WOODBURY- As the weather gets warmer and the sun gets brighter, students are spending ample time outside to get that perfect tan–that nice glowy bronze color everyone desires. Whether it’s lying out by the pool or in the grass on a beach towel, students are catching those rays. 

There are a multitude of reasons why students want to catch the sun at its highest UV, but more often than not, it’s to gain that confidence the sunkiss gives you. 

“I like to tan because it’s relaxing and it feels nice to be out in the sun,” says Nonnewaug freshman Kenzie Blood. “Also the feeling of being tan makes me happy; it means I’m not as pale as a ghost anymore.” 

Although the main reason is for the desire to be bronze, there are also health benefits when done correctly. 

“I started [tanning] when I started getting acne and somebody recommended that I go try the red light therapy tanning beds, because it’s supposed to help with acne and inflammation,” says junior Morgan Willis. “I also see a dermatologist to make sure I’m using the sun safely.”

The use of the sun for health benefits is a common occurrence, especially in teens. Sunlight, or ultraviolet rays, may have a drying effect on the production process that develops acne; students see this idea and put it to use when the sun shines bright. 

Sunshine is globally accepted as the most pure form of vitamin D, an essential nutrient that regulates how your body absorbs and uses calcium. 

According to the National Library of Medicine, “The best-known benefit of sunlight is its ability to boost the body’s vitamin D supply; most cases of vitamin D deficiency are due to lack of outdoor sun exposure. At least 1,000 different genes governing virtually every tissue in the body are now thought to be regulated by the vitamin, including several involved in calcium metabolism and neuromuscular and immune system functioning.”

The nutrient plays an instrumental role in immune function, bone development, and mood regulation. 

“It just feels nice to have that sunshine feeling, and just listen to music and decompress,” says Willis. “A study [said] that tanning can improve your mood.”

“It feels nice to be out in the sun,” Blood agrees. “It makes me happy.”

Although there are many benefits to being in the sun, there are also many risks when someone isn’t aware of the consequences. 

Johns Hopkins Medicine says, “Everybody needs some sun exposure to produce vitamin D (which helps calcium absorption for stronger and healthier bones). But unprotected exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause damage to the skin, eyes, and immune system.”

These risks are wildly ignored by many, leaving people with higher chances to get damaged. 

The National Library of Medicine says, “Today, the three main forms of skin cancer—melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma—are largely attributed to excessive UVR exposure.”

Since most students aren’t aware of these repercussions, they may not even do something to prevent it. 

“I don’t know much about prolonged skin exposure to be honest,” says Mckenzie Feliciano. “I also don’t use sunblock often, mostly just tanning oil…. I feel like you’re about to tell me that’s dumb.”

Feliciano is right. Not using SPF (Sun Protection Factor – found in sunscreens and sunblocks) can raise chances of sun damage and sunburn. 

“I do burn. One time it was so bad my skin started peeling,” says Blood. 

When the skin begins to peel, that’s a sign that your skin barrier is practically destroyed. The body begins to shed off its damaged layer, hoping a new one will take its place before an infection can occur. 

As students begin to lie out this warm weathered season, it is important to remember that even though being tan isn’t permanent, skin damage lasts much longer. It is key to understand both the appeal of tanning but also be informed on the risks of such sun exposure while enjoying the sunny days.