UV Sunbeds - sun alternative

One of the effects of the sun on our skin is the formation of a tan, which is obtained by synthesis in the skin of its natural pigment - melanin. Tanned skin looks attractive, healthy, but is it really? I like to sunbathe - the sun or tanning bed?

Sunlight brings many benefits for our body. It causes increased synthesis of vitamin D, which can better absorb calcium, alleviates the symptoms of psoriasis and eczema. Powered antidepressant, helps to improve mood, increase the efficiency of the circulatory system, provides better protection against microorganisms. But it may also cause many adverse effects. The epidermal basal layer cells are known. melanocytes that produce melanin. The precursor synthesis resulting dye is Tyrosine - an amino acid that is a whole array of genetic changes oxidation enzyme known as melanogenesis. Under the influence of certain stimuli such as sunlight, the body increases the production of melanin. Ultraviolet radiation has long been known that a change in skin color, the browning is one of the mechanisms of defense against solar radiation from the ultraviolet. Synthesized in the skin color is an effective, natural protective barrier, not only will he absorbs and scatters some of the sun, but it is also antioxidant and neutralizes generated by sunlight free radicals. Observations of physiological effects posed by ultraviolet radiation, have led to the division into three ranges: UVA (320-400 nm), UVB (280-320 nm) and UVC (200-280 nm). From the perspective of cosmetology and the tanning process it is important to radiation in the UVA and UVB rays. Its source can be sunlight and tanning lamp. UV-A produces an immediate effect, so called. tan is formed immediately after irradiation and disappearing after a few hours. Proper tan is induced primarily by UVB radiation, which causes increased melanin synthesis and accelerates the process of distribution. It is responsible for the so-called. delayed effect is visible after 72 hours of exposure to the sun. Ultraviolet radiation of the shortest wavelengths (UVC) is almost completely absorbed by the ozone layer located in the stratosphere. For a long time it was thought that only UVB radiation is responsible for the adverse changes in our skin. For this reason, solariums, which are used mainly radiation of wavelengths characteristic of the natural range of UVA (200-280 nm), regarded as a safe form of tanning. We now understand that both UVA and UVB causes a number of degenerative changes in the skin. Both operate immunodepresyjnie and kancerogennie. UVB radiation largely reflected by the stratum corneum. But his part (20%) penetrates into the deeper layers of the epidermis and to a lesser extent, reaches the dermis. By affecting mainly located in epidermal keratinocytes and Langerhans cells of the immune mechanism responsible for the skin. UVA radiation penetrates deeper. It acts on fibroblasts and capillaries within the dermis, as well as the structure of connective tissue. This radiation favors the formation of free radicals that can cause a number of unfavorable changes in the skin, such as lipid peroxidation, depolymerization of hyaluronic acid, an increase of metalloproteinases - protein-degrading enzymes, including collagen and elastin, forming the framework of the dermis and subcutaneous tissue. It can also cause damage in the structures of DNA. This radiation is one of the reasons for the formation of wrinkles, premature aging of the skin.