Sun Tanning Essay Example

the development of certain types of skin cancer (excluding melanoma) and moles, as well as skin aging (though at a slower pace than UVA). Additionally, it plays a role in vitamin D production in human skin.

UVA radiation causes existing melanin to be released from melanocytes, combining with oxygen and resulting in a tan color. While UVA is less likely to cause cancer compared to UVB, it is associated with the more dangerous form of skin cancer known as melanoma. Although many sunscreens offer less protection against UVA compared to UVB, clothing does provide some blocking effect. Unlike UVB, UVA radiation is present throughout the day and across seasons more evenly.

Sun exposure stimulates vitamin D production in the skin when exposed to UVB waves ranging from 285nm to 287nm. This benefit is particularly important for individuals who have insufficient vitamin D levels. In 2002, Dr. William B.

Grant's article reveals that inadequate exposure to UVB, which leads to vitamin D deficiency, is responsible for roughly 23,800 premature deaths from cancer annually in the US. This number surpasses the combined death toll caused by melanoma or squamous cell carcinoma, totaling 8,800. However, it should be noted that sun tanning is not universally safe or beneficial. Just a few minutes under the sun can provide the necessary daily dose of vitamin D. Another study suggests that insufficient levels of vitamin D result in an estimated annual death toll of 50,000-63,000 individuals in the United States and 19,000-25,000 in the UK due to cancer. Moreover, vitamin D deficiency may lead to osteomalacia characterized by bone pain, difficulty bearing weight, and occasional fractures.

This work has been updated

in Grant et al. 2005 and Grant and Garland, 2006. It was also discovered that in Spain, the risk of non-melanoma skin cancer is balanced by a reduced risk of 16 types of cancer [Grant, 2006]. A study conducted in 2007 by Cozen, Gauderman, Islam, and Mack found that exposure to sunlight during childhood can prevent multiple sclerosis later in life. Ultraviolet radiation has other medical uses as well, such as treating skin conditions like psoriasis and vitiligo. Informally, people use sunshine as a temporary solution for acne treatment or concealment; however, research suggests that prolonged sun exposure actually worsens acne and safer treatments are now available (see phototherapy).

[edit] Cultural history Throughout history, tanning has experienced various shifts in popularity. In ancient times, the sun held significant religious significance for Egyptian, Greek, and Peruvian cultures. Egyptians worshipped the sun god "Ra," while Greeks revered both "Apollo" and "Helios." Additionally, the ruler of Peru was seen as a representation of the sun. However, with the development of class systems within societies, religious associations linked to the sun contributed to social divisions based on skin color.

This class system frequently divided individuals into high-class and low-class categories, with the distinction often being based on the color of one's skin. Those who had jobs that required long hours in the sun were typically grouped in the lower class. Stephen Katz, a sociology professor at Trent University, explains this concept with his statement, "Tans were acquired through labor, unlike the leisure-driven tans seen today." Some women even resorted to using lead-based cosmetics to artificially enhance their appearance.

However, the use of cosmetics gradually led to death due to lead poisoning. Various

methods were employed to achieve a fair complexion, including the use of arsenic and modern techniques such as clothing, powders, and parasols. This trend for lighter skin persisted until the end of the Victorian era. In 1903, Niels Finsen was granted the Nobel Prize in medicine for his "Finsen Light Therapy," which aimed to treat contagious ailments like lupus vulgaris and rickets disease. It was discovered that rickets disease resulted from a deficiency in Vitamin D, which could be produced by exposure to sunlight. Thus, sun exposure became a remedy for numerous diseases, particularly rickets.

During the 1920's, Coco Chanel accidentally suffered a burn while visiting the French Riviera, which led her fans to adopt darker skin tones. This became a trend due to Coco's social status and others' longing for her lifestyle. Additionally, Parisians were captivated by Josephine Baker, a singer with caramel-colored skin, and desired to emulate her by obtaining a darker complexion. These two influential French women played a key role in transforming tanned skin into a fashionable, healthy, and luxurious attribute. In the 1940's, women's magazines began featuring advertisements that promoted sunbathing as well.

During this period, there was a rise in the popularity of tanning oil and revealing bathing suits. The bikini, introduced by French designer Louis Reard in 1946, epitomized this trend. In the 1950s, it became increasingly common to use baby oil for a faster tan. Additionally, the first self-tanner, called "Man-Tan," emerged in the same decade but often resulted in unsightly orange skin.

Coppertone has been using the same advertisement on their sunscreen bottles since 1953, featuring a little blond girl and her cocker spaniel tugging on her bathing suit

bottoms. In the late 50’s, it was common to use silver metallic UV reflectors to enhance tans. The Beach Boys, popular in the 1960’s, epitomized the sand-and-surf culture and helped promote tanned skin. In 1971, Mattel introduced Malibu Barbie, who had tanned skin, sunglasses, and her own bottle of sun tanning lotion. During the same decade, tanning beds and sunscreen with SPF 15 emerged, and today there are approximately 50,000 tanning outlets compared to only about 10,000 in the 90’s.

The tanning industry is worth five billion dollars[12]. In certain regions, fair skin remains highly valued as the epitome of beauty. The geisha in Japan were famous for their impeccably white painted faces, and numerous Japanese women avoid tanning entirely in their quest for the "beautiful white" or bihaku ideal. However, there are some cultural exceptions to this norm, including the Japanese fashion trend ganguro which celebrates extremely dark skin. White color carries great importance in various Eastern religions as it symbolizes purity and divinity.

In post-colonial Africa and India, individuals often resort to skin bleaching as a means to attain a higher social status, given the association of darker complexion with lower societal standing. However, it is important to acknowledge that this assertion lacks credible evidence.[citation needed] [edit] From a sociological standpoint, the division between social classes also contributes to this phenomenon. Recently, there has been an observable rise in the popularity of tanning. This can be observed through increased incidents of skin cancer, outdoor tanning practices, and the emergence of tanning salons. The surge in popularity can be attributed to society's changing perception regarding the significance of having a tan. Instead of focusing solely

on one's natural skin color, attractiveness now depends on how one achieves their desired tan.

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