The most important thing for tanning is the height of the sun above the horizon (hence the latitude of the area, time of year and day). The tan is stronger, the more transparent the atmosphere and the more sunlight is reflected from the surface of the earth. Climbers in the mountains, especially in snowy areas, wear gloves and sunglasses, put 5-6 layers of gauze on their faces and smear their faces with thick sunscreen every day. But despite all these measures, in alpine camps they always determine by their tan who has descended from the peak and who is still preparing for the ascent.

A day spent in the mountains (even in the Crimea, where the atmospheric layer is a kilometer thinner than above sea level) provides the opportunity to tan better than several days of monotonous and sometimes painful lying on the beach.

The protective function of the skin decreases with long-term use of certain medications (sulfonamides, quinine, arsenic, iron, etc.). Sensitivity to ultraviolet rays always increases in the spring.

Experts strongly recommend starting sunbathing only after talking with your doctor. Very good. But we would add that in our tense times, a person should especially listen to the voice of nature and constantly study himself, become a doctor for himself. The Spanish philosopher B. Gracian (1601-1658) said: “It is stupid to appeal to Hippocrates for health after forty.”

Why is the Crimean sun dangerous?

Even slave traders of past centuries punished slaves transported across the ocean by leaving them tied up on the deck in the sun.

The natives of sunny countries even today recognize visitors by their ineradicable habit - sunbathing.

The summer beaches of the southern coast of Crimea appear yellow from an airplane - from a myriad of human bodies under the sun. Yes, most vacationers understand summer holidays in Crimea as a happy opportunity to spend a vacation (or the entire period of a sanatorium stay) on the beach - lying in the sun, playing cards, leafing through a magazine, sipping beer. When they return, they must brag to their colleagues and “report” to their relatives. How? Of course, tan!

It is unlikely that in our time anyone does not know that excessive exposure to the open sun is harmful and dangerous. The smallest of troubles is simply getting sunburned and then having to hide in the shadows for several days. The biggest one is to get a malignant neoplasm, the possibility of which is especially high for people with age spots on the skin (moles) and generally higher for blondes, especially for those who have already been burnt to blisters.

In between these extremes lies a long, sad list of ailments that can be caused by an insatiable thirst for tanning. This is an increase in blood pressure, increased heart rate, arrhythmia, headache and weakness that does not go away even after resting in the shade. Exacerbation of chronic diseases, especially diseases, may occur nervous system, destruction of red blood cells and hemoglobin. Finally, as recently established, excess ultraviolet rays cause weakening immune system, which manifests itself gradually - diseases that he had never heard of before suddenly begin to stick to a tan lover. Medical staff of sanatoriums often have to observe vacationers who hope to “fry” bronchitis and tonsillitis acquired in rainy cities under the Crimean sun, and instead of recovery they switch to bed rest.

Being under the sun without a hat is harmful for everyone, and for older people and those prone to hypertension, it is extremely dangerous. Overheating of the head can lead to sunstroke and even stroke. Fortunately, the Turkish industry has supplied us with enough individual sun umbrellas, so now the beaches should look colorful from an airplane.

How long do doctors recommend exposure to the sun?

Total solar exposure, according to the recommendations of the World Health Organization, should not exceed 60 MEA (“minimum erythemal dose”) per year. In practice, the duration of exposure to direct rays of the Sun is initially 5-10 minutes. and gradually increases to 40-50 minutes. in a day. During the vacation period, you cannot cross the line between the health that the Sun gives and the diseases with which it punishes those who spend too much time under its direct rays.

What are the benefits of tanning?

Once one of the authors of this book taught biology at a Yalta school. I remember in the fifth grade I showed up new student from some northern city. The boy was shorter than the others, bow-legged, with a thick belly and a large head. Newcomers, and even newcomers, were not very welcome in Yalta, but they treated this with respect. “I had the English disease,” he said on the day they met. And if you say “rickets”, they would probably tease you!

Why English? Probably because of its constant, classic English fogs.

Everyone needs the sun! Under the sun, vitamin D is synthesized from cholesterol in the human and animal bodies. When there is not enough sun, children are prescribed fish oil to artificially saturate them with this vitamin, which primarily regulates phosphorus-calcium metabolism in the bones. Alas, fish oil does not always help, and softened bones bend under the weight of the body.

They knew how much the sun was needed in Ancient Egypt. According to Herodotus, the Egyptians built special terraces for sun exposure, similar to modern solariums. Later a proverb was born: “Where there is rarely sunshine, there is often a doctor.”

With solar “starvation”, resistance to disease, physical endurance and mental performance, the course of chronic diseases is aggravated, the strength of tooth enamel decreases, regeneration worsens (recovery after fractures) bone tissue. In children, in addition, growth and development slow down.

Residents of industrial cities with a polluted atmosphere, through which it is difficult for the rays of the sun to penetrate, are susceptible to these troubles, especially in the northern regions and, especially at the end of winter. There, to partially compensate for the solar deficiency, doctors recommend irradiation with quartz lamps.

How does the sun affect the human body?

Heliotherapy is sun treatment. This is a powerful means of prevention and healing. Under the sun's rays, overall performance, resistance to colds, infections, and adverse external factors increases.

The infrared rays of the sun have a predominantly thermal effect, penetrating into the body to a depth of 4 cm.

Visible rays are perceived by the retina of the eyes, increasing vitality. The general color scheme of the Crimean summer contrasts the gray “landscape” of industrial cities with all the colors of the rainbow:

The RED ball of the rising Sun in the early fresh morning causes a surge of optimism and hope, gradually coloring the coast. ORANGE-YELLOW tones of warmth and joy. Varied GREEN shades subtropical vegetation creates a feeling of comfort. The endless BLUE sea and clear BLUE sky calm the soul. PURPLE evening tones with golden lights and the famous lunar path connecting the shore with the endless expanses of space, they call for harmony with the Universe.

Ultraviolet (UV) rays penetrate to a depth of only 1 mm, but cause a variety of reactions in the tissues of the body. Blood viscosity decreases, cholesterol levels decrease, which is important for the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis. Immunity increases, tissue respiration increases, metabolic processes improve. UV rays have a detrimental effect on viruses and bacteria, promote the synthesis of protein, vitamin D, enzymes, and hormones.

Is it possible to sunbathe through window glass?

You can sunbathe, but you can't sunbathe. Mineral glass does not transmit ultraviolet rays. If the house is warm, then even in winter you can try to sunbathe through an open window. There are eccentrics who specifically replace window glass with plexiglass (organic glass). It's always summer for them!

Is it possible to sunbathe with clothes on?

Light-colored fabric (natural silk, crepe de Chine, cotton voile) transmits 30-60% of ultraviolet rays. Less than 10% of rays pass through linen, staple, satin, and dark-dyed cotton fabrics, and from 30 to 77% pass through synthetic clothing. In general, in the summer they tan through their clothes. Therefore, if before lunch you had an excursion along a sunny route, then after lunch on the beach it is better not to leave your “fungus”!

Is it possible to sunbathe in the shade?

The sun's rays are scattered in the atmosphere and reflected from white cumulus clouds (up to 50%), from sand and pebble beaches (28-33%), from lawn grass (26%), from the sea surface. Therefore, the tan “sticks” to those who are in the shade, but outdoors and not far from a sunlit place. This is how it is recommended to sunbathe in the first 2-3 days of your stay on the Black Sea coast.

Does tanning stick in cloudy weather?

Ultraviolet rays penetrate through clouds, so bright sun Not necessary for tanning. Of course, such a tan requires a longer vacation.

At what age can you take sunbathing?

Children's skin is much more sensitive to the sun than adults' skin. In addition, children love to splash in the water and then have to warm up under the sun for a long time. Therefore, from 11 to 16 o’clock it is better not to bring them to the beach at all. But since this rule is usually not observed and loving adults, for the sake of their own convenience, adjust the children's regime to their own, then it is necessary, at least, to strictly monitor the baby - after bathing, wipe him off and strictly hide him under the awning. Just remember that small children can get sunburned even under an awning, and children under one year old should not be taken out into the open sun at all. Sunburns received by a child (note, due to the fault of the parents) can have an unpredictable effect on his health even in adulthood.

What time of day is the best time to tan?

The best tan is in the morning, before 10-11 o'clock, when there is still little water vapor in the air, and there is no real heat. Then, until 16-17, you should hide in the shade.

It is best to come to the beach early in the morning. This kind, harmless sun, cool and clear sea, deserted beach, seagulls on the pier and on the rocks, the whole waking up world creates your mood, drives away winter fatigue and unnecessary thoughts. True, to get up early you have to go to bed early, but it’s a pity for the evening! So, get some sleep after lunch.

Susceptibility to UV rays is increased in fair-skinned women during “critical days”, with diseases of the thyroid gland, deficiency of iodine, calcium, and vitamins.

Remember! Uncontrolled exposure to the sun leads to the formation of wrinkles and premature aging of the skin.

Who shouldn't sunbathe?

People with disabilities should not be exposed to the open sun. acute diseases and bleeding, with circulatory failure of II and III degrees, with angina pectoris, bronchial asthma. In addition, there are people with increased skin sensitivity to sun rays. The sun burns them so much that in a short time it causes skin diseases. People with malignant and even benign tumors should not sunbathe.

LET'S SUM UP

Sunbathing at clear sky taken in the morning until 11 o'clock and in the afternoon - from 16 o'clock. The rest of the time it is recommended to stay in the shade of a lattice awning or umbrella.

On the beach, you should wear a light hat and protect your eyes with dark glasses. Sunbathing is done while lying down, with the head in the shade.

Don't sleep on the beach! It is necessary to change the position of the body - to evenly distribute the tan.

You should not sunbathe on an empty stomach or immediately after a heavy meal.

You need to take care of your health! If you experience burning skin or headaches, stop sunbathing.

How to treat sunburn?

If you do get “burnt” (severe redness and soreness appear), you should stop sunbathing for 2-3 days and wipe your skin with alcohol and cologne.

What is sunstroke?

Sudden weakness, a feeling of weakness, headache, and nausea appear. It is necessary to move the victim to the shade, free him from clothing, put cold compresses with ice on the head and heart, or simply pour cold water on him.

Is staying on the beach acceptable for people prone to sun allergies?

If you are hypersensitive to the Sun, it is better to be on the beach only in the early morning. The use of special sunscreens is indicated. Such creams, lotions, and gels are labeled with a sun protection factor - SPF. The higher its value (10, 12, 18, 40), the more effective the protection against UV rays. For example, if a cream is labeled SPF10, then under the protection of this cream you can stay in the open sun 10 times longer than usual. Sunscreens are applied to the skin 15-30 minutes before sunbathing.

Is it possible to tan in winter?

By December, direct solar radiation weakens by more than half compared to July. The amount of ultraviolet rays scattered in the air decreases even more sharply, among which safe, longer wavelengths predominate in winter. In January, the radiation is slightly higher than in December (with equally clear skies).

It is almost impossible to get “erythema” in winter. However, it is possible to get a good, dense tan, especially in Crimea, where Winter sun five times more active than, say, in Moscow. For winter sun treatment, special pavilions with foam beds or, better, individual cabins covered with plastic film are arranged.

A beautiful winter tan is healthy and safe. It can be considered a real success, for which it is worth coming to the resort in the off-season!

From the book by V.V. Ezhov, D.N. Tarasenko “Secrets of Crimean health”, “Business-Inform”, 2002, Simferopol