The basis of tanning is the effect of ultraviolet rays on the skin. In total, there are three types of such rays. Those that are called "C" practically do not reach the earth's surface, so they can not seriously affect our skin. But the “B” rays allow you to get the desired golden hue very quickly, but at the same time in a harmful way. The safest tan is considered to be the one obtained by exposing the skin to “A” rays. True, a strong effect in this case requires considerable time. But the result is worth it: such a tan is safe and lasts a very long time.
Why does skin darken?
For the change in skin tone, as well as for the intensity thereof, special cells are responsible in the human body. They contain the pigment melanin, hence the name - melanocytes. By making the skin darken, they protect the body from the harmful effects of solar radiation. And the more intense the ultraviolet rays, the more pigment the cells produce. An interesting feature of these cells is that they can not only darken, but also lighten (to the chagrin of sunbathers) to their original state. The amount of melanin in the skin is genetically determined; under normal conditions, it is maintained at the same level.
Tanning intensity
It is known that long-term use of certain drugs can weaken the protective functions of the body, including the ability of the skin to produce melanin. Therefore, some people are forbidden to sunbathe. The same applies to pathologies in which the skin contains too little pigment to effectively resist the environment. No matter how many such people lie on the beach, they are not “taken” by a tan, dangerous ultraviolet rays pass freely under the skin and harm the body.
The most important factor for a good tan is the height of the sun above the horizon. The breadth of the area plays a very important role in this matter. This is why people living in the hottest areas of the Earth historically have a darker skin tone. But the height of the sun is affected not only by geographical location. The time of day and season are also important here. In particular, when it comes to a temperate climate, where the change of seasons is especially pronounced.
Another important factor relates to the atmosphere itself. The cleaner and more transparent it is, the more rays reach the earth's surface and are reflected from it. Affect the tan and height: one day in the mountains will have a greater effect than a week of stay on hot beaches. Among the snow-capped peaks, the influence of sunlight is so high that climbers have to use several layers of protection, special glasses and creams. But even such funds do not save them from a bright tan. And all this despite the cold prevailing among the snows.
Is it possible to tan through the glass
Even in the cold season, when it is no longer possible to lie on the beach, the sun still shines brightly and warmly. Often, when its rays flood our apartments, the thought arises: "How great it would be to sunbathe right here!". Some people, on the contrary, are afraid of too strong a reaction of their skin to ultraviolet, therefore, even in transport, they try not to sit on the sunny side. The question of whether it is possible to sunbathe through the glass worries many. Moreover, in such cases, people notice redness characteristic of a newly acquired tan.
In fact, most people do not have to worry about tanning through window glass. It, of course, transmits ultraviolet light, but this is only the first type of sunlight. As mentioned above, such radiation is completely harmless to the skin. Rays “A”, and even scattered by glass, do not have a strong enough effect to start the process of melanin production. Hoping for some kind of effect should be only in the case when a person has already received a tan in a natural way, but he began to turn a little pale. Then even weak rays can activate the pigment already in the skin, causing some darkening.
In any case, chocolate of a southern hue in this way cannot be obtained in any way. The maximum that you should count on is a slight darkening of the skin. Do not take thermal redness for the first sign of tanning. Most likely, it will pass in a few minutes. After all, having applied a heating pad to the cheek for a while, we will also then see a red spot. But no one will argue that the heating pad causes a tan. Another thing is if you replace regular windows with plexiglass. Then you can sunbathe year- round .
Do I need to defend myself
Only those people who are predisposed to the appearance of age spots need to worry about tanning through glass . In this case, anything can provoke them. It is recommended to use weak protective creams. Even a regular daylight is suitable, as they usually also contain a UV filter. UV protection is mainly applied to the face and neck - places where age spots usually occur.
The human body also developed a natural defense in addition to melanin. With prolonged exposure to the sun, the skin sweats, which protects it from the penetration of ultraviolet radiation. The above allows you to get rid of concerns about whether it is possible to tan through the glass in an apartment or car. Moreover, the sun's rays in small quantities are useful and even necessary for man. Therefore, it is not necessary to protect oneself from them too actively, especially in the autumn season.