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Effects of solar radiation, air pollution, and artificial blue light on the skin
Published in Roger L. McMullen, Antioxidants and the Skin, 2018
Exposure to solar irradiation results in an increase of melanin production and an increase in the thickness of the epidermis. Both of these effects are thought to be defense mechanisms against subsequent sun exposure. The action spectrum for sun tanning shows that UVB is primarily responsible for the induced effect; however, UVA and visible light also contribute to tanning.23 Erythema, on the other hand, is primarily caused by UVB radiation as indicated by the action spectrum shown in Figure 4.12. Erythema is characterized by reddening, swelling, and pain in the skin. The reddening results from vasodilation, while swelling is caused by vasopermeability.23 In addition, sunburned skin often has an elevated temperature due to increased blood flow to the region.
Melanotropic Peptides: Biomedical Applications
Published in Mac E. Hadley, The Melanotropic Peptides, 2018
Dhirendra N. Chaturvedi, Mac E. Hadley
The human skin is populated by pigment cells, melanocytes, whose function is to produce melanin. Melanin provides a sunscreen to protect the skin from the harmful (cancer-producing) rays of the sun. Sun tanning is, in fact, an adaptive response in which these pigment cells produce even more melanin to protect the skin under conditions of continued solar exposure. Unfortunately, these pigment cells are themselves vulnerable to the mutagenic (carcinogenic) actions of solar (ultraviolet) radiation. Melanocytes are converted into cancer cells, specifically, melanoma cells. Melanoma cells proliferate to form tumors in the skin, but then melanoma cells almost invariably metastasize to other parts of the body. Early surgical removal is important, since chemotherapeutic treatment strategies are presently ineffective in eradicating the cancer.
The Epidemiology of Skin Cancer
Published in Henry W. Lim, Herbert Hönigsmann, John L. M. Hawk, Photodermatology, 2007
The mainstay of sun protection is through avoidance of deliberate sun tanning, and use of adequate protection measures such as wearing wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses and protective clothing, and avoidance of peak hours for UV light. Sunscreens cannot be a substitute for other protective means.
A cross-sectional study of sun-related behaviours in the internet era
Published in Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2022
Elissa Tong, Kevin Phan, Saxon D. Smith
We found that those who undertake tanning prefer sun exposure methods to achieve this. Participants aged 18–44, who have been comprehensively educated on sun protection for the majority of their lifetime, were most likely to regularly tan without sunscreen protection, suggesting that a change in health perception and different approach to education and awareness is required in this population. Participants in a previous cross-sectional study who had positive views of sun tanning were less likely to use sun protection (18). It was also found that those who avoid tans and those who apply fake tan have higher levels of knowledge regarding skin cancer, which may suggest a link between knowledge and behavior (18). The Australian culture of tanning remains, with ‘healthy’ women (including those on sunscreen advertisements) often being depicted as tanned. Interestingly, the number of solariums in Melbourne increased between 2001 and 2006, despite campaigns such as SunSmart (5). Those who have a positive attitude to tanning need directed health promotion messages targeting this behavior, which needs to be strongly considered when marketing sunscreens online.