"Could a Bronzed Complexion Be a Sign of Skin Cancer?"

Trend of Bronze and Wheat Skin Tone

As fashion trends shift, an increasing number of boys and girls are embracing the bronze or wheat skin complexion, perceiving it as healthier and more attractive. Numerous men and women, driven by the desire for such a tan, spend hours under the sun, enduring intense "sunbathing" sessions. However, experts caution that this seemingly healthy bronze hue is actually prone to causing various health issues. The blind pursuit of skin coloration can lead to adverse health effects. According to experts, prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can easily cause sunburn. Some individuals may experience skin redness, blistering, and weeping, which are acute skin injuries requiring prompt medical attention. Others might suffer from peeling skin, a sign of chronic skin damage. Even when there are no immediate visible reactions, the darkening of skin is itself an indication of skin damage. Post-sunburn, melanin is activated to protect the skin from further UV harm, resulting in a darker complexion. Thus, tanning signifies skin injury. Furthermore, prolonged sun exposure can deteriorate skin structure, leading to sagging, aging, and wrinkle formation.

While sunbathing offers numerous benefits, including enhancing metabolism, boosting appetite, improving sleep quality, and strengthening the body's immune system, it is crucial to approach it scientifically. Attention must be paid to the intensity, duration, and frequency of sun exposure. Blindly basking in the sun for beauty's sake is impractical, as emphasized by an expert who stated in an interview, "There are numerous causes of skin diseases, but a prominent one is frequent exposure to intense sunlight." Clinically, he often treats skin cancer patients who share a common trait: they have moles in certain areas that are frequently exposed to the sun. "Sunlight or UV rays can elevate the risk of mole-related skin cancers, making individuals with moles more susceptible to skin cancer under intense sunlight."

Tips for Safe Sun Exposure

To sunbathe correctly, ensure to spend approximately two hours under the sun on sunny days for optimal health benefits. During other seasons, there are no strict time constraints, but in summer, it is advisable to enjoy the sun before 8 AM and after sunset to avoid sunburn.