Different+Skin+Types+and+Tanning

Tanning affects everyone differently. Some people have skin, which can endure more abuse from the sun than others. This is why it is extremely important to consult a dermatologist or do some research to learn your skin type before going tanning. The US Food and Drug Administration and the American Academy of Dermatology have developed six different skin types. They classified these skin types based on a person's sensitivity to ultraviolet light from the sun or tanning beds and the person's skin tone. The first skin type is Skin Type I. These people usually have bright white or pale skin, blue or green eyes, red hair, and many freckles. They always burn outside and never tan. People with Sin Type II have beige skin, blue or grey eyes; blonde or light brown hair and some freckles. This skin type has a strong tendency to burn outdoors, but they sometimes tan. Skin Type III consists of people with light brown skin, brown eyes, and brown hair. They sometimes burn outdoors but almost always tan. Those with Skin Type IV have light brown or olive skin, dark brown eyes and hair. Their skin sometimes burns outside and tans readily. Skin Type V belongs to those with brown skin, dark brown hair, and dark brown eyes. They rarely burn outside and tan easily. The Final type is Skin Type VI. These people have black skin, black-brown eyes and hair. They rarely ever burn outside. The difference between skin types is the amount of melanin produced by the melanocytes. It is important for everyone to be aware of their skin type so they know how long they can stay in the sun. The problem is that although a lot of people are aware of their skin types they do not follow the parameters for the amount of time they should spend in the sun. Kristin Morocco who has Skin Type II said that she spends the same amount of time in the sun as her friends even if they have darker skin than her. This is a mistake that most teenagers make. No one wants to be the “party-pooper” who covers themselves up while their friends are basking in the sun just because they were born with a lighter skin tone and produce less melanin than their friends. Even if two people with different skin types insist on tanning with one another it is important that they wear the appropriate amount of suntan lotion for their skin type. Andromeda Scott stated, “I hardly ever wear suntan lotion unless my mom forces me to put it on. I don’t really need it because my skin never burns.” Andromeda most likely has Skin Type IV and makes the same mistake that many people with Skin Types IV V and VI make. Just because their skin does not burn does not been that the sun poses no risks to their skin. It is still possible for people with type VI skin to develop skin diseases and cancers. Regardless of ethnicity or skin color, skin that is repeatedly exposed to the sun tends to become tough, thick, and even leathery. So no matter what skin type it is important to moisturize to avoid the dreaded lizard skin that some forty year old who did not protect their skin in their youth are now experiencing. Suntan lotions don’t only protect the body against harmful UV rays they also provide necessary nutrients that the sun can take away. These lotions help reduce wrinkling, save the skin from dying and protect it from aging prematurely. Knowing your skin type is also very important when it comes to indoor tanning, especially tanning beds. If you have Skin Type One you do not want to engage in indoor tanning for very long or you will end up looking like a carrot. Not to mention that if you experience too much ultraviolet ray exposure in a tanning bed and have light skin you are very prone to developing a disease or cancer such as melanoma, whereas a person with Skin Type VI has a natural base for protection. Spray Tanning is usually recommended for people with lighter skin because it is a great way to get some color but not too much, whereas in a tanning bed it is nearly impossible to regulate the amount of Tanning light that they are exposed to. No matter who you are or what skin type you have it is important to know your skin type in order to protect yourself and to achieve the healthiest tan that you possibly can.